2024 Newsletter Term 04 | Issue 01

Welcome to the final term of this school year! It’s a joy to see familiar faces returning and to watch as our students seamlessly slip back into the rhythm of school life.

We’ve already begun transitioning children who started their journey with us in Term 1, A whole term of transition provides a gentle introduction to the 3-6 classroom, helping children gradually acclimate to the new environment and prepare for the upcoming school year. During this transition period, children have opportunities to visit the classroom, meet their future teacher, and engage in some preliminary learning activities. This familiarisation process can alleviate anxiety and make the transition to the new classroom smoother for both children and parents.

This term promises to be filled with exciting events, so please keep an eye out for emails and notifications in OWNA to stay informed.

Next week, we’re celebrating Grandparents Day with a special event in the Elouera classroom. We can’t wait to welcome our students’ grandparents and share a memorable day together.

Cooinda class returned with lots of stories about their adventures in their holiday and were well rested and ready to start a busy term. Cooinda children have shown great interest in their investigation into Australian Native Flowers and are busily preparing their artwork for the auction night. We have started the term with discussions on ‘Peacemaking in the Classroom’ to develop ways to solve problems and develop positive relationships with their peers. Cooinda children practiced using the ‘Peace Rose’ to solve conflict in the classroom and practiced attentive listening skills.

Everyone agreed ‘respect’ was very important. Coach Luke returned with lots of fun ball activities which engaged the children, particularly, the bouncy basket balls.

We recently took part in the Aussie Bird count which has inspired lots of investigations about birds.  Children made a tally of typical birds we would usually see in our garden, lots of pigeon counting.  They used binoculars and guide books to do some bird spotting and there was lots of creative interpretations as we looked at feathers and tried to paint as light as a feather.  Following the question “why have they got different beaks?” sparked lots of discussion and investigation.

It is so wonderful to follow the genuine curiosity of the child, what next?

Welcome to Term 4 of 2024

We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for the final term of the year. The children have quickly settled back into the swing of their routines and purposeful work, demonstrating their enthusiasm for learning.

This term, we have shifted our historical focus to Ancient Rome, building on the fascinating exploration of Ancient Greece from the last term. The children are captivated by the Romans’ rich history, culture, and innovations. They have been engaging in various activities focused on the Fundamental Needs of Humans, which the Ancient Roman Civilisation successfully achieved.

Introducing persuasive writing is a new and exciting development in our classroom. A group of children have embraced this challenge with great interest. They are learning to construct compelling arguments and express their ideas convincingly, a vital skill for their academic growth.

As a class, we have started reading “The Last Bear” by Hannah Gold. This beautiful story is not only a delightful read but also serves as a tool for exploring various elements of literature. Throughout the term, we will delve into character analysis, plot development, and thematic discussions, enriching our literary appreciation and critical thinking skills.

We are also pleased to announce the commencement of the Peer Support program. Our Cycle 3 children have taken the lead in facilitating group sessions focusing on friendship aspects. This initiative fosters a sense of community and collaboration, allowing the Aikya students to benefit from the guidance and experience of their older peers.

In the past fortnight, we enjoyed a fantastic sports event organised by the Cycle 3 children. The “Mini Olympics” included a tunnel ball, bob ball, target throwing, and a crawling obstacle course. It was a wonderful opportunity for all the children to engage in physical activity, teamwork, and friendly competition.

We look forward to the rest of Term 4 with great anticipation and excitement.

Best wishes,

Welcome back to the final term of the year! Term 4 is in full swing, and it’s hard to believe we’re approaching the end of another amazing school year. This term will be busy and exciting, as we prepare for our end-of-year concert and celebrate the graduation of our Year 6 students. The energy in the classroom is already buzzing with anticipation for these big events, and we’re looking forward to finishing the year on a high note.

Last week, the Yani students had an unforgettable 3-day camp at Milson Island. They took part in a variety of activities, including fencing, archery, raft building, and fishing. It was wonderful to see the students working together, showing such unity and enthusiasm as they shared rooms with their friends and enjoyed all the adventures. Their positive energy and teamwork throughout the camp made the experience truly special for everyone involved.

To kick off the term, the Yani students have also taken charge of sport for the first two weeks, organising and planning different games for the younger children in the Aikya classroom. Many of these games were learned during camp, and it’s been inspiring to see the leadership and creativity our students have shown. They’ve done a wonderful job fostering a sense of community through fun and engaging activities.

—Laura, Thomas, Ella & Amy Louise.