Helen Maynard – Director of Studies K-6

Holiday Learning Fun

As the holidays are fast approaching, I thought it pertinent to offer some ideas and suggestions of how learning can continue in the holidays. There are many stimulating activities and opportunities that support thinking and learning.  The benefits include modeling what it is to be a lifelong learner, curiosity and the wonder when discovering something new. These send powerful messages to your children. Not only that, it can be a great deal of fun.

Here are a few suggestions: 

• Check with your local library or council for children’s activities scheduled during the school holidays.
• Consider allowing your child to choose what they want to do for one day during the school holidays and then make that day a special one just for them.
• Spend the day cooking with your child to help with their reading, mathematics and science skills.
• Organise a craft day with your child. Pinterest has a multitude of ideas.
• Read together at the beach, in the sun, park or even in bed.
• Grandparents are wonderful resources. Your child could stay with them for some of the school holidays and they could help extend your child’s vocabulary skills by telling family stories.
• Help your child make a cubby house outside or inside with cushions and spare blankets under a table or a bed. Write a poem or story about the adventure.
• Make a rap or song of the tricky timetables together.
• Go exploring in the rock pools and talk about your discoveries.
• Plant an edible garden.
• Do some DIY experiments at home. Predict what might happen and discuss the findings.
• Be a tourist in your own city. Sydney Ferries are a great way to do this.

Here are some additional links that may be of interest: 

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com

DIY Experiments: www.kidspot.com.au/things-to-do/collection/science-experiments

Free things to do in Sydney for kids: www.sydney.com/things-to-do/family-holidays/free-things-to-do-in-sydney

HAVE FUN and enjoy the Summer!

SEESAW – NB – Year 6 and students leaving the school .  

If your child is leaving Primary School or Emanuel School, their Seesaw account will become inactive on 13 December (5pm). If you would like to download your child’s work portfolio from Seesaw, which will allow you to keep a record of their work, please follow these steps:

• Log in to Seesaw https://app.seesaw.me
• Click on your profile (your initials) in the top left corner
• Click the gear icon
• Click ‘Account Settings’
• Scroll down to ‘Journal Archives’
• Click ‘Download Journal Archives’
• Click ‘Download Journal’

On a Personal Note

As I am sure most of you have heard I am moving on from Emanuel School which has been my home for the last 7 years. It was not an easy decision as this is the most amazing community to work with. I have taught in 3 countries and over 125 schools and I can truly say there is no place like Emanuel! It values learning like no other place I have worked and has helped me grow and learn as an educator. The level of care and love is second to none. I would like to especially thank the Primary School staff – you have made my time here so special and I admire and value you all. You work so hard and give your utmost to ensure learning is vibrant and meaningful. Thank you to Tany Milner, Meghan Carroll, Gabriel Pallo, Emma Clemens and the Primary School leadership team. You have been the most amazing people to lead the Primary School with.

Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi engari he toa takimano – My strength is not that of an individual but that of the collective (Maori Proverb)

K-2 Presentation Day

The K-2 Presentation Day ceremony is on 12 December at 9am.  Students are asked to arrive at school by 8:20am as normal and go to their classrooms. Family and guests are welcome into the MPH from 8:45am.

Uniform requirements for the ceremony are:

• All students to wear full Summer uniform
• Hair is neat and, if long, tied back
• Clean black shoes
• Kippot for all boys

3-6 Presentation Night

The Years 3-6 Presentation Night is on 12 December at 6pm. This is a compulsory event and students are asked to arrive by 5:45pm and to meet their teacher in their classrooms. Family and guests are welcome into the MPH from 5:45pm.

Uniform requirements for the evening are:

• Years 3 and 4 students to wear full Summer uniform
• Years 5 and 6 students to wear formal Summer uniform with tie and blazer
• Hair is neat and, if long, tied back
• Clean black shoes
• Kippot for all boys

Primary Park Day and Emanuel’s Got Talent

The YK-6 students will enjoy some time together in Centennial Park on 13 December. Students are to arrive at school as normal and will be transported to and from the park by bus. Emanuel’s Got Talent will be held for the students in the afternoon.