Thursday, 30 May 2019

Week 5 - Inquiry and Respect

This week is Reconciliation Week, and year 6 have had the opportunity to lead a 'Yarning Circle' in their Multi Age Support Groups.  Over the last few weeks, we have been learning about a traditional Aboriginal way of learning called the Yarning Circle.  (see previous posts)

On Wednesday Year 6 and Year 5 led their groups of students, aged from Cottage to Year 6, through the process of yarning.  They started with a Welcome to Country that recognised the importance of the land and the Eora People as its Traditional Owners.  Through story telling they explored the idea of what reconciliation is, and why it is important.  They shared stories and passed around the talking rock as students spoke and listened to each other.  The stories shared were about friendships gone wrong, but restored.  Then about a time they may have felt disrespected.  Students then shared an 'Imagine if..' story, suggesting ways we could ensure that we respect and recognise Aboriginal Culture right here in our school.

All the Year 6 students led incredibly well, supported by their Year 5 colleagues.  Several teachers commented to me about how impressed they were with how it was run by the students. Congratulations Year 6 on an impressive and well led special reconciliation lunch.

We also investigated the link between forces and energy in Science this week by completing some experiments in the Hall with balls, a pear on a rope and a drum.  Ask your child about what they learnt from the experiences...

The photos below are of both these events. I hope you enjoy this window into our week.





Bunnings BBQ for Mission Australia!

Early last Saturday, many Year 6 students participated in and ran the Bunnings BBQ to raise money for Mission Australia.  I was so proud of the students pitching in to help with setting up, spruiking and selling the sausage sandwiches and home-made delights.  The day could not have happened without the planning, dedication and hard work of many of our Year 6 parents, in particular thanks must be given to Simone Novak, Yvette Dee and Katie Dutton.  We appreciate all the behind the scenes effort that was put in to raise such a great amount for Mission Australia.  Well done to all of Year 6 - we raised a total of $1,575.48 to assist Mission Australia in their invaluable work with Aussies in need.



Upcoming Event...

Thursday, 16 May 2019

Week 3 - the start of new things...

This week we have started two new and different programs of learning.  The first is our debating program.  Mrs Ruiz took our first session today combined with Year 5.  Students had a go at arguing a positive and negative stance on particular topics in Year 5/6 pairs.  They have now been allocated into teams for the duration of the program, which comes to completion in early Term 3.  The students were very engaged in the session and we are looking forward to an inspiring school debating tournament.




We also spent time this week learning about a traditional Aboriginal method of learning and sharing called a "Yarning Circle".  This is where people come together, acknowledge the land and our connection to it, then share their stories and ideas, listening with respect and sharing in return.  Years 5 and 6 will be leading a yarning circle in our Multi Age groups in Week 5, which is Reconciliation Week.  Today we learnt from the youngest members of our community, the Cottage students, as they use yarning circles regularly in their learning with Mrs Meares.  It was a delight to hear from the Cottage students and see how we can share across our community in this context.  We learnt a lot about how to engage with this type of learning from them.  Thanks Cottage!


Stage 3 Art Club


Look at the amazing artworks created by our Stage 3 Art Club members.
Students are still welcome to join them on a Thursday afternoon, 2:50-4:00pm. This will run throughout Term 2.
Just email the Office to register.

Tuesday, 14 May 2019

Scholastic Book Club orders closing soon!





Dear Parents,


Your child should have brought home a new Scholastic Book Club order booklet. Each booklet contains the entire range of books available which enables you to purchase for all ages, siblings, relatives or gifts for friends.

You order online using LOOP – and DON’T need to return any paperwork to school!

Order online using LOOP http://www.scholastic.com.au/schools/bookclub/bc_parents.asp 
Easy and paperless!

When asked for the school name enter “St Luke’s Grammar School” and it will come up with the Bayview option.

Purchases will come home with your child when they are delivered to the school.

Last date for this month’s orders is Sunday 19 May.

Kind regards, 
Susie Duffy

Friday, 10 May 2019

Walk Safely to School Day


Next Friday is 'Walk Safely To School Day!' We'd love you and your children to join us for this occasion. We will be meeting at the bridge near the Flying Fox Cafe in the Winnererremy Bay Parklands at 7:50am, ready for an 8:00am departure. 

Students must have a parent accompany them on the walk.

Walk Safely To School Day has a number of objectives, some of which include:
  • To promote the health benefits of walking and create regular walking habits
  • To help children develop vital road crossing skills and ensure children up to the age of 10 years hold an adult's hand when crossing the road
  • To reduce car dependency and traffic congestion
  • To reduce the level of air pollution created by motor vehicles We'd love as many families to join us as possible.


No need to register, just meet us on the day.



Tuesday, 7 May 2019

TERM 2 - Already?!

Where is this year going?  I don't know about you but I cannot believe that we are into Term 2 already.

We were so busy at the end of last term that there were several exciting learning opportunities that I did not get a chance to post onto this blog.  Here are some brief descriptions of what we did and photos of the fun we had learning...

HISTORY VISITORS
We invited members of our parent body into class to share their stories of migration to Australia.  We had four wonderful parents/carers volunteer and share so generously with the students.  They were Mr Sammut, Mr Bonne, Mr Shpirich and Mr Denver.  We are extremely grateful for their willingness to spend time explaining their experiences to the students.  Thank you again.




MAKING OOBLEK and SHARING OUR VIDEOS
In Science we wrapped up our unit on 'Changing States' by sharing our summative videos with Year 1 as an introduction, as they are studying matter later in the year.  Then just for fun we made Ooblek, a non-Newtonian fluid that acts like both a solid and a liquid.  It was lots of fun to 'play' with while we discussed its properties.




Then we started this Term off with the Cross Country Carnival (sorry, no photos.  I was on a busy position on a driveway and had to pay attention).  Wonderful Lunchtime recitals with performances from Sophia and Olivia, and encouraging MC-ing from Ashlee and Sophia too.  On Friday last week we also had a visit from Quizworx with a belated Easter message.  It was an entertaining presentation on how Jesus' sacrifice at Easter means we can have peace with God our heavenly Father - I even managed to catch some of the Year 6's crack a smile.




That same Friday we held our ANZAC Assembly and our Captains presented the story of our ANZAC heritage incredible well.  Congratulations Azi, Hugo, Jaden, Liv and Tia.



Amongst all this activity we have been starting off our Term 2 units of learning.  In English we have started reading our Novel.  It is 'Wonder' by R. J. Palacio, an engaging and challenging story about a boy with an unusual face.  The students have really engaged with the text well.  In Science, we began looking at Physics and what it actually is.  We discussed how it is related to Forces and Energy, which is the focus of our studies this term.  As our question generating investigation we designed an experiment testing wind resistance in parachutes.  Below are some photos and video of our design, make and test process.






It has been a great start to the Term.  We also have several exciting fund raising events coming up, so keep an ear out for information from Parent Reps about that soon.  Also, two of our lucky Year 6 students head off to Dubbo this week with Dee Why Junior school and senior school students to deliver our drought relief funds to those who really need it.  All the best to Tadhg and Ciara for a safe and informative journey with Mrs Bennett.