HASS

Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) Pre-Primary

This term during HaSS, we have been learning that past events or commemorations are an important part of our history. We commemorated ANZAC Day and showed integrity by listening attentively, discussing the story of ANZAC Ted and working on our soldier activity. We have also made links to our past through viewing photographs of a variety of objects found in a historical museum.

Mrs Tina Ravi
HaSS Specialist Teacher (Pre-Primary)

Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) Years 1-6

In Year 1, we have been exploring the differences and similarities between students’ daily lives and life during their parents and grandparent’s childhood. We have discussed the types of toys we play with and what our grandparents played with. We were interested to learn that most toys from long ago were often handmade and made of wood, wool, fabric or metal. Few toys used batteries or were rechargeable. Students displayed integrity by sharing their ideas.

In Year 2, we have been learning about the impact of changing technology on people’s lives. We enjoyed observing what kitchens looked like in the past and the changes that have come about due to the introduction of electricity and heating. Students showed integrity by helping one another to complete the set task.

In Year 3, we have been investigating the historical origins and significance of celebrations and commemorations in other places around the world. We have explored the similarities between Chinese New Year and Western New Year. Students displayed integrity by displaying respect for traditions from other cultures.

In Year 4, we have been learning about the arrival of the First Fleet in Australia.  We investigated the reasons for the journey, treatment of convicts, daily life and social order. Students took on the role of a convict and wrote a diary entry of their experiences. Students showed integrity in their honest reflection on the task.

In Year 5, we have been learning about the Swan River Settlement. We have learnt about the life of Moondyne Joe and his contribution to early Australian convict history and life in the Swan River colony. Students displayed integrity as they reflected on the most significant events in his life.

In Year 6, we have been learning about Australia’s democracy and citizenship. We discussed the lack of citizenship rights for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. This led to the topic of The Stolen Generation. Students wrote persuasive texts emphasising issues discussed about Aboriginal rights. Students showed integrity by engaging with Australia’s uncomfortable truth.

Mrs Luisa Durkin
HaSS Specialist Teacher Years 1-6

Italian

During our Italian lessons this term, we have continued to learn how to describe and to share information about ourselves, with a focus on displaying our RICE values. Children demonstrated the value of integrity when making good choices with their listening and when completing their activities. In Junior Primary, we have learnt how to describe ourselves and how to talk about things that we like and dislike. In Upper Primary, have learnt how to talk about our day, about our house and our favourite sports and free time activities. Students have shared the value of integrity, while working in pairs or in small groups to help each other to understand new topics and when playing their favourite game, Kahoot, at the end of our Italian lessons.

Paola Pizzo
Italian Specialist Teacher

Music

Term 2 has been such a busy term for our Music lessons. Our Year 4s made their First Holy Communion, and our Years 3-6 students learnt the hymns so we could sing in the choir loft to help make the Eucharist celebrations special. We are very grateful to all the students who participated, especially Jessica, Zoe and Mia, who all attended and sang at two ceremonies.

Our 72-strong choir continues to rehearse every Friday morning, and we look forward to hearing them sing at the Week 7 Music Assembly. Our students will also demonstrate their skills on a range of instruments, including ukuleles, recorders, chimes and boomwhackers.

Our classes have also furthered their music note reading skills this term, and in the assessments currently underway, they are clearly demonstrating their achievement and excellence. In both the written assessments and the rehearsal opportunities, the students have ample opportunity to demonstrate their integrity in their commitment to their learning, as well as in their instrumental and written assessments. Well done, OLA students!

Mary McAuliffe
Music Specialist Teacher