Read more to hear about our Primary Music Showcase, our Kindy orientations, Swim School reflections, mathematics in 5P, news from Year 5 Camp and a Primary Sport update.
Musical Brilliance takes Centre Stage at the Primary Music Showcase!
Ms Kristin Harris
In a spectacular display of musical prowess, last week students gathered to perform a diverse array of pieces learned in music class, utilising instruments such as the glockenspiel, ukulele, tuned bells, and boomwhackers. The audience, comprised of proud parents and supportive friends, marvelled at the impressive talents exhibited by each student during this unforgettable music showcase. Ms Harris, Mrs Neave and Mrs Thompson are very proud music teachers!
2024 Kindergarten Orientation
Mrs Amy Gruszka & Mrs Melanie Woods
It has been such a delight to welcome our 2024 Kindergarten students on campus for their orientation events this term. The kids have loved joining us to experience a morning in Kindergarten at ACC. We got to sing together, read a book, enjoy crunch and sip, and complete a craft together in the classrooms.
There were many exclamations that were heard throughout the playground after the Orientations as our current Kindy students were so excited to move into Grade 1 next year. We are so proud of our students for the way they visited their 2024 classrooms and enjoyed time with the teachers in the grade above. It was a positive experience and families will find out their 2024 class teacher just before classes resume next year.
2D Swim School Reflections
Miss Lara Dikha
2D often spends time having a picnic lunch with Miss Dikha during eating time throughout the term. As I have sat down with students during this time, I have asked them what they have been enjoying the most this term and I have found many of them have all said the same thing. 2D have unanimously agreed that they have loved learning to swim every week at Richmond Swimming Center.
Please enjoy reading some of 2D’s comments and reflections about Swim School this term.
‘I am getting better at taking off my goggles and swimming by myself!’ - Reyana
‘I like how my teacher encouraged me when I was about to jump into the big pool’ - Idaa
‘I do swim school outside of school but I like it even more when I get to go swimming with school.’ - Sammie
‘I love it when my swim teacher reminds me how to get back up for air while I am swimming’ - Zac
‘My favourite is when I got to jump off the big swimming block’ - Emilie
‘Today my teacher let me go in the deep water and swim 25m’ - Ashika
‘I felt proud because I made 50m’ - Samuel
‘I love how my teacher encourages me to keep going’ - Brianna
‘I am learning how to swim further and further in the water’ - Bonnie
‘I liked when I jumped off the blocks cause it was very fun!’ - Vivaan
‘I feel more confident at swimming further’ - Luke
‘I like that he helps me in the water, when I am sacred and even when I don’t have my googles’ - Aiden
‘I love that they let us go to the deep end and jump off the block!’
‘I went in the deep end and did a cannonball’ - Zion
‘I love that my teacher in very funny and teaches us more’ - Heavenly
‘We get to jump in the pool and go off the big blocks’ - Unuaki
2D are so thankful for the opportunity to learn this vital life-saving skill. Thank you to Mr Parsonage for arranging this amazing time of learning for us all.
Mathematics in 5P
Mrs Shellie Pratt
Welcome back to 5P! Last time, we delved into a writing lesson centered on persuasion and the importance of sharing the reasons for the hope we find in the good news about Jesus. This time, our focus shifts to mathematics.
In recent weeks, the children in 5P have been engrossed in creating intricate drawings using rulers and protractors. Their enthusiasm was evident as they honed their skills in constructing various types of triangles, distinguishing between scalene, equilateral, and isosceles triangles. Moving beyond triangles, the students practiced technical drawing, mastering the art of ruling and measuring specific angles to create precise drawings of 2D shapes. While some found using the protractor challenging initially, with time and practice, they grew confident in placing it correctly and aligning the base for accurate angle measurements.
Over the course of a few lessons, students learned to label angles correctly, using the symbol for degrees. As we delved into geometry and measurement, we couldn't help but draw parallels with the carpentry skills of Jesus. Imagining him exploring angles and perfecting measurements added a unique perspective to our mathematical journey.
Shifting our focus to financial mathematics, the children delved into the practical application of budgeting. Armed with a set amount for a hypothetical birthday party, students faced decisions about furniture, food, beverages, and entertainment. The exercise prompted thoughtful considerations—was the cake more important than the entertainment? Could a better experience be had with a smaller guest list? This unit not only strengthened their mathematical skills but also provided an opportunity to discuss the biblical foundations for money handling, emphasizing that all things come from the Lord.
1 Chronicles 29
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.
The ensuing discussions revealed the heartwarming generosity of our families supporting charities and churches. Some students shared how recent changes in their families' habits, like where they shop or dining at home, reflected shifting priorities. This unit not only enhanced their mathematical understanding but also fostered a sense of stewardship and responsibility.
Our exploration expanded to twenty-four-hour time, different time zones, and the use of world clocks in navigating our journeys around the planet. The children found the concept of time zones fascinating, connecting it with God's incredible plan for days, seasons and years outlined in Genesis Chapter 1. Verses such as Ecclesiastes 3:1 and Proverbs 90:12 were woven into our discussions, emphasizing the significance of time in our lives.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.
Proverbs 90:12
Teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
As 5P delves into mathematics, they are not only acquiring essential life skills but also imbibing values of accuracy in measurement, financial stewardship, and wise time management. As they approach the completion of Year Five, we wish them all the best as they prepare to embark on Year Six, ready to assume leadership roles in our Primary School next year.
Year 5 Camp
Mr Danny Somanader
It's been an adventure-filled time this week on Year 5 Camp! The kids have been having an absolute blast exploring new heights through rock climbing. The determination and courage they've shown while scaling those walls is truly impressive.
Orienteering has been another highlight - watching them use their problem-solving skills and teamwork to navigate the wilderness is incredible. They're mastering the art of map-reading and compass skills like seasoned explorers!
Let's talk about the maze - it's like watching young detectives at work! The sheer joy on their faces as they conquer twists, turns, dead-ends and finally emerge victorious is priceless.
Day 2 was another exhilarating day packed with engaging activities.
Our morning Christian discovery sessions made us all think, offering our students a deeper understanding about what a Christian believes in. It's been heartwarming to see the kids engage in thoughtful discussions and explore their curiosities about faith.
The relaxed lake walks have been a serene escape into nature, allowing the kids to appreciate the beauty around them while discovering the tranquility of their surroundings. The water games on the inflatable pontoon have sparked endless giggles and friendly competition, creating moments of pure joy.
Raft building has been a highlight, fostering teamwork and creativity as the Grade 5's worked together to construct their vessels. Sailing lessons have been both exhilarating and educational, as the kids learned the ropes (quite literally!) of navigating the waters.
Fishing, an adventure in patience and nature appreciation, has allowed them to experience firsthand the thrill of catching a glimpse of life beneath the water's surface.
We're witnessing remarkable growth, camaraderie, and discovery among our Year 5 students - a testament to their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn and explore. Enjoy some of the photos below!
Primary Sport Update
Mr Shawn Parsonage
CSSA Primary Tennis Gala Day
During Week 4, six students from Grade 3-6 competed in the CSSA Tennis Gala Day at Stanhope Tennis Centre. The competition was played in round robin format, with each student playing 6-7 games during the first round, with the top 2 in each group then progressing through to the elimination rounds.
Each one of our representatives applied themselves really well throughout the day. At times, the hot windy conditions certainly made it challenging, but everyone took it in their stride and embraced the challenges as they came along.
A big congratulations to Nathan, Vibhu and Daniel from Year 3 for the determination and enthusiasm they showed throughout the day.
Daniel (Yr5) and Lucas (Yr6) also performed well during their matches, with Lucas narrowly missing out on qualifications for the knockout rounds. Well done boys!
Sophia (Yr5) showed some excellent skills during her round matches and successfully made it through to the knockout stage. In a closely contested match that went all the way to a sudden death tie break, she narrowly missed out on advancing to the semi final. Well done Sophia!
Overall it was a very successful day for ACC and we look forward to seeing how our students perform in 2024.
CSSA Primary 20/20 Knockout Cricket
Earlier this term our Stage 3 boys cricket team competed in the first round of the CSSA Primary 202/20 Cricket Knockout.
The team successfully won both of their matches on the day in convincing fashion and have now qualified for the final of this competition, which will be played against Belmont Christian College, in Gosford on November 5th.
Congratulations to Mr Somanader and his team, and best of luck for your upcoming final next week.
K-6 Swim School Program
Our K-6 students have now completed their 5 week Swim School program. Over the course of the program our students had the opportunity to learn a wide variety of important water safety skills.
It has been particularly pleasing to observe very evident growth in both the confidence and skill many of our students have developed over the course of the program. Following the initial testing week, we have seen numerous students progress up the groups as their swimming proficiency and water awareness has improved.
We are thankful for the expertise of the swim instructors at Richmond Swimming Centre, and the rapport they developed with our students in supporting them during each session.
