Read more for an update from 1D on Book Week, 4W on their Lego Challenge, our Primary Family Showcase, Inter-School Sport and how we farewelled Year 12 with a guard of honour!
Book Week with 1D
Valasce Woolley
During Week 5, we were given the wonderful opportunity to celebrate Book Week at ACC. What an exciting event for our students to explore, share and read their favourite books.
Mrs Woods gave the Primary School a creative challenge to decorate each classroom door with our favourite story from the Bible. 1D seized this opportunity with all 46 of their little hands. We had the best time learning about Noah and the great flood. The students were extremely inquisitive and asked in depth questions including, “If God only allowed two dogs onto the ark, why are there so many different breeds of dogs all over the world?” (Benjamin Nguyen). This allowed us to delve deeper into science and biology which allowed us to listen to a video from Mr Ken Ham: the CEO and founder of Answers in Genesis, the creator of The Creation Museum.
Through his teaching and thorough explanation we learnt how God has developed genetics of different breeds of animals, to change over thousands of years in accordance with their environmental influences, diet, weather etc. 1D were so excited about these revelations that they were eager to share it with their families and friends. We are grateful that the Lord has created a school such as ACC Marsden Park where we are free to learn about the God of the Bible. Thank you Lord.
4W and their Lego Challenge
Mrs Melanie Woods
Q: Can a kangaroo jump higher than a tower of LEGO® bricks?
A: Of course! A tower of LEGO bricks can’t jump!
Year 4W have a tradition that occurs at the end of every term - they have a Lego competition. The students of 4W are not allowed to create anything that has a set of steps but must use their creativity and create a STEM creation out of their Lego at home. In the last week they bring their creations which are showcased and each student gets to publicly speak about what they have created and how.
Playing with LEGO and creating from scratch offers numerous benefits for kids. Here are some reasons why kids should engage in this activity:
Creativity and Imagination: LEGO bricks are a versatile medium that allows kids to use their imagination to create anything they can think of. This helps in developing creativity, as children have the freedom to build whatever comes to mind.
Problem-Solving Skills: Building with LEGO involves problem-solving. Kids need to figure out how to make their vision come to life, which often involves trial and error, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.
Patience and Persistence: Building complex structures with LEGO can be challenging. Kids learn the value of patience and persistence as they work through difficulties and setbacks.
Math and Spatial Skills: LEGO involves geometry, spatial awareness, and basic math concepts. Kids naturally learn about concepts like symmetry, balance, and measurement through play.
Self-Esteem and Confidence: Completing a LEGO creation gives kids a sense of accomplishment, boosting their self-esteem and confidence. They can take pride in their creations and develop a sense of mastery.
STEM Learning: LEGO Technic and Mindstorms sets can introduce kids to basic engineering and programming concepts. This can spark an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Building with LEGO can be a relaxing and stress-relieving activity. It can serve as a creative outlet and help kids unwind after a long day.
Parent-Child Bonding: Playing with LEGO can be a great way for parents to bond with their children. It provides an opportunity for quality time together and fosters a supportive, encouraging environment.
In summary, playing with LEGO and creating from scratch is not just a fun activity; it also promotes cognitive, emotional, and social development in children. It nurtures their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and various essential life skills, making it an excellent choice for play and learning. Please enjoy the photos of our creations and the up and coming holidays are a perfect time to get the Lego out and play, play, play.
Term 3 Primary Family Showcase
Today, our teachers, students and parents gathered together to enjoy our Family Showcase Afternoon. This is an opportunity for our families to get into the classroom and enjoy the school experience. Our students are excited to display their bookwork and their skills in different subjects that they learn during the day. Lessons are taught and families get to see how teachers teach and how students learn. Thank you for supporting this event as the classrooms were full of guests and the students' eyes light up as they get to share what they have been working on with their families.
There are many benefits for having parents coming into the classroom for both students and educators. These benefits include, building stronger Teacher-Parent relationships, enabling parents to monitor progress and so parents and teachers can provide feedback. Classroom visits allow parents to gain insight into what their child is learning and how the curriculum is being implemented. This can help parents better understand their child's educational experience.
We love having our parents in our classrooms and look forward to another opportunity soon!
Term 3 Inter-School Sport
Mr Shawn Parsonage
During Term 3, ACC again entered a number of teams into the WSCS (Western Sydney Christian Schools) inter-school sports competition. Our students competed each week against other local Christian schools in Newcombe Ball, Oztag and Girls Soccer. For many of our students this was the first time they have represented the College in these particular sports, and the reports coming back to school each week were fantastic. Not only did we achieve success on the field, but what was even more encouraging to hear was how our students were supportive of their teammates, and played their games with a spirit of enthusiasm and perseverance.
Again this term I received numerous reports from staff members at other schools, commending the behaviour and sportsmanship of our students, which is a great testament to the amazing things we are doing here at ACC. Well done everyone!
Primary Swim School Program
Mr Shawn Parsonage
Looking ahead to Term 4, all of our K-6 students will be participating in a Swim School program during Week 1-5, as part of their PDHPE program.
Water safety and confidence in and around water is an extremely important life skill, and our students will have an excellent opportunity to develop their skills and confidence in this area, under the expert guidance of swim instructors at Richmond Swimming Centre.
Farewell to Year 12 with a Guard of Honour
Mrs Melanie Woods
All classes from Kindergarten to Year 6 have enjoyed a 'buddy; Year 12 student or two over the last term. We have been thrilled to have our Year 12 students come into our classrooms so we can encourage, bless and pray over them as they prepare for their Higher School Certificate Exams.
The Year 12’s spent time talking with our classes, sharing what subjects they were studying and what they specifically wanted us to pray for. As a final act of love and farewell, all our students in Primary were eagerly waiting for our Year 12 students to exit after their Graduation Ceremony this week. The students made a 'guard of honour', waving blue ribbons and loudly cheering with excitement and joy as they ran through the arch created by our students. The primary kids loved to farewell their buddies and we pray that they embrace the exciting future our Heavenly Father has waiting for them.
