From the Primary School
Natanya Milner – Head of Primary
From Tany Milner
Ron Ritchhardt’s book entitled ‘Intellectual Character’ always challenges me to consider how we organise opportunities for learning. I have read it a few times and everytime that I do, I find that I am left with something powerful to think about. Ritchhardt defines intellectual character as “dispositions associated with good and productive thinking”(p.18). As parents, we can build ‘good and productive thinking’ in our children through modelling as well as through the questions that we ask. Ritchhardt analyses many of the different thinking programs in schools and looks for common threads across them. I like this simple model to explain the main types of thinking worth fostering:
- Creative thinking: looking out, up, around and about – with the aim of building open-mindedness and curiosity
- Reflective thinking: looking in – with the aim of building metacognition
- Critical thinking: looking at, through and in between – with the aim of seeking truth and understanding as well as strategic thinking.
When chatting to our children, I think it is worth keeping in mind the opportunities we have to ask questions that relate to each of these areas. We probably naturally lean towards certain types of thinking ourselves and therefore would focus upon these. The three areas outlined encourage a broad but manageable approach to questioning at school and at home.
Tracey Walker
Tracey Walker has resigned and will be leaving Emanuel at the end of Term 1. Tracey has been teaching at Emanuel since 2015. During this time, she has had a strong commitment to student learning as well as to initiatives such as ICT club and yoga club. Tracey will be beginning an internship in volunteer teaching. We will say farewell to Tracey at the end of Term 1 and wish her much success in her future endeavours. In the meantime, we will begin the recruitment process to find a suitable replacement to ensure a smooth transition for the Year 4 children.
Anti-Bullying Day video
The Year 6 Madrichim are preparing a student presentation for Anti Bullying Day. We would like the Years 3-6 students to enter a competition to create a short video related to Anti-Bullying Day. The video could be about one of the following topics:
- Being an upstander, not a bystander
- Treating everyone equally
- Bucket Filling (Emotional Bank Account)
- Using the 7 Habits to stop bullying
- The Five Finger Method: Ignore, Talk Nice, Talk Firm, Walk Away, Tell an Adult.
The video can be a maximum of three minutes. The video must be emailed to Mrs Clemens (eclemens@emanuelschool.nsw.edu.au) by Friday 10 March (Week 6). The Madrichim will choose three winning videos to show at the Anti-Bullying Day presentation. First prize will receive a canteen voucher and their class will have a plain clothes day. Students can enter as individuals or as a group. If your child has any questions they can speak to the Primary Madrichim.
New Parent Welcome Evening
I hope to see many new parents to Emanuel School at next week’s Welcome Evening. Please join us on Monday 6 March at 7 pm.
Purim
This week you should have received an email about our upcoming Purim celebrations on Friday 10 March. We look forward to seeing all the children dressed up in their grade themes:
Year K – Story characters
Year 1 – Heroes
Year 2 – Movie characters
Year 3 – When I grow up I would like to be … Year 4 – Stars
Year 5 – Past, Present, Future
Year 6 – Opposites – Come as you aren’t
K-2 Parents and friends are welcome to come to our costume parade in the Adler courtyard at 8.20 am.
Upcoming dates for your diary
- 6 March: New Parent Welcome Evening, 7:00-8:30 pm
- 7 March: Year 3 Excursion Taronga Zoo, 9:00-3:00 pm
- 8 March: Years K-12 BBQ Day (details below)
- 9 March: Ta’anit Esther, canteen closed
- 9 March: Year 3 Swimming, Allsorts Fitness Centre 1:15-2:45 pm
- 10 March: Years K-6 Purim celebrations
- 13 March: ASISSA Swimming Carnival, Warringah Aquatic Centre
- 15-16 March: Year 5 Bathurst Camp, Y6 Canberra Camp
- Year 5 students arrive 7:00 am Waxman Gate, return 2:30 pm Waxman Gate
- Year 6 students arrive 7:00 am Avoca Drive, return 3:00 pm Waxman Gate
- 16 March: ASISSA Netball Gala Day, Heffron
- 16 March: Year 3 Swimming, Allsorts Fitness Centre 1:15-2:45 pm
- 22 March: Primary Open Day for prospective parents
- 23 March: Year 6 Jilkminggan Information Evening, Millie Phillips Theatre 6:00-7:30 pm
- 23 March: CIS Swimming Carnival
- 23 March: Year 3 Swimming, Allsorts Fitness Centre 1:15-2:45 pm
- 24 March: Year K Pathways Ceremony, MPH 8:20-9:30 am
- 24 March: Primary Anti-Bullying Day
BBQ Day
When: Wednesday 8 March (please note a change of date from 20 March)
Raising Money For: Giant Steps
Cost: $3.50 for sausage sizzle
Booking: On the day, students need to bring a sealed envelope with the correct money inside (no change will be given). On the front, please write the child’s name and the order. The options are listed below:
- Sausage sizzle $3.50
- Gluten free sausage sizzle $3.50
- Vegetarian sausage sizzle $3.50