Issue 10 / 23 August 2013
From the Head of Junior School Schools are very busy places and the last two weeks have been no exception at St Andrews. Here are just a few of the things that the students have been involved in: Science Competition at Griffith Uni, ICAS Mathematics Competition, Year 5 Colonial Day, Choir Eisteddfod, Dance Eisteddfod, Disco, Year 4 Family Service, Japanese Language Speaking Competition, Band Eisteddfod, Book Week Activities, Bike Centre Excursion, SLAPS Athletics Carnival @ QSAC and Youth Club. Our aim at St Andrews Lutheran College is to educate the whole child. The children have plenty of opportunities to get involved in activities that educate the mind, get the body moving and stimulate the senses.
Last Wednesday we hosted the “Partners in Literacy” workshop. It was very well attended by a large number of parents and grandparents. The education of a child is a partnership between the child’s school and his/her parents. Hopefully the skills and techniques shown at the workshop will help you when you listen to and help teach your child to read. Darrin Schumacher Deputy Principal/Head of Junior School
From the Deputy Head of Junior School & PYP Coordinator One of the five essential elements of the Primary Years Programme is ‘action.’ (The five essential elements of the written curriculum in the program are: knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action.) Action is included as an essential element in the PYP as it is believed that education must extend beyond the intellectual to include not only socially responsible attitudes but also thoughtful and applicable action (Making the PYP Happen, 2009).
The IB Primary Years Programme Model
Simon Davidson (2009) suggests that the most imperative aspect of PYP action is the daily classroom practice. We cannot always expect ‘big actions’ which can be remarkable large scale projects that leave a lasting impression on children, as this can be an unrealistic expectation. (It is amazing to be an observer when a ‘big action’ is undertaken by students! This can be such a rich learning experience for all involved.) Research indicates that for actions to have an enduring impact, they must reach a student’s inner conviction. For this to occur, students must be offered genuine choice and genuine responsibility. Before students can determine