Reddam House Primary School Newsletter Vol 22 Issue 37

In this edition •

Prize Giving

•

Sports Fixtures & Results

•

News from the Classrooms

Dear Parents and Caregivers.

It was a very special week in the Primary School, with the first of our Prizegiving ceremonies taking place on Wednesday, followed by others on Thursday and Friday.

Each of these occasions was characterised by a dignified yet celebratory spirit, as we spent some time reflecting on the successes of the year and on the hard work which went into those accomplishments.

In today’s world, when we seem to rush headlong from one event to another, and when there is hardly any time to reflect on our successes, the Prizegiving ceremonies are a good reminder that we should take time to pause, to relish the moment, and to congratulate ourselves on what we have achieved.

The teachers and I, along with the enthusiastic parents and family members in the audience, loved being able to share these meaningful ceremonies with the students. Our hope is always that they will be even more inspired to keep aiming high, to explore their interests and abilities, and to live increasingly rich lives. The Prizegiving ceremonies also remind us that celebrating alone is nowhere near as much fun as doing it with your friends, family members and teachers.

The sense of community which has been so evident this year – and which was once again on show during the Prizegiving ceremonies – is a very special part of the

school. It reminds us that it is in our connectedness that we find true joy and that our lives become more meaningful through relationships. One Harvard longitudinal study, which took place over 80 years, found that close relationships were the single most important determiner of happiness in people’s lives.

The researchers found that far more than IQ, genetics or social class, close relationships provided the best predictor of future happiness. We hope that this will be true for the students here in the Primary School. While all people have inevitable ups and downs in their lives, we trust that the atmosphere in the school will encourage openness and genuine relationships to develop.

As the students stepped up to receive their awards over the past few days, accompanied by the enthusiastic applause from their classmates, family members and teachers, I have no doubt that they really felt the warmth of the community of which they are a part. I trust that they will continue to be carried by this very special community – and that they will in turn offer the same encouragement to those around them.

Well done, once again, to all our students in the Kindergarten to Year 4! Next week on Monday will be the turn of the Year 5 and 6 students to enjoy their moment in the limelight, and we know that the occasion will be just as meaningful for them.

Upcoming Events 5 December — Year 5 & 6 Prize Giving 6 December — Luna Park Excursion 7 December — K-Year 2 Picnic Day December — Year 3-6 Picnic Day

Reddam House Primary School Newsletter - Vol 22 Issue 37

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Although the term is rushing towards its conclusion, a number of our students have excelled in a variety of activities. Hugo Brady, in Year 1, has been playing in the Under 11s orange ball tennis competition at the Kim Warwick Tennis Academy in Hornsby. Although only seven, he has competed against children much older than him, with great success. Last weekend, he played in a knockout competition against ten-year-olds. He did exceptionally well, to come 3rd, losing the semi-final to the boy who won the final. However, Hugo rallied after this loss and won the 3rd vs 4th playoff in a three set match. He showed great resilience after losing the first set but then came back winning the next two. Well done, Hugo.

In addition to the Prizegiving ceremonies, there were other moments to enjoy this past week, most notably the Year 3 and 4 excursions to Taronga Zoo and Clifton Gardens, Mosman. A good time was had by all, as the students immersed themselves in our rich natural environment. Next week it is the turn of the Year 1s to enjoy an excursion to Vaucluse House, on Tuesday, along with the Year 6s who will visit Luna Park, on their final excursion of their Primary School years. No doubt many happy memories will be created as they enjoy this last occasion together. The Picnic Day on Wednesday will bring the school year to a close in the best possible way and should be a happy occasion for all.

Also on the tennis courts, Hugo Holmes and Santiago Have a great weekend!

Smart did really well to win the White City green ball dou- Dee Pitcairn bles competition as a team, and also came tied runner Principal up equal score for the singles. Congratulations boys.

Our athletes have also been making impressive strides. Holly Holmes has been training with Eastern Suburbs Little Athletics for four years, and Freya Mackay joined her there this year. They both enjoyed fast walking, the high jump, and the 100 and 200-metre sprint. Holly and Freya have both been invited to the Zone Championships being held on December 10, to compete in their age categories. We wish them the best of luck.

Then, on the cultural front, Tang Guoer showed off his musical ability at a charity concert in which he performed over the weekend. His performance was part of the Lyrebird Art Concert in support of Indigenous children, which was held at the Tom Mann Theatre. It was no doubt an uplifting performance, warmly received by the audience. Well done, Tang.

Principal Honour Awards Date 1 — Event Description Date 2 — Event Date — Event Date — Event

Audrey Cheng Page 2

Reddam House

Would like to wish a very

Happy Birthday to Holly Holmes, Edison Zhou, Mila Edwards, Ryder Nettleback, Madeleine Desouza, Julian Green, Dalon Gruber, Marcus Hronis, Dylan Cugati, Haohan Gao, Sebastian Wolfers, Jinna Wei

Who celebrated their special day this week and over the weekend Page 3

Sport Fixtures 26th November 2022 Basketball Comets Competition – Friday 2nd Dec Un16s – Reddam Knicks v SGHS Apple Pie 5.00 Un18s – Reddam Suns v SGHS Scholar Sportswomen 5.00 Un18s – Reddam 1st V v SGHS Beef Ballers 7.45 Perry Park Courts & Comets Stadium Saturday 3rd Dec Girls Un14s – Reddam Sparks v Inner City Diamonds 12.10 Comets Stadium Un 14s – Reddam Mystics v KHY Astronauts 2.55 Comets Stadium Boys Alexandria (Perry Park Courts) Un10s – Reddam Lakers v Sydney HoopStars Boas 12.10 Ct 3 Un12s – Reddam Raptors v Sydney Hoopstars Adders 2.55 Comets Stadium Boys MPCYC Un18s – Reddam Heat v Manesis Strength 1.45pm

Touch Football

Primary – 5th December Reddam Taipans V Roosters Mixed 10s 4.10pm Field 4B Reddam Cheetahs V Tornados 4.10pm Field 5 Reddam Sharks V Road Runners 4.10pm Field 7 Reddam Lions V Flying Arrows 4.10pm Field 8 Reddam Eagles V Clovelly Wolves 4.10pm Field 6

Cricket Reddam Rabbits V Easts Eagles 8.00am Lower Cooper 1 Reddam Roos V RJCC Royals 10.00am Rowland Park Oval 2 Reddam Rhinos V Easts Crocs 3.00pm Lough Field North

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Sport Results 26th November 2022 Basketball Girls Un16s – Reddam Knicks v SGHS 34 - 16 Un18s – Reddam Suns v Coogee Crystals 32 - 23 Un18s – Reddam 1st V v SGHS 28 - 14 Un12s – Reddam Storm v Inner City Wild Cats Un14s – Reddam Timberwolves v Inner City Magic 8 - 26 Un14s – Reddam Sparks v Inner City Diamonds 25 - 37 Un 14s – Reddam Mystics v Newtown Lynx 10 - 33 Boys Un10s – Reddam Lakers v KHY Astronauts 26 - 9 Un12s – Reddam Raptors v Sydney Hoopstars Adders 22 - 18 Un12s – Reddam Bucks v Raptors 14 - 22 Un14s – Reddam Bulls v Sydney Hoopstars Kingsnakes 23 - 27 Un14s – Reddam Cavaliers v Inner City Magic 18 - 33 Un14s – Reddam Mavericks v KHY Astronauts 24 - 25 Un14s – Reddam Pistons v Newtown Swans 12 - 52 Un14s – Reddam Nuggets v Newtown Raptors 29 - 13 Un16s – Reddam Rockets v Inner City Titans 11 - 53 Un16s – Reddam Jazz v BYE Un16s – Reddam Warriors v Newtown Bullets 32 - 51 Un16s – Reddam Nets v Accelerate Warriors Black 43 -69 Un18s – Reddam Heat v Pagewood Meerkats 37 - 36 Un18s – Reddam Grizzlies v CYS 0 - 20 Un18s – Reddam 1st V v BYE

Waterpolo Girls Reddam 1 v Reddam 2, 7-6 Reddam 2 v Reddam 1, 6-7 Reddam 3 v KRB, 2-5 Reddam 4 v KRB, 4-5

Touch Football Primary Reddam Taipans 0 Rivals 13 Reddam Cheetahs 9 Rainbow Tigers 9 Reddam Sharks 5 Kambala Chargers 5 Reddam Lions 10 Roosters Girls 8 Reddam Eagles 4 Lightning Arrows 11

Tennis—Finals and Play offs High School Reddam 1 v Redlands, 3 - 0 Reddam 2 v St Pius 1 - 2 Reddam 3 v St Pius 3 - 0 Reddam 4 v St Pius 1 - 2 Reddam 5 v St Pius 2 - 1 Reddam 6 v Cammeraygals 1 - 2 Reddam 7 v St Pius 3 - 0 Reddam 8 v Redlands 0 - 3

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Kindergarten Our last full week in Kindergarten was filled with excitement and anticipation. Lucky Bondi house students joined a movie day on Monday to celebrate their win – well done Bondi! We also attended the Kindergarten Prize Giving ceremony on Wednesday. It was such a joy to look back over the year and celebrate on our achievements during our first year at Reddam House.

In English this week we reflected on what we have learned this year, writing and drawing all the milestones we have achieved in literacy throughout Kindergarten.

Ask us about it over the weekend, as we would love to share our triumphs with you. We also continued to explore the different sounds that the ‘oo’ digraph can make, like book and look or zoo and moo.

Mathematics lessons were also a time for reflection this week as we looked back over the year. We put our thinking caps on and completed a visible thinking routine that required us to work in teams to problem solve and find the solution. We learned so much about how to work together in numeracy, and that it is often helpful to share our thoughts and knowledge with others.

Hebrew Studies The YK students celebrated the completion of all the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet and vowels. They all dressed up as Torahs, wearing a crown showing the first letter of their Hebrew name. We are so proud of them to recognise all the letters written in the Torah.

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Year 1 This week the students spent time reflecting on the impressive array of Julia Donaldson texts we have studied and enjoyed this term. The rhythmical language, appealing storylines and entertaining illustrations proved very popular with the students. Tiggy’s favourite was ‘Tabby McTat’ as she enjoyed the fact that the busker’s cat found a special friend and there was a happy ending. Josephine’s preference was ‘Stickman’ as she loved seeing the many adventures he went on before finally being reunited with his family.

The highlight this week was, of course, the Prize Giving Ceremony where Year 1 got the opportunity to reflect on experiences and celebrate accomplishments with family, friends and teachers.

Well done everyone!

In Mathematics, the students explored word problems and they expanded their knowledge of place value and 3D objects. The students have become increasingly confident to explain strategies used as well as question concepts to further their understanding in a group setting.

In Science, the students explored a number of Stem (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities. The students were presented with challenges such as: build a tower that could hold a book, create a triangle that could stand on its own and build a bridge that can hold a toy. Creativity, initiative, critical analysis, team work and communication were the qualities displayed during the sessions. The students were determined to succeed, regardless of the challenges.

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Year 2 The Year 2 students spent this week, our last 5day week of the year, reviewing concepts learnt during 2022. They are excited for the holidays and are all showing the signs of readiness for Year 3. They are organised, self-motivated and work conscientiously.

Lastly, our students’ efforts and achievements over the year were formally recognised in the Paddington Town Hall. Our prizegiving ceremony was appreciated by all and the teachers are so proud of the way the students conducted themselves.

In English, we revised the use of suffixes, with particular emphasis on the suffix ‘-ful’ meaning ‘full of’. The students are able to use a variety of suffixes and prefixes to extend base words with correct spelling. They are also becoming experts at breaking longer words into syllables, which are easier to spell. Their ability in his area is astounding.

We are also completing our handwriting book, ensuring our formation is correct in preparation for cursive writing next year.

In Maths, we consolidated our number facts including the relationship between addition and subtraction, and multiplication and division. On Friday, we had a treat in our Mental Maths book, as our ‘Think Box’ game included playing a guessing game with grid coordinates to try and map out and find our partner’s hidden ‘Snake’ in a grid.

In History, we learnt about the Dawn Fraser Baths in Balmain. The students have been exposed to many landmarks in Sydney, Australia and the world over the course of the year and are always keen to discover and share more.

I’m sure they will come across even more over their summer break.

In Science, we rounded off our life cycles unit discovering the life cycle of a cicada. We started by reading a beautiful picture book by Lesley Gibbes, called ‘Searching for Cicadas’, which tells of a child who goes camping with his grandpa in the summertime, hoping to find a variety of cicadas. They see the ‘Green Grocer’ cicada, as well as a ‘Yellow Monday’, ‘Floury Baker’ and others. They hope to find the elusive ‘Black Prince’.

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Year 3 This week, the Year 3s put on their excursion bags and hats to spend a fun-filled day out at Taronga Zoo. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the excitement was tremendous. The excursion gave the students the opportunity to build on their knowledge of our Semester Two Science topic, ‘Classification of Living Things’.

Over the course of the day, the students attended several fascinating animal shows, including soaring birds of prey, diving seals and magnificent elephants.

tre flips and jumps in the air. Diego was rescued off the coast of America after damage to his flippers and placed into rehabilitation. The students were warmed to hear of his story and see that with a little TLC, such animals could return to full health and be happy and safe.

At the bird show, the Year 3s sat in awe as a black-breasted buzzard flew into the birds’ arena, picked up a rock and repeatedly tried to crack open a fake emu egg. The audience clapped wildly upon the bird’s final and successful attempt to demonstrate one of its survival tactics in the wild.

In addition to this, the students attended the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning, where they were able to get up close and personal with a spiny leaf insect, several tamarin monkeys, bleeding heart pigeons, a twoheaded lizard, a diamond python and an echidna. The students quickly put on their scientist hats, as they made careful observations about the animals using their senses. They continued this scientific questioning and inquiry around the zoo as they visited the vast range of animal’s enclosures.

The zoo keeper at the elephant show wowed the students with many interesting facts. Did you know that elephants eat a whopping 8090kg of food a day and only digest roughly 50% of this? Although the elephant’s digestive system is not ideal for itself, the undigested waste is very beneficial for the environment, as it helps with the germination of seeds.

The Year 3 teachers wish to commend their students on their impeccable behaviour throughout the day. Many members of the public, who were visiting and working at the zoo, went out of their way to compliment them on their exemplary manners and enthusiasm. They really were a credit to themselves and their school community. We are so proud of you!

The seal show didn’t fail to impress either, with a 280kg rescue sealion called Diego doing 3 me-

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Date 1 — Event Description Date 2 — Event Date — Event Date — Event

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Year 4 The Year 4 festivities of Week 8 began with a trip to the movies! The fortunate students in House Bondi celebrated their house winning by watching ‘Superpets’ with their team members from Years 3 - 6. Well done, Bondi!

In addition to this, on Tuesday, the students of Year 4 enjoyed a day of interactive and engaging science, as students were treated to an excursion to Clifton Gardens. Students were chosen from the audience to participate in fun experiments in front of their peers, which had everyone engaged and laughing. Selected students were invited to dress in real science uniforms such as lab coats, goggles, and gloves whilst they explored the everyday role of scientists and their importance in our community.

Students identified the different kinds of forces studied this term such as air pressure, magnetism, gravity, and friction. Students also observed that both pushes and pulls can be classified as contact and non-contact forces and noted how this changed the motion of objects as well as their function. The introduction con-

cluded with a huge BANG with over 1,000 ping pong balls flying through the air; it was FUN FUN FUN! The fun continued on Thursday with a special celebration in our Year 4’s honour, as they were acknowledged on stage for their achievements throughout the year, at the official Year 3 and 4 Prizegiving ceremony. Students received certificates that reflected their successes in each of their subjects, as their proud parents, Principal and teachers looked on. Well done to each of you on successfully completing your Stage 2 learning journey!

Lastly, the Year 4 students enjoyed one final, fun presentation in Public Speaking, where they cooked up a storm for their peers and teachers. Thank you to all the groups, who presented such dynamic and delicious recipes for this closing task. What fun! You are fantastic Year 4!

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Year 5 and 6 English Year 6 Following an intense term of analytical essay writing, Year 6 English students enjoyed exercising their creativity this week. Year 6 students worked through a comedy unit exploring styles and traditions utilised in comedic texts. They were introduced to the techniques needed for slapstick and situational comedy through Charlie Chaplain, The Three Stooges and Mr Bean. Also, they focused on wit – and the importance of pun, irony and satire to help create comedy. Year 6 students also exercised and refreshed their persuasive knowledge with a 'Shark Tank' project, where students came up with ingenious ideas and delivered prepared elevator pitches, using strong persuasive devices.

Students also put their visual literacy understanding to the test, creating professional posters and websites to sell their ideas. We would like to commend Year 6 for the dedication and hard work they have all put in this term, and this year. The English department is so impressed at the high level of growth observed from each and every one of our students. We have no doubt that this year's graduating Year 6 class will thrive in high school. Year 6, if you're ever in doubt, remember, “you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think” (A. A. Milne).

Year 5 Year 5 loved reading 'The One and Only Ivan' so much, that they were treated to watching the live-action film rendition, this week. After watching, Year 5 engaged in a film study, comparing the differences and similarities between the book and the movie. Students observed great differences between setting, plot, characterisation, theme and mood, as well as many similarities. The class explored how the film's rich cinematic techniques and soundtrack helps to illustrate the story's concepts of friendship, love, loss and the issue of animals in captivity. We, as an English department, are so proud of all the work Year 5 has done this term. Their abilities to understand and empathise with such complex themes, demonstrates a maturity far beyond their years.

Well done to all of Year 5 and Year 6 for a wonderful year. We are looking forward to celebrating your great success at Picnic Day next week!

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Year 5 and 6 Science This week in Science, Year 5 students continued to create their solar system models.

Construction of the models is well underway by this stage and the models are looking amazing! By the end of next week, students should have fully completed their models. Some of these models will be chosen to make up an Earth and Space display for next year's cohort to view.

This week in Science, Year 6 students continued to develop their natural disaster fact files.

Students used their knowledge as well as research to construct fact files on their chosen natural disaster. The best of these fact files will make up a natural disaster display for next year's Year 6 students.

In Science Club, students made and launched their own rockets!

Students mixed vinegar with baking soda inside their bottle rockets and then prepared them for launch. There were some amazing launches and also some failed ones too! NASA will start recruiting science club students to be astronauts soon.

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Year 5 and 6 Mathematics With the end of year fast approaching and examinations being returned, lessons included further mastery of skills in preparation for next year, problem solving and open-ended tasks, enriching activities, and the final Pirate Game of the year.

Year 5s enjoyed calculating the volume of different objects using a variety of tools, including displacement (using the change in water level to determine the volume of an object). They were introduced to ‘Numberle’, a numerical-based version of Wordle where you use the coloured clues to deduce the number sentence. Furthermore, they were provided with tasks that were enriching, conceptual and challenging to solve.

points fluctuating constantly and alliances being forged and betrayed. Students always look forward to the Pirate Game and must use their quick numeracy skills to continuously calculate their cash balance, as well as keep track of their opponents’ situations. They learn to be humble and savvy in order to keep their monetary positions secure. It was a fantastic way to cap off the term!

The Year 6 classes continued honing their decimal skills in preparation for Year 7.

Additionally, they thoroughly enjoyed playing ‘Duel’, a twist on the original ‘noughts & crosses’, with a variation to the game board and the rules. The aim of ‘Duel’ was to prevent their opponent from being able to continue playing. After a few matches, students started noticing patterns and deciphering strategies that would help them win. It was wonderful to see them displaying patience, and experimenting with different approaches to win their game.

The final Pirate Game of the year was, as predicted, thrilling and ruthless, with groups’

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Music Reddam students celebrated a year's hard work in Music with a performance party this week! Years K - 2 brought their own instruments and music books to lessons this week to perform solo items, sharing their talents across the many different instruments learnt at school.

Year 5 students extended their ukulele playing through researching a pop song of their own choosing, creating an arrangement of it in pairs, and then performing to the class.

Students absolutely loved choosing their own piece to learn, and got very creative with strumming patterns, and also alternating players and singers within the performance.

Year 6 students also created pop arrangements of their chosen pieces, using the medium of keyboard. Audience members listened attentively, and were asked to give positive feedback using clear musical vocabulary. The children are so lucky to have such a supportive group of peers, and there were some beautiful comments given to each other. What a wonderful way to end the year – fantastic work Reddam musicians!

MUSIC PERFORMANCE This week saw the final complete week of ensemble rehearsals for the year. Ensembles will still run for the first part of next week, and teachers and students are looking forward to farewelling their ensembles and celebrating a year of hard work and performances. Most of our ensembles enjoyed public performances this year, and found opportunities through eisteddfods, assemblies and other special events. Many of our young musicians also found opportunities to perform at this week's Prizegiving ceremonies, including ceremonial music from the Brass Ensemble, and pre-show entertainment by our fabulous Primary School Jazz Band.

both Frere Jacques as well as complex rhythmic variations of Twinkle Twinkle to develop these.

The students explored concepts such as dynamics, advanced bowings and stable intonation as an ensemble. They did a particularly impressive job working on the finer aspects of ensemble playing, namely leading and following each other without the assistance of a conductor. The students' energy and enthusiasm never ceases to impress their teachers, and we look forward to discovering what 2023 brings!

Year 3-4 Synthesiser Ensemble What a year it has been for the Year 3-4 Synth Ensemble! After trialling two completely new and different set-ups, the students in this group have really fallen into a good groove, especially when you consider that for most of the students in this group it’s the first time they have played the keyboard in an ensemble setting. After four terms of working together, the students have a strong sense of how to play their four parts as a cohesive unit as well as how to create a pleasing, blended sound.

K-1 String Ensemble The K-1 String Ensemble students had a wonderful term together. The students gave an excellent performance of Frere Jacques at the Week 4 assembly, demonstrating their great ensemble playing skills. We have been working on various ensemble techniques in class, using Page 18