I hope you had a great school holiday break and a Happy Easter. With ANZAC Day falling so close to the school holidays this year, it felt like we had a three week break. We had some lovely, warm weather too, so hopefully the children had a chance to get outside and enjoy the sunshine over the break.
As always, there’s a lot to look forward to this term. Here are some of the events happening in the next few weeks:
Education Week
Education Week will be happening between Monday 19th and Friday 23rd May. This year’s theme is “Celebration of Cultures” which highlights the diversity of our communities and importance of every child feeling safe and welcome at school. The main event for Education Week is our Open Morning which is happening from 9am to 10:40am on Wednesday 21st May, followed by an Open Night later that day from 5-6.30pm. Parents and family members are welcome to join us for the morning activities and come back in the evening to see what the rest of the school is up to.
We will be having a special Cultural Celebration Day on Tuesday 20th May. On this day, children can bring something to school that represents their culture. It could be a meaningful book, a traditional dress or object, photos of their family, a special family recipe, and so much more. Please see the Compass post that was sent out on Monday for more information about Education Week.
Year 6 Camp
Students and teachers in Year 6 head off to camp on Monday 12th May and returning on Wednesday 14th May. As in previous years, the kids will be going to Campaspe Downs near Kyneton where they will do activities such as low ropes, giant swing, flying fox, canoeing and archery. I’m sure they have an absolute ball.
Prep and Year 3 & 4 Swimming
Swimming lessons are starting on Monday 12th May for students in Prep, Year 3 and Year 4. Lessons will take place down at Knox Leisureworks in Boronia, and parents are most welcome to watch lessons.
Please be aware that the bus parking area on Phipps Avenue is going to be very crowded on Monday 12th May due to swimming and Grade 6 Camp happening on the same morning.
Other activities
The children will also be participation in a range of other activities to enhance their learning this term. Here’s a list of other events and activities planned:
- Year 4s are going to the Dandenong Ranges National Park to explore biodiversity in Victoria as part of our geography unit.
- Year 2s are taking a walk to Old Joe’s Creek to investigate ideas around how Aboriginal and Indigenous Peoples share their history and stories through unique artworks and Dreamtime Stories.
- Year 6s are having a visit from Metro Trains to educate them about how they can use public transport, especially the train system, to get around safely.
- Sporting events such as the District Cross Country, Hoop Time, Interschool Sports and AFL Girls Competition are all happening in the next four weeks.
- School Production rehearsals are well underway.
There’s lots to look forward to, including all the amazing learning that’s constantly happening in our classrooms every day.
Maths Fluency
This year we have invested heavily into students having learning resources available to them to improve their mathematical fluency skills. Our two learning specialists, Mrs O’Neill and Ms Hindmarsh, have been busily organising tubs that contain tasks designed to improve the computational fluency of students. Mathematical fluency is the ability to perform calculations quickly, accurately and efficiently. When fluency improves, so to does their ability to understand, problem solve and recall basic facts.
We are using the Top Ten Mathematics resources to help our teachers design maths fluency tasks. The tasks contain curriculum linked, developmentally appropriate activities that allow children to use cards, dice and counters to assist them to solve these tasks. It’s all about improving their recount of basic maths concepts, so that they can dedicate their “brain power” to solving problems.
The feedback from students so far is they love seeing the growth and improvements they are making in maths. I’d encourage you to speak to your child’s teacher on Open Day/Night to find out more.
Have a great week.
Mat Anderton
Principal