Library
Integrity in the Library
This term our PP & Year 1 classes have explored what it means to have integrity. We read, The Cocky Who Cried Dingo, by Yvonne Morrison & Heath McKenzie, which had a wonderfully Australian spin on Aesop’s, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, fable. I was impressed by the number of students who recognised the similarities in the two stories, and even more so by those who could identify the important message they both had to share about telling the truth. We also enjoyed reading, Pig the Fibber, by Aaron Blabey, and were shocked by Pig’s naughtiness, but even more shocked when he blamed poor Trevor for his antics! Students were pleased to see he learnt his lesson (the hard way) about honesty in the end.
During library sessions, we have been able to discuss what it means to show integrity in the library. We can be responsible for returning our books on time, and owning up to our mistakes, for example losing or damaging a book. One of the most common ways to show integrity in the library is when students promise to return their overdue book the next day. This always results in a reminder that because they have promised, and because they have integrity, they must follow through so that their actions match their words.
During National Reconciliation Week, students had a chance to practise more of our school RICE Values, particularly respect and compassion. In all classes we read, Finding Our Heart, by Thomas Mayor. This book opened up some very passionate discussions about the poor treatment of our First Nations people, and we shared lots of ideas on how we can help avoid the mistakes of the past. I was impressed by the knowledge of our country’s history that students shared in all classes. By the end of the book, they were clearly inspired to learn more about our Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander culture and history, and to continue to treat people of all backgrounds with respect & compassion.
It has been a pleasure sharing these values with our students this term, keep up the great work OLA!
Claire Dale
Library Officer
Physical Education
Pre-Primary, Year 1 and Year 2
In Physical Education this term, our junior year levels have been finetuning their fundamental movement skills and exploring new warm up games. We have tested our bodies to leap, roll, balance and run safely so that we can transfer these skills into ball sports later in the year. We have demonstrated integrity in Physical Education through showing honesty in our small sided games that involve tagging and chasing, they all require each student to be honest and accept when they have been caught.
Year 3 and Year 4
This term in Physical Education, we have focused on the introduction of gymnastics and its unique and complex skills. We have become familiar with the use of soft mats to practise different types of body rolls, turns and positions to complement our talents. We discussed the importance of stretching and how to perform moves safely. In each lesson, we demonstrated integrity by having open and honest conversations regarding our group performances, sharing ideas and working together.
Year 5 and Year 6
This term, we have been focusing on two popular sports, AFL and soccer. We have learnt the importance of displaying honesty and good sportsmanship in team games to help our own integrity. We worked on the key skills relative to each sport, practised invasion scenarios and combined our skills to execute a strong level of game play. Displaying integrity in team sports allows us to build on our character and develop strong morals and values as an individual.
Mr Ciaran Allsop
Physical Education Specialist
Science
Pre-Primary Science
In our Pre-Primary Science lessons, based on the Earth and Space strand, we have learnt about the weather and the seasons. We can identify different types of weather associated with each season, and we can draw what we can wear to suit the season. Our RICE value of integrity is shown by how we consistently follow our teacher’s instructions and do our best to complete our group and individual activities to the best of our ability each week in the Curiosity Lab.
Year One Science
In Year One, our Earth and Space Science topic has focused on changes we see in the sky in the day and night. We investigated our school grounds to discover natural and man-made features of the landscape. The RICE value of integrity has been shown during our lessons by our consistently effective teamwork, especially when we made our Natural and Man-Made posters.
Year Two Science
In Year Two, our Earth and Space Science topic has focused on Earth’s resources. We investigated what Earth’s resources are, where they come from and how we use them. We showed our RICE value of integrity by sharing our iPads to find information about where our food comes from. We also worked so effectively to make posters about Farm to Fork.
Year Three Science
In Year Three, our Earth and Space Science topic included discovering facts about the sun, moon and Earth. The students especially enjoyed using torches and marshmallows to show how day and night are formed. They also used three different sized styrofoam spheres to discover why the sun and the moon can appear the same size, but really, they are not. The RICE value of integrity was evident by the wonderful partner and small group work and the problem solving while conducting investigations inside and outside the Curiosity Lab.
Year Four Science
In Year Four, our Earth and Space Science lessons explored what geologists do and how the Earth’s surface is changed by weathering and erosion. The students conducted several experiments, including examining how soils differ, as well as a freeze-thaw weathering investigation. It was amazing to discover rocks can be changed due to freezing! The RICE value of integrity was shown during our lessons, by sharing our predictions and working so collaboratively in our small-group investigations.
Year Five Science
In Year Five, our Earth and Space Science unit focused on the solar system and researching the terrestrial and Jovian planets. The students made posters about the surface and atmosphere of the terrestrial and Jovian planets. Students were also introduced to how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples interpret the sky, the planets, stars and other physical bodies as a confirmation of our place in the universe. The RICE value of integrity was evident in the way we work so diligently in our Science lessons to complete our research or carry out our group work.
Year Six Science
In Year Six, our Earth and Space Science lessons were all about how the Earth and humans are impacted by natural disasters or extreme weather events. Students researched extreme weather events and conducted simple experiments to simulate tectonic plate movements (Mars bar Earthquakes) and volcanic eruptions (tomato sauce and shaving cream lava explosions). A highlight was creating unique ways to show the impact of a cyclone. Students worked so imaginatively in their groups to create written news reports or video news reports about how a cyclone affected the environment and humans. The RICE value of integrity was evident in the way ideas and imagination were used during the investigations and in the creation of the cyclone news reports.
Mrs Colette Meyerkort
Science Specialist Teacher
