Primary Newsletter
IN THIS ISSUE: •
News from the Classroom
•
Welcome back to Kindy & Year 1
•
Birthdays
Dear Parents and Caregivers, The first couple of weeks have brought with them a pleasing sense of normality to the Primary School, as the majority of students slip back into the daily routines of being back at school. It feels as if a collective sigh of relief has seeped through the school, as much of the old vibrancy and excitement has returned. Yet, despite our relief that we are able to return to school, and that the students are once again able to engage with each other and with their teachers face-to-face, we are only too aware that we can’t just move forward as if the lockdown and remote teaching never happened. We know that the students had varying experiences during this time, and we as teachers will do all we can to help them settle back into the ‘new normal’. A recent article by two Australian education experts provides some really good advice of how we might go about providing the necessary support. Of course, there will be those students who seamlessly pick up from where they left off all those months ago, but for many this may be a time of some anxiety. The teachers will certainly do all they can to make the transition as easy as possible, and they will be on the lookout for any students who appear to be struggling. They have valued the communication between themselves and parents throughout the year and I would encourage any parents who might be concerned about their child settling in to let the respective teachers know. The article makes the point that routines during lockdown may have changed quite substantially, in particular with the amount of screen time allowed. Making slow adjustments to the routines will probably be necessary and this could provide a valuable opportunity to help children to develop autonomy, as parents discuss the reasons for the changes, rather than just imposing them. It will allow the students to rationalise why routines at The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 23 Issue 28 Friday 22 October 2021
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home need to change, as the daily school routine returns to normal. The return to school will also probably demand a time of adjustment, for students and parents (including now having to produce creatively filled lunch boxes!). It may be that students find the return tiring, and relationships may have changed during the time away. They may find it difficult to verbalise their feelings and concerns, so making time to broach these concerns in a relaxed and reassuring way is really important. Acknowledging that it is entirely normal to feel a bit strange about returning to school will help the children to deal with any anxiety they may experience. Several of our students recently received their results from the ANZCA Music exams. Our congratulations go to Santiago Smart, who achieved his ANZCA Grade 1 Guitar Exam: First Class Honours and to Joshua Li, who also received his ANZCA Grade 1 Guitar Exam: Honours. Please also follow this link to view this week’s Online Assembly.
Have a great weekend! Dee Pitcairn Principal
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Reddam House Would like to wish a very happy birthday to Nathaniel Illoski, Ashiyana Nandan, Arie Rose Jimenez, Georgia Lim, Luke Cassab, Oliver McLellan, Isaac Ching, Natalia Pogrebinsky Who celebrated their special day this week and over the weekend
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Principal and Principal Honour Awards Reddam House Would like to congratulate the following students on their Principal and Principal Honour Awards.
Principal Awards recipients: Hebe Gong, Mitya Losev, Zac Boyd and Avi Ereira
Principal Honour Awards recipients: Archie MacCormick and Luca Ip
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WELCOME BACK KINDERGARTEN & YEAR 1
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Volume 23 Issue 28 Friday 22 October 2021
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ART GALLERY
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KINDERGARTEN We started our week off with a big BANG! Beautiful balloons and a Ferris wheel welcomed all our Kindergarten students back to school. It was fantastic to see the students return to school this week for face-to-face learning. They were excited to see their friends and teachers and ready to settle back into their classroom’s routines for learning. Each student has matured so much and the teachers enjoyed listening to the students’ experiences of how they felt about learning online. To all the parents and care givers who helped organise and inspire the children to keep engaged and learning, a HUGE thank you to you! In English this week, our main focus was on informative texts. An informational text allows students to collect and communicate facts about a particular topic. This text type links well with our science topic ‘Living Things’ and the students were able to successfully write facts about the characteristics of living things. Our grammar focus this week was on verbs – we had so much fun, doing, thinking and acting like some of the living things we are interested in learning about. Our mini mathematicians focused on subtraction and number patterns. The students surprised the Kindergarten teachers at how well they can use a number line or count backwards using more mental strategies. Our problem-solving skills of creating a word problem where students are required to draw and show their thinking and understanding are progressing too. We even began using our knowledge of number patterns to challenge ourselves and count backwards in repeated patterns. We began our unit on ‘Sun Safety’ and ‘Water Safety’ in Personal Health and Development. The students were very engaged, confidently sharing scenarios of keeping themselves protected from the harmful sun’s rays and staying safe in and around different bodies of water. These topics are so relevant to all of us, as the weather warms and we approach the summer months in Australia. Well done, Kindergarten. We loved having back at school.
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Volume 23 Issue 28 Friday 22 October 2021
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YEAR 1 In English this week we shared our favourite poems with one another. This allowed us the opportunity to discuss the structure, rhythm and use of rhyming words within them. We also enjoyed reading the book 'The Smartest Giant in Town' by Julia Donaldson, which highlighted the kind nature of the Giant who put others' needs before his own. In Mathematics we were investigating odd and even numbers, looking for patterns on a number grid and solving addition and subtraction problems, using our knowledge of number bonds to 10 and 20. In Science we learned about the many products you can obtain from a variety of animals. For example: bees produce honey, dairy cows produce milk and sheep produce wool and silkworms produce silk. The students have certainly become more aware of where their food is sourced from. In History and Geography, we delved into the past and discovered a lot of facts about Bush Tucker. The students were not keen on the prospect of eating a witchetty grub but some of them said they would be brave enough to try out a honey ant if given the opportunity. In PDH we discussed our 5 senses. We realised that our senses help us enjoy real-life experiences such as parties and playdates. Valentina likes hearing music and laughter, Octavia loves tasting delicious cake and lollies and James likes seeing people jumping and dancing!
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Volume 23 Issue 28 Friday 22 October 2021
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YEAR 1
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YEAR 2 Week 2 was exciting as we welcomed more friends back to school. Year 2 were busy in all subject areas, working well both online and in class. This week in English, we learned about relating verbs in grammar and how to identify in which tense a sentence is written. Our focus genres this term are persuasive writing and poetry. We learned that a persuasive text is a text which argues a point of view, to convince the reader to agree with the author. In our poetry lesson we looked at some poetic tools including rhyme, rhythm, alliteration and repetition. We read ‘The Cat in the Hat’ and looked for examples of these tools. We found so many examples! Our handwriting focus was the letter ‘Bb’ with students using best handwriting tips to develop their formation and fluency. In Mathematics, we worked on arrays of five to help us with multiplication. Using arrays helps us understand that multiplication can be repeated addition. The students worked on counting and ordering small collections of Australian coins and notes according to their value and calculating with money. It is a good tool for future savings! We studied parallel lines and described the difference between intersecting and perpendicular lines along with the position of objects in relation to each other. In measurement, we recognised and used the formal measurement of centimetre to calculate the length of various objects and discussed why we need formal units to measure objects. Our Science unit on living and non-living things saw how living things grow and change. The students identified what living things need to grow and how they change. We enjoyed watching a video about Peter Pan, discussed why he is known as the boy who did not wish to grow up and how we have all changed since we were born. Our students conducted a survey to see if we are right or left dominant in various parts of our bodies such as eyes, feet, hands, and ears. In History, we continued to explore the significant landmarks of Australia. Students categorised them according to their characteristics, into natural or man-made. These were then located on a map of Australia. Connection to place is another important facet of our unit of work, and the class discussed the indigenous cultural importance of this through the story of Tyrell and his connection to the Mullewa town in the Yamaji county and their language, the Wadjarri.
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Volume 23 Issue 28 Friday 22 October 2021
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YEAR 3 There are no flies on Year 3 or in this case we should say no bees. In Year 3 we have started learning about the importance of bees. Firstly, we recapped the 7 characteristics of living thing and why bees are categorised as a living thing by biologists. Next, we watched clips about flowers and bees and the special relationship bees have with flowers. This relationship is called a mutually beneficial relationship. The fun didn’t stop there, as we went on to compile an investigation or experiment. This investigation was to show how flowers depend on bees to pollinate them. We discovered how bees love the colour blue, purple, yellow and white flowers the most. During this investigation or experiment we revised important Science investigation words: purpose or aim, hypothesis or prediction, material or equipment, procedure or method, results and conclusions. We learnt that it is important to practise our observation skills, as this skill in vital to science and finding good solutions or conclusions to our investigations. We also found that observations often lead to more questions. Science sure is a never-ending wheel of asking, learning and asking some more questions so that we can learn even more about this wonderful world we live in.
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Volume 23 Issue 28 Friday 22 October 2021
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YEAR 4 The Year 4 students have launched themselves into Term 4 and show no signs of slowing down! Whilst still in the throes of navigating online learning, students have begun preparing for all that is on the horizon of their penultimate term of Year 4 learning. In English, the students have been studying the different language devices used when writing a persuasive text. A helpful acronym which students have employed is AFOREST. This has been used to remind students of the different language devices they can incorporate in their writing to compose a successful ‘Sizzling Start’. The ‘Sizzling Start’ is a technique that the Year 4 students have used previously, when constructing a narrative using the seven steps. It can also be used for the opening paragraph when writing a persuasive piece, as the author is able to hook the reader’s attention by presenting their opinion in a creative, intriguing and compelling way. Sienna Lim of 4E wrote an impressive, incontestable persuasive piece to convince her family that they should purchase a dog. Her points were well considered, and I believe her piece of writing was successful, persuading her parents to allow Sienna and her sister to get a dog next year. Wow! What a result Sienna! The evidence is clear: a well-structured piece of persuasive writing can achieve results! Keep up the wonderful work, Year 4!
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Volume 23 Issue 28 Friday 22 October 2021
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YEAR 5 & 6 SCIENCE This week, Year 5 students explored the Moon. Students learnt about the different phases of the Moon, when each phase occurs, and correctly identified the type of Moon from its position or appearance. Next week, Year 5 will be travelling deeper into space and studying planets. Year 6 students this week started to study different types of natural disasters. This week's focus was volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Students explained how volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur and described how each impacts Earth and human life. Next week, Year 6 will focus on tsunamis and drought.
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YEAR 5 & 6 ENGLISH Year 5 have thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes’. In lessons, the students explored the characters in the novel, trying to understand the influence that each had on each other. They revised diary entry writing format and techniques and wrote their own diary entries from the perspective of Sadako’s parents. Students incorporated sensory imagery and attempted to evoke the mood of the novel through their own creative writing. This week, Year 6 examined and began to deconstruct how the director communicated central themes to his audience through cinematic techniques in the film ‘Red Dog’. The students made a range of contributions, all linking to the discussion points, which showed that they were being perceptive to the development of discussion.
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Volume 23 Issue 28 Friday 22 October 2021
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YEAR 5 & 6 MATHEMATICS This week, Year 5 revised how to operate with decimals. They simply used the POP (point on point) or PAP rule, which makes use of (point above point) to find quotients. Furthermore, they calculated the mean or average of scores involving decimals. When multiplying, they practised short and long multiplication using a vertical algorithm. They multiplied as if there was no decimal, counted the number of digits after the decimal in each factor and finally and ensured that they put the same number of digits behind the decimal in the product. Their mental calculations were admirable as they practised multiplying and dividing decimals by powers of 10. Year 5 explored cross sections with the understanding that these are the 2D shapes that are seen when a 3D object is cut. Using their Mathomats they drew uniform cross-sections. They explored cutting through solids vertically and horizontally to the base to achieve different cross sections, including cutting solids at a slant. In Year 6, students sketched 3D solids, drawing dotted lines to indicate the surfaces, vertices and edges that could not be seen. They drew cubes using isometric dot paper as a guide. Students identified and drew the nets of a variety of prisms and pyramids as well as those of a cone and cylinder. The challenge of drawing all the eleven different nets of a cube was a successfully met. Thank you, Oscar Avedissian, Nathan Ross, and Isaac Ching, for sharing your isometric drawings.
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Volume 23 Issue 28 Friday 22 October 2021
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MUSIC It has been a really exciting time for Reddam Music students, with Kindergarten and Year 1 returning to in-person lessons and Years 3 to 6 preparing for the Musica Viva incursion by the Torres Strait Island ensemble Wyniss. The Kindergarten and Year 1 students returned to the music classroom this week and it was a real treat to be able to use musical instruments again. The Year 1s enjoyed adding percussion instruments to the story ‘Going on a bear hunt’ and learning to play ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy’ on the xylophones. Meanwhile students in Years 3-6 continued getting to know more about the music, dance and culture of the Torres strait Islands. This week, in addition to becoming familiar with some of the instruments used by the group Wyniss, the students also learned about a piece of music called ‘Wami’, which is a song about spear fishing in the reef. In the Torres Strait Islands children often play string games which have been incorporated into dance choreography by Wyniss and this week the students learned how to make the shape of a fishing spear out of string.
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Volume 23 Issue 28 Friday 22 October 2021
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MUSIC PERFORMANCE What a pleasure it was to welcome students back to our school this week, and in doing so allowing our Kindergarten and Year 1 students to resume their individual tuition. The Music Terrace was once again filled with the sounds of piano and string instruments. Next week, we welcome back remaining year groups. Although we aren't able to hold ensembles in person yet, we look forward to a date in the future when full music making can resume. In case you missed the link, our wonderful Studio Recital performances can be viewed at the following: Music Studio Recitals 2021 Year 2 Recorder Ensemble It’s fair to say that no one saw an entire term of online learning coming, but that actually did happen, and I am so happy to report that the Year 2 Recorder Ensemble thrived all the way through lockdown. Of course, there are major challenges entering the online environment, not least the lack of spontaneity of being able to play simultaneously, and then we decided as a group that we would set ourselves a huge challenge of playing a quite advanced piece for absolute beginners. It doesn’t sound overly ambitious to tackle Frere Jacques, as it’s obviously not something overly complex like ‘Vermont Counterpoint’ by Steve Reich (which I would recommend looking up, as arranged by Sarah Jeffrey for the recorder!); however, there are very tricky fingerings for young hands that haven’t had very long on their instrument. Watching every single player rise to the challenge every Tuesday morning is a highlight of my week. We hope to share a video of our accomplishments this term, and hope you look forward to beholding as much as we do sharing. Year 3-4 Concert Band The Year 3 and 4 Concert Band rehearsals have been very productive online. Each week students have the opportunity to participate in technical warm-ups and are then encouraged to perform excerpts from their band pieces. Students have also taken this opportunity to perform individual solo pieces that they have worked on during private lessons. The sightreading challenge was a particularly exciting part of these rehearsals! A big congratulations to all who have participated in these rehearsals.
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Volume 23 Issue 28 Friday 22 October 2021
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LIBRARY Book Recommendations K-2: SOMEBODY’S LAND by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing For thousands and thousands of years, Aboriginal people lived in the land we call Australia. The land was where people built their homes, played in the sun, and sat together to tell stories. When white people came along, they called the land Terra Nullius. They said it was nobody’s land, but it was Somebody’s land. Somebody’s land is an invitation to connect with First Nations culture, to acknowledge the hurt of the past, and to join together as one community with a precious shared history old as time. Somebody’s land is a beautiful picture book that invites children and their families to understand what ‘welcome to country’ really means. Ages 4+. 3-4: BORN TO RUN (picture book edition) by Cathy Freeman As a little girl, Cathy Freeman had only one dream – to win a gold medal at the Olympics. At 27 years old, that dream came true. At the Sydney 2000 Games, she crossed the finish line, won a gold medal and became a national hero. How did she go from being a little girl who loved to run to an inspiration to people around the world? Cathy tells her story about where self-belief, hard work and the power of a loving family can take you. It is a gorgeous picture book for middle primary, that will inspire boys and girls to chase their dreams. 5-6: YOUNG DARK EMU: A Truer History by Bruce Pascoe Using the accounts of early European explorers, colonists and farmers, Bruce Pascoe argues for a reconsideration of the hunter-gatherer label for pre-colonial Aboriginal Australians. He allows the readers to see Australia as it was before Europeans arrived – a land of cultivated farming areas, productive fisheries, permanent homes, and an understanding of the environment and its natural resources that supported thriving villages across the country. Young Dark Emu: A Truer History, asks young readers to consider a different version of Australia’s history pre-European colonisation. Ages 10+
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Volume 23 Issue 28 Friday 22 October 2021
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NEXTWAVE YOUTH SHORT FILM COMPETITION
Announcing a final call for entries for the Nextwave Youth Short Film Competition If you’re a young person between the ages of 10-25 living anywhere in Australia, the Nextwave team wants to see what you can do. Make a film under 5 minutes , include the year’s signature item (a pineapple), and enter your film in before the EXTENDED submission deadline of NOVEMBER 12th, 2021 for your chance to win some amazing awards and prizes, as well as have your film premiere at the Screenwave International Film Festival on the beautiful Coffs Coast next April! For full terms and conditions, head to the Nextwave website
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The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 23 Issue 28 Friday 22 October 2021
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