HEAD OF PRIMARY SCHOOL UPDATE
Melanie Woods
What a wonderful Term we have just embraced. There has been much growth in the students with their learning in and out of the classroom. Routines and classroom cultures have been set and the students have enjoyed many of the activities and events that have been organised.
Sport with Gymnastics has been a time to see our students' skills grow in confidence. They are currently learning skills for up and coming sport for Term 2, with Interschool sports, a Cross Country in Week 1 of Term 2 and an Athletics carnival later in the term. Many students have represented our school with the Swimming Carnivals attending Zone and State. Our students have also enjoyed Interschool Futsal games and will be representing ACC at the Championships this coming May. Our Students also participated in Interschool Cricket and Triathlon.
Our Grade 6 Leaders and Jesus Over Lunchtime (JOLT) leaders have been attending various Leadership Summits as they gain skills and knowledge of how to serve our school and be a blessing as as leader
Our students have enjoyed many academic testings and events, like NAPLAN, and recently many students completed the Australian Math Competition (MAT). Students also enjoyed the opening of the Tech Centre and showcased their learning and the College’s culture during a full and big Open Day. Students have received their Interim Reports.
Last week, our families came and enjoyed our Family Showcase time. Thank you for supporting the students so they could share what a day in school looks like. They do get excited about showing their suite of classwork and learning they have been working on.
Many of our students have also been designing special artworks for the Hawkesbury Agricultural Show that is held on the Hawkesbury Showground from 19-21 April, in Clarendon NSW (between Windsor and Richmond, opposite the RAAF Base). This is a fantastic opportunity to take your family; please pass by the pavilion where the Arts and Crafts are to see some ACC Artwork and the rest of the enjoyment that the Show will bring.
Lastly, thank you for your support over this Term as we partner together to support the students thrive and be all that God has created them to be. There will be more information coming out in the last week of the holidays about general Term 2 Information and the Term 2 Grade letters will also be published in the first week of Term 2. Happy and Safe Holidays.
PRIMARY CROSS COUNTRY - WEDNESDAY 1 MAY, WEEK 1
On Wednesday May 1, 2024 we will be running our Primary Cross Country Carnival for students in Kindergarten to Year 6. We are very excited for this event, as we are holding the course on campus; to have our students participating using our own grounds will be an exciting adventure. We are sharing this information with you now so you can save the date and come and cheer on the students. Mr Parsonage will be sharing the schedule with families prior to the event. Come and enjoy!
Location: ACC Top Oval & Park Date: Wednesday May 1, 2024 What to wear: Sports Uniform (optional House coloured T-shirt) What to bring: Hat, plenty to drink, food for crunch ‘n’ sip, recess and lunch, sunscreen and House Spirit.
YEAR 2 MUSIC Kristin Harris
Primary Music has kicked off 2024 with an incredible start! Year 2 students have been exploring tempo and thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to showcase their understanding through body percussion. Unquestionably, their preferred tempo is PRESTO!
3P - HAWKESBURY SHOW Denia Priestley
3P have been busy creating an artwork to enter into the Hawkesbury Show. The artwork is an outdoor exhibit and needed to be waterproofed. We discussed how we could represent our school, our values and the community. 3P students discussed how Llamas and Alpacas are a lot like sheep and how there are stories in the bible that are about sheep but have a hidden meaning and are really about people. Our students have been talking about how we are all created unique and special and how we all have different interests, gifts and talents given to us by God. We have also been talking about Easter in Biblical Studies and the sacrifice that Jesus has made for each one of us. These discussions led us to the idea of creating our artwork to reflect our conversations and share a message of hope for our community.
The body of the llama is a beautiful meadow where the sheep are kept safe by the shepherd and llamas are used by the shepherd to help protect the flock. The bible verse we decided to share with our community is "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11).
3P hopes that you get to enjoy their artwork and see it displayed when you visit the Hawkesbury Show.
1D - EASTER STORIES Micah Diaz
This term, Year 1 has been learning how to write recounts. A recount is a style of writing that recalls an event or experience. For Holy Week, 1D wrote a recount about the true story of Jesus, our Saviour, and His journey to the cross. In their recounts, the students answered questions like who, when, what and where, and they used time connectives, including verbs written in past tense. They have been working hard all term to improve their writing skills.
Vishwani wrote - "During Easter, we celebrate Jesus who died on the cross for all of us and he loved us so much. First, on Sunday, Jesus' friends got a donkey and gave the donkey to him. Next, Jesus told his disciples we are having the last supper together and Jesus said the wine is my blood and the bread is my body. After that, Jesus died on the cross for all of us. He went in a tomb. Three days later, he wasn't there. An angel came in and said Jesus rose!”
Dia wrote - "During Easter, we celebrate how Jesus saved us. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem. Next, He had his last supper with his friends. After that, Jesus died on the cross. It was a very sad day. But, Jesus' body did not stay in the tomb. He rose from the dead! It was an exciting day. Finally, He met all His friends again and then went to heaven. I am happy because Jesus is not dead. Thank you Jesus for saving us!"
Hartlyn wrote - "On Easter, we think about how Jesus saved us. On Sunday, Jesus rode a donkey to Jerusalem. Next, the people hold the palm leaves. Then the Pharisees were mad. Jesus said if the people will not praise him, the rocks will praise him. Jesus was sad. After that, they had supper and then Jesus died on the cross. But Jesus rose from the dead! I love Jesus."
There were many wonderful recounts written by 1D! We hope all our family and friends had a blessed Easter - may we be reminded of the empty tomb and remember that Jesus has risen, He has risen indeed!
KL & KK - OUR VISITS AROUND THE CAMPUS Deborah Kwok
KL recently visited the College’s new Tech Centre and we enjoyed learning and imagining in the VR lab and the lecture theatre.
For Mathematics, the students went on a walk with Mrs Lie and enjoyed using their iPads to take photos of numbers around the school.
In Geography this term, KK has been learning how to identify familiar places and recognise why some places are special and important to people and how to care for these places. We have also been learning how places can be represented on maps.
In particular, we focused on how Aboriginals create artworks to represent important places. We imagined we were Aboriginals and represented one of our playgrounds with special symbols. The first thing we needed to do was to draw a simple map of our playground. Then we needed to discuss each area’s purpose and the feelings we feel when we are in this area to help us with creating the symbols. The children were so creative with this task and shared their wonderful ideas in the whole group.
Finally, we drew our symbols onto our maps. Some of our symbols included a tall bookcase to represent our new Tech Building and a heart for our Care Centre. This activity helped to make us thankful for our special spaces at our school and to appreciate the ways they serve us throughout the day.
LANGUAGE LIFT Ann-Louise Clark
This year, we have started a program called LanguageLift - a small group oral language program for children in Kindergarten to Year 2 who need some help with their oral language skills.
Oral language involves skills in both understanding and speaking. These skills are important because they support the development of reading and writing. LanguageLift has been developed by MultiLit, a research-based initiative of Macquarie University.
Who is selected for LanguageLift?
Children are identified for LanguageLift through a screening test/checklist and a short oral language assessment provided with the program. Students are selected to participate based on their test results, which indicated they would benefit from additional support in the development of their oral language skills.
What does participation in LanguageLift involve?
Trained teachers work with small groups of children for 30–40 minutes a day, four days a week, using carefully structured lessons and materials. We use everyday activities to support our lessons, like walking to and from class, and Penny Possum and Bessie Bilby often share time with us in our lesson. Each lesson includes activities that will help your child to:
understand and use new words
speak in complete and grammatically correct sentences
listen to, understand and tell stories.
How can I help my child at home?
Ensuring your child attends school regularly will help them to get the best outcome from the intervention.
You can also help at home by using the following suggestions.
Share storybooks everyday You can share a storybook of your child’s choice each night. Ask your child what is happening in the pictures and in the story. To support your child to talk about important story parts, use questions like:
Who are the characters in this story?
What was the problem in the story?
How did the story end?
Use recasting Recasting is a simple and effective way yo0u can support your child’s language learning at home. It can be used any time your child makes a mistake in their talking, or when their message is incomplete or lacking detail.
To recast
repeat what your child said
at the same time, correct the errors
emphasise the corrected words
keep the exchange natural and positive
3C ENGLISH LITERACY Judy Carlos
After the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests, in Week 9, 3C continued to engage themselves with texts in a fun way! Students explored the story The Day the Crayons Quit. It is a story about talking crayons who are in a crisis with their owner, Duncan. The children had quite a laugh listening to the story.
They then grouped together and worked out among themselves which character to play. They had a chance to practise for their Reader’s Theatre presentation. They took turns in presenting their thoughts and concerns to Duncan. Some modulated their voices while others used different facial expressions in pleading their case to Duncan. Some showed potential to be part of a stage play.
Each group took turns in performing in front of the class. The students were captivated by each group’s performance as they showcased their different presentation skills. Everybody made sure they were audible, even the usually timid students.
After all that hard work, it was now time for book appreciation. They paired up and took turns in reading a page of their favourite book. Then they shared why they liked the book they chose.
After listening intently to their partners, each wrote their own thoughts by using The Writing Revolution method in their notebooks. They were instructed to use basic conjunctions - because, but, so - to express their thoughts and ideas.
Writing is an extension of oneself. Each student was taught to write a persuasive text in Weeks 5-6. Mivaan took his persuasive writing to heart and shared how he planned to write a persuasive essay to convince his parents to buy him a $49 toy in Week 8. By Week 10, he happily updated the class that he was finally able to do it and … his parents graciously purchased the $49 toy. “It worked!” exclaimed Mivaan. Although it could not be shipped early, it will be arriving during the holidays when their family visitor is around.
Each student was required to submit a persuasive written text that is relevant and close to their hearts by Thursday of Week 11. Inspired by Mivaan’s example, a few turned in their homework sooner than the deadline. Everyone is eager to share what they wrote.
There is power in the pen!
YEAR 2 PASSION PROJECT - SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Michael Cowley
Throughout Term One, students of Science and Technology in Year 2 classes explored the Physical World. Their focus was Energy and Sound. Some students had the time and the passion to further explore the topic and the possible creative applications by completing a ‘Passion Project’. Below are several examples of Year 2’s achievements.
In Nishaan’s media clip he read aloud a short story which he had written, on which he inserted the text so his audience could read along as they watched his recording. To this he added sound effects which enriched the clip for his audience's entertainment. Nishaan decided what each sound effect would be. The sound effects he created were added to his final production.
Paul explored a different form of energy: Gravitational Energy. Paul presented his findings in a Science Report to his class and he recorded the research in hard copy form for all to read.
Similar to Nishaan, Malaika-Rose completed filmmaking with sound effects. In adding behind the scenes information to her film, Malaika explained that the type of sound effects added have a term called ‘Foley Sounds’. She explained, on film, that this term is given to the reproduction of everyday sound effects when added to films, videos, and other media so as to enhance it (Foley is named after sound-effects artist Jack Foley). Below is a screenshot of Mailaika demonstrating how her sound effect for a train coming along the railway track was created using balloons for the sound of the train wheels travelling over the joins in the track and a recorder for the train’s whistle blowing.
Both Mira and Zara completed individual Passion Projects which they played to their classmates and will do again at the start of Term 2. Both students shared the joy of applying Science and Technology in a real world entertaining manner.
PRIMARY SOCIAL CLUB Analicia Annandale
What do we learn? At the Social Club, our aim is to provide students with the tools they need to build and maintain meaningful friendships. Through play, participants develop essential social skills such as turn-taking, sharing, initiating and engaging in conversations, and problem-solving. These skills are not only valuable in social settings but also in various aspects of life. Beyond imparting essential social skills, the Club fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among its members, laying the foundation for lifelong friendships and positive social connections.
How do we learn? In the Social Club, we recognise the significant role of play in imparting essential social skills. We integrate interactive games and activities into every session, carefully crafted to foster skill development while ensuring an enjoyable and engaging experience. From imaginative role-playing exercises encouraging conversation starters to games promoting problem-solving and teamwork, our approach emphasises hands-on experiences that transform learning into an exciting adventure.
Who attends this club? We run stage-based groups as it is crucial in fostering friendships among students of different ages because they provide a developmentally appropriate environment where children can interact and connect with peers at similar levels of social and emotional maturity. In these groups, students can engage in activities and discussions that are relevant to their age and stage of development, allowing them to build confidence and communication skills while forming meaningful relationships. By grouping students based on their stages, we ensure that they encounter peers who are facing similar challenges and milestones, facilitating empathy, understanding, and a sense of camaraderie.
EASTER BASKETS - WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT? Melanie Woods
Easter at ACC is a big deal. As a Christian School, the story of Jesus dying on a Cross to save all peoples is one we want to share, talk about and celebrate. As a follower of Jesus, we are assured of his resurrection, rising to life, so we can live with him eternally. This message of hope is shared with our kids and the season is filled with songs, stories, eating symbolic food, hot cross buns and easter eggs and creating beautiful artworks and crafts. There are still students greeting each other and Staff, sharing the message ‘He is Risen, He is Risen indeed’. Please enjoy the craft created by our Kinder students.
WONDER - A NOVEL IN GRADE 5 Melanie Woods
Year 5 are studying the novel ‘Wonder’. Wonder is a story about a ten-year-old boy named August Pullman who has facial differences. Because of his medical condition, he was home-schooled through Year 4. Wonder is about August's first year of school as a Year Five student. During Term 1, with their study of this novel, the students have integrated their unit of Literacy and Art. The student’s explored the themes of kindness and friendship. They learnt how we are all unique and made in the image of God. Within their Art component, the students created artworks in the style of the writer and illustrator, RJ Palacio. Please enjoy their creations.
