Read more to hear about our Easter Chapel, End of Term Kindergarten Celebration, Primary Showcase, Term 2 Grade Letter Announcement, CRU Leadership Event, Primary Chess and an update from 1D with Mrs Woolley.
Easter Chapel
Primary were anticipating an exciting Chapel as the students and staff had been working through the story of Easter and what it means. The Primary Choir sang with joy and life as they started the event. Mr Corr arrived with an old wooden cross which remained a focus throughout the event.
Mrs Booker reminded us of Jesus dying on a cross but that is not the end of the story! Jesus rose from the grave so that all the world can have eternal life through a Saviour called Jesus, the son of God. Three of our school community were interviewed about what they know about Jesus and why he came to the earth. We listened to Kay from year 12, as well as two dads in our College community - Mr Samuels and Mr Munster. Our last Chapel for the Term ended with two class performances from 2G and Mrs Zarate and 4W and Miss Woods as the children sang up a storm. What a lovely event to end this amazing Term we have had.
End of Term 1 for Kindergarten - Mrs Woods
We are still amazed at how fast the term has flown and how grown up our Kindergarten students are. I spent the morning with them today as we reminded ourselves of some of what has happened for them throughout the weeks.
I watched how they transitioned from one lesson to another, how they walked in two lines with ease and understanding and how the routine of school is now a comfortable fit. They have truly embraced the challenges of ‘Big School’ and are wonderful ambassadors for ACC. They are doing so well and we are looking forward to seeing them grow as the year progresses.
As part of the end of Term celebration, we gave all Kinder students a photo of themselves when they arrived at the beginning of the Term. We had a mini presentation and gave them their gift as a momento for this time in their lives.
I do hope they will enjoy their framed photo and have fond memories of their time at ACC as they continue on their journey of being the graduating class of 2032!
Family Showcase
Last week, our Families and Carers came into the classrooms to see how our teachers teach and an example of what happens in a lesson. It was a joy to have so many of our families see the amazing work that our teachers and students have completed over the course of the term.
The teacher demonstrated a lesson and showcased students' work, with an explanation of the specific teaching pedagogies we use in our classes.
At ACC we have three ‘Signature Pedagogies’ which are:
Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) - strategically planned lessons that explicitly teach new concepts to mastery.
Explicit Frequent Feedback (EFF) - designed to plan the next steps towards achieving learning goals. Providing frequent and ongoing feedback is significant to improve achievement in learning and assist the learner to reflect on their learning.
The Writing Revolution (TWR) - which is thinking through writing
The Showcase ended with Parent/Student quizzes and games and the families enjoying the ‘I See You Wall’ which is where weekly work is hung up for every child.
We look forward to seeing you at our next Showcase event!
Term 2 Grade Letters
Just a reminder that every Term, our teachers provide families with a Term Letter that clearly explains what the children in that year group will be learning. It is a week by week schedule so you can talk with your child about what they have been studying. The letters will be emailed to all parents in Week 1 and will also have significant dates that are pertinent to that class.
Please note that Sports Day for Primary K - 6 will be on Wednesdays for Term 2 and 3.
CRU Leadership Event
Our CRU Leadership Event was a wonderful day filled with amazing activities and lessons about leadership. Students learned how to be a great team member, and developed their knowledge of Jesus while learning the practical skills of following and serving Him.
The incursion had very practical and engaging activities where the students were put into groups and had to complete a set of tasks. When they finished the teachers linked the tasks with a lesson from the Bible. The students loved every moment of the day.
Primary Chess with Mr Barton
This year, I have been running the Primary Chess Club every Monday lunchtime here at ACC Marsden Park.
Every week I am amazed at how many students are interested in and participating in Chess Club! It has been my goal to grow each student from learning the basics to learning specific openings and tactics. Every student that has joined is improving drastically each week and growing in their understanding of chess. I have been so encouraged by the way they challenge and support one another through each bout.
When our Primary chess students found out about a local competition, they were so excited and put in a lot of hard work and effort to prepare so they could represent ACC to the best of their ability.
Their hard work paid off as they came First Place overall for Primary! What a fantastic result. I am so proud of all the students involved and the great progress they have made this Term. I am really looking forward to the rest of the year together, well done Primary Chess Club - you have so much potential.
Year 1D - Mrs Valasce Woolley
During our Week 7 assembly, we were introduced to a passion of one of our fellow Year 1 students, Noah Thomson. Noah has been blessed by the Lord with a wonderful talent for creating beautiful works of art, some of which were recently displayed in an art gallery in the Blue Mountains.
His passion inspired our Year 1D class to delve into the world of art, specifically experimenting with sketching and watercolour painting. We believe that God put a unique and creative talent in each one of us in order to make the world a more beautiful and joyful place.
Our Year 1D students learnt about the art of sketching along various lines and shapes. We used the house of Beatrix Potter as our inspiration and, in our small groups, we brainstormed ideas about things that might grow in the garden which we could incorporate into our sketches.
After finishing our sketches, we were able to complete our incredible creations by adding colour through the means of watercolour painting. We discussed all of the beautiful colours that our Lord has blessed us with to look at in our gardens. Each student was given the opportunity to tap into their Godly given talents to make these lovely creations. We are so blessed.
