Dear Parent, Guardians and Carers,

This week our Grade 5/6 students participated in a Leadership Day with Emily From the YMCA in which they covered 4 modules; Identity; Attitude and Mindset; Teamwork; and Social Awareness and Fairness.

In the ‘Identity’ module, the students explored how identity is formed and why it’s important to respect and appreciate their own and others’ individual, social and cultural differences.

Throughout the ‘Attitude and Mindset’ module, the students discovered how their emotions and attitudes impact on their behaviour, and how to develop a growth mindset to increase their persistence and confidence.

The ‘Teamwork’ module supported the students to identify the skills and attitudes required for effective team work by participating in a series of engaging games that encourage self-reflection.

The ‘Social Awareness and Fairness’ module saw students learn how stereotyping and discrimination negatively impacts individuals and society. They also reflected on causes of conflict and developed strategies to approach and respond effectively to this.

The Grade 5/6 students were deeply engaged throughout the day and thoroughly enjoyed learning new things and working with their peers to deepen their understanding of leadership.

Below are some of the students comments about the day:

 

On Wednesday, 25th of July a lady named Emily came to our school and taught the years 5/6’s about how to be amazing leaders of the school. I loved when we did this stereotype deserted island game. I loved the game because it was teaching us about how to not be mean and judge other people without knowing anything about them. (Paige Fischer)

 

My favourite thing that Emily from the YMCA taught us was how to work with a team. Working with a team is something I struggle with and Emily made it so much easier for me. This is why my favourite part of yesterday was when we made the puzzles where we had to work as a team to make the puzzle. (Matilda Dower)

 

Emily from the YMCA taught us about Leadership Day. An activity I enjoyed doing was figuring out who you really are, and how different you are from people. We made chatterboxes and a drawing of our imaginary friend on a piece of paper. I enjoyed it because you get to have fun and learn something new. (Alicia Cable)

 

On Wednesday week 3 term 3 the 26th of July Emily from the YMCA came and taught us about getting along and being friends and did some activities like making chatterboxes.  We went around the classroom to fill out questions then go around and pick up what people wrote to make a buddy. Mine was Mario, he likes playing  basketball we also had to work with everyone like team work but sometimes they were a bit noisy, but she taught us to keep growing, have a great and focused mind set. I loved it because I got to hear everyone’s opinions any way it was epic. (Jenson Kerton)

 

On Wednesday Emily from the YMCA came to our school to do a leadership day with the 5/6 classes, one of my favorite activities that we did was when we were learning about stereotypes and had to pick who you would want to take on a deserted island. I liked it because we got to hear everyone’s opinions and reasons for why the picked who they did and it was just overall really fun. (Zoe Rowley)

 

Parent/teacher Interviews and PSG Meetings

Parent/Teacher Interviews and PSG meetings have been held over the past two weeks. These interviews/meetings are an opportunity for the teachers to provide further insights into the students’ school reports and experience at St Patrick’s. It also provides an opportunity for parents to share any updates on their child. It was pleasing to see so many parents attend the meetings and continue deepening the school and home partnership, which is so important in achieving student outcomes.

Athletics Training

Over the past three weeks, athletics coach Denis Huffer has visited St Patrick’s and worked with the Grade 2-6 students. He has supported the students to develop their running, jumping and throwing skills, with a focus on the specific athletic events. Denis is passionate about athletics and has a wealth of knowledge which ensured the students learnt a lot.

Our St Patrick’s athletics carnival will be held next Thursday, 3^rd August.

There will be a sausage sizzle and drinks available at the Athletics Carnival. If students and parents are wanting a sausage or two and a drink, please purchase the BBQ Lunch via CDF for $5.

Upcoming Events  

In the coming weeks we have a number of special events planned. As mentioned earlier, we have our athletics carnival next week; today and next Friday we have the Grade 5/6 and Grade 3/4 Hooptime basketball events; we have school photos on Monday 31^st July; the Foundation students 100 Days of School is coming up; and we have Book Week and the Book Week Parade in late August. I’m sure that the students will be looking forward to these events, just as we are.

 

In Term Three, Foundation to Year Two children started to investigate construction of buildings. Our first session included playing Jenga with wooden blocks and co-operating with a partner. We then explored what worked best when attempting to build the tallest tower. The children discovered that having a steady hand while adding materials really helps and taking extra care with the foundations was important.  During our next session children working in small groups were given time to explore specific construction materials before creating a design for a house. Next they will talk and negotiate to decide whose design they will follow when building their team house that must meet set design criteria.

I am really looking forward to seeing groups gain valuable experiences in collaboration to construct their house and learn from each other. Children are encouraged to keep building with construction materials at home or revisit the game of Jenga.

Mrs Kuizenga