From the Primary School
Helen Maynard – Director of Studies K-6
Homework
As many of you are aware, class teachers have been experimenting with a variety of different homework strategies. I know that my Maths group has been excited by some of the options that I have provided them with to use mathematical thinking in the home. I have been told that it has even been discussed at the Shabbat table! The one thing that many teachers have been observing and commenting on in their informal discussions relates to how many children don’t appear to read as much as they used to. We know that the skill and love of reading directly correlates to success at school. We live very busy lives but as a school we feel very strongly that reading with and to children is so beneficial to their development. As a parent modelling a love of reading is also very powerful.
We will run 3 Parent Focus Groups in Term 3: Tuesday 31 July: 7.00 -8.00 pm, Wednesday 1 August: 2.30 – 3.30 pm and Thursday 2 August from 7.30 – 8.30 am.
Please watch your inbox for a link to select 1 of these sessions.
Reflections on a walk through the classrooms
I am so privileged in my role as Director of Studies in the Primary School as it enables me to constantly observe the teachers practising their craft. Over the last week I have observed some amazing ways that teachers are working to engage their students in real world contexts.
Year 4 students were utilising the Design Process to test floating aluminum foil devices to see how many counters they could handle. They were working collaboratively to alter and test their ideas. It was fantastic to see the level of co-operation and discussion that this learning opportunity fostered. It was evident that the teachers had spent considerable time and effort ensuring that learning dispositions were also at the forefront of this lesson.
Year 1 had an invertebrate expert (Ms Buzo’s son) who taught the students about habitats where these creatures thrive. The students then created terrariums for their slaters and centipedes. How powerful for students to learn from other young people that have a passion area.
Some of the Year 6 novel groups worked together to undertake a Refugee Simulation as part of their overarching theme of survival. This saw them having to select essential items to take in a limited timeframe. These items where then lost out of the back of the truck, left on the track as they were too heavy and used to barter as payment for the boat to a safer country. The ability of the Year 6 students to empathise was heart-warming.
The creativity and dedication of our teachers often leaves me speechless.
Year 1 lesson with Mrs Buzo’s son
Year 1
Signing students out
Parents, please remember to sign out with your child at the Main Reception when taking them throughout the day. We need to ensure that we know where all our students are so thank you for your support with this. Please note that this differs between High School and Primary School procedures and it is our procedure that all Primary children are signed out by an adult at Reception.
BBQ day
At our next BBQ day we will be raising funds to assist Ms Maynard to build a toilet block at the School in a Cambodian village that she visited earlier in the year (Charm Bok Future School). The School has 1 toilet for 400 students! When Ms Maynard asked the teachers and Salas (the lady that runs the School) what their top 3 wishes were, this was top of the list. Cows for Cambodia will assist the country to ensure that their vision is realised. Ms Maynard estimates that she will need to raise US $1600. She has already started raising funds with her friends and family.
Cambodia toilet
Details:
Date: Monday 4 June
Cost: $3.50 for sausage sizzle
Canteen: The canteen will be closed, children are asked not to bring dairy to school
Booking: On the day, students need to bring a sealed envelope with the exact money inside. On the front, please write your child’s name and his/ her order. The options are listed below:
- Sausage sizzle: $3.50
- Gluten free sausage sizzle: $3.50
- Vegetarian sausage sizzle: $3.50
Thank you from Year 6 Charity Committee
Uniform reminder – Boys’ socks
Just a reminder that the uniform shop no longer sells the long grey woollen socks. Whether wearing pants or shorts, the boys wear the short grey socks.