Katie Brody – Director of Studies K – 6

What an eventful and exciting week! 

We have enjoyed wonderful learning experiences and opportunities to be tenacious, think creatively and achieve excellence. This week, we wrote A Book In A Day, we took part in the UNSW Global ICAS competitions and we enjoyed the incredible Innovation Festival.

Year 6 – Write A Book In A Day

On Tuesday 24 August 2020, Year 6 began a magical day of writing. Starting first thing in the morning with the introduction to the program and the purpose, the students sat in anticipation of the challenge ahead. They soaked in the steps in the process, the success criteria and the strategies. Soon planning began and with a creative buzz in the air, ideas began to flow. It was not long before the students were underway, developing the central character, their initial circumstances, their vulnerabilities and their plight. They also planned how to include the five required and random words into their stories. The day was big and busy but it was also extremely exciting. The classrooms were buzzing with activity. Writing, conferencing and proofreading took place throughout and beginning with the end in mind, the students developed the narrative and achieved that which they feared was not possible…a book was indeed created in one day. 

It was an outstanding creative challenge for students and teachers alike. All of this effort was for a great cause; the money raised goes to The Kids’ Cancer Project and the published books will be sent to hospitals around the country to be read and enjoyed by children with cancer. We could not be more proud of all involved and a special thanks goes to Kim Haddix for initiating and coordinating the process. Huge accolades and thanks go to Eamon Lukins, Renee Segal and Sascha Heywood as well, for their commitment and support.

The 2020 Virtual Innovation Festival

On Friday 28 August 2020 our Years K – 6 students engaged in our very first Virtual Innovation Festival. At the beginning of the day, students watched a magnificent video prepared by our incredibly creative Year 6 IT and Innovation Leaders. The presentation showcased the innovation that has pervaded our Primary School this year so far. Later in the morning, students were provided with fabulous insight into what they could expect from a career in Innovation through videos prepared by the amazing STEM professionals from UNSW; in association with FLEET. Later in the day, each Year Group had a live virtual workshop with the STEM professionals and got to take part in some intriguing experiments. What an exciting and innovative day it was. A huge thank you to Drishti Nanwani for many weeks of preparation, agility and resilience given the range of changes that were needed to ensure we all remain COVID safe. Watch the video showcase.

UNSW Global ICAS competitions – in progress

The ICAS Science (53 students), English (69 students) and Digital Technology (39 students) competitions took place last week and this week, with students due to participate in the Mathematics test next week (69 students). Students have been commended for choosing to participate in these challenging competitions. They have come prepared, maintained decorum and really pushed their minds to do the best they can. Implementing these tests is very much a team effort. During the tests, it is not only those teachers who supervise the online environment and support the students, but also those teachers in Years 3 – 6 who teach those students who did not opt in. Thank you to Colleen Elkins, Lara Kepitis, Emma Hill, Drishti Nanwani and to many others who have enabled the process, the set up and the implementation.

Parent Teacher Night – Via Zoom this semester

Early last week, parents received an invitation via email to enter the platform and select the teachers they wish to meet with on Parent Teacher Night (9 September 2020 or 14 September 2020). The final chance to indicate preferences will be Monday 31 August 2020, so please locate the email and log your preferences before then. On 2 September 2020, all parents will receive their schedule with assigned appointment times and zoom codes. Please keep this email handy, as the timings and Zoom links will be needed during those evenings.

eSafety’s Parent Guide to popular apps

You’re invited to participate in The eSafety Commissioner’s live parent and carer webinars in support of National Child Protection Week.

The live webinars are free and focus on popular apps used by young people. They will cover case studies, research and targeted advice so you can support the young people in your life to have safe, enjoyable online experiences.

Webinar dates and times are as follows:

• Tuesday 8 September 2020: 12.30 pm
• Wednesday 9 September 2020: 7.30 pm
• Thursday 10 September 2020: 12.30 pm

If you are interested please register using this link.