Head of Primary P-4 Del Monte
Co-curricular
This year, we expanded the co-curricular offerings for the students to be involved in before, during and after school activities. We are so excited to hear how much the children are enjoying the after-school activities run by our external providers. Below I would like to highlight some of the activities that we have on Campus organised by our fabulous staff members.
Term 1
Art Club – Year 4 – Mrs Nebauer
The Art Club co-curricular during Term 1 was guided by Mrs. Nebauer. The Art Club focused on promoting student expression and experimenting with new techniques and mediums. Students created artworks using watercolour paint, ink and gelli plates. Our young artists were provided with opportunities to manipulate and experiment with these to create original and individual artworks. Below are some of the children’s works.
Term 2
Basketball – Year 4 – Ms Perivolarellis
In Term 2, the Year 4 students were provided with the opportunity to engage in a basketball competition. This basketball competition began in Week 2 and ran until Week 8. All four teams collaborated together each week, discussing game tactics and positions on the court and, most importantly, demonstrating how to be respectful and have fun. Throughout this co-curricular activity, these basketballers also learnt a lot about teamwork and fair play, congratulating the other team after every game and cheering their peers on each week.
Fine Motor Club – Kindergarten and Year 1 – Ms Evans, Ms Napper and Ms Saba
During Term 2 and 3 a group of students in Kindergarten and Year 1 met each week to participate in a Fine Motor Club.
Did you know that hand and finger strength is very important to perform everyday tasks such as opening a packet of chips, cutting, writing and manipulating materials?
The best way to improve overall strength is through meaningful and motivating activities…especially everyday play! The students who participated in this club all had lots of fun while strengthening their hands and fingers.
Term 3
Crystal Growing Club – Year 3 – Ms Ruster
Students had fun with Science and developed an interest in Chemistry whilst trying to grow crystals. We used alum and distilled water to try and create our crystals. Making crystals was a tricky process, involved many steps and took a while. Throughout this process, students developed their working scientific skills, learned the importance of patience and came to understand that mistakes or failure leads to learning. Whilst we were not successful in growing a large single crystal, students were successful in growing many ‘seed’ crystals that looked like diamonds!
Robotics & Coding Club – Kindergarten to Year 2 – Mrs Ivancsik
During Term 3 Robotics & Coding Club was offered to our students in Kindergarten to Year 2. Students became familiar with Lego Robotics as they explored how they could bring their creativity to life! There were many creations built such as robots, sharks, insects and many more. Students enjoyed bringing their creations to life by connecting their Lego to the iPads and using block coding to code their Lego to move, make noises and carry out tasks.
Mathematics Challenge
The Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians is a problem-solving challenge organised by the Australian Maths Trust (AMT), which is aimed at stimulating mathematically interested and capable students. Students worked through a set of challenging problems that required time and persistence. The open-ended nature of the tasks developed their ability to become effective communicators in mathematics. Students embraced a variety of problem-solving strategies and learned how to represent their thinking clearly.
Term 4
Parent Reading Program
This term, we will be continuing our Parent Helper Reading Program in Kindergarten to Year 2.
New parents to the program are required to attend a brief information session prior to volunteering. The program will again involve volunteering to assist with individual students or small groups for 30 minutes per week from 9:00-9:30am Monday-Thursday. Please note that parent helpers for this particular program are not guaranteed to be allocated to their child/ren’s class. Please also be advised that, unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate toddlers whilst you are volunteering for the program.
To ensure the smooth running of the Reading Program, all parents who are new to volunteering in this program will need to attend an information session. The Parent Information session will be in the Hall.
If you would like to express an interest in being involved in the program and are able to attend the Information Session on Monday 31 October 2022 at 9:30 am, please complete the Expression of Interest google form.
Those amazing parents who volunteered already this year and would like to volunteer again this term, please also complete the Expression of Interest form. Please note that you will not be required to attend the information session.
Thank you in advance for your support by volunteering for this initiative.
Primary Campus Works
Over the holidays, the Property team has worked hard to complete two upgrades on the Campus. The first is handball courts for the students in the Piazza! I know the children are going to love these! Here is a sneak peek
The second upgrade is the parent/visitor bathroom near the Hall. I know that parents that were on site Monday evening for our Year 3 Camp meeting were very impressed with the upgrade.
eSafety
In today’s ever-changing world, make sure you are up to date with your child’s online safety and well-being. Click on the link below, scroll to the bottom of the page and sign up for the eSafety Commissioners newsletter. There are so many excellent resources and webinars to help you navigate your children’s online world.
Upcoming events
Joanne Giannini
Head of Primary P-4