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Contributor Learning Asset
One of our six Learning Assets is to be a CONTRIBUTOR.
Since introducing the Learning Assets, students have shown their own initiative in finding ways to contribute to our school culture and the wider community. This year we have had several students from Grades 5-6 write me letters or come and see me about organising clubs for younger students over lunch times. These have included T-ball and basketball skills, drama club and knitting club. The students do all the organising, sourcing the equipment, advertising and co-ordinating a teacher to supervise.
It is wonderful to observe the Grade 5 and 6 students demonstrating their leadership and communication skills, plus helping to make our school a special place. The younger students are always eager to participate and learn from their older peers.
Finger Knitting Club – Mia and friends - I wanted to give kids more lunch time activities and I like finger knitting so I thought it would be good to do. I like seeing all the kids come and learn.
T-Ball – Isla, Pippa and Olivia – We enjoy playing T-ball and wanted other kids to have the experience. It is great getting to know different kids and they look up to you. It is funny when they forget things.
Drama Club – Seiarah, Shiloh, Olivia, Tikana and Lexi – It is fun doing drama and the younger kids don’t really do it so we wanted them to enjoy it too. We love teaching the kids, watching them have fun and seeing how differently they do things.
Basketball – Ever and Ella – We enjoy working with little kids and we love basketball. We thought it would be great to teach the little kids. It is great knowing that they are having fun and it is good to see their skills.
Grade Six Newsletter Editors
Netball by Annika
Netball is one of the most popular sports here at Somerset Primary and it is going very well this season. There are two teams for netball and two for netta, there is a blue and pink team. Today we interviewed some of the players to see how they feel about the season so far.
Halle- ‘I think the season is going well. We have 10 players on our team. I am on the team S.P.S Blue and I really enjoy it. I play GK, GS and WA.’
Charlee- Rae – ‘I like it, but I don’t like how there isn’t much training. I am on S.P.S Pink and I do like the game, and I really like my teammates. I play WA, WD but I don’t enjoy it all that much’
Mia – ‘I am on S.P.S Pink and I am really obsessed with netball. I sort of like the Saturday games, I love the Wednesday games and the carnivals. I am planning on playing next season. I play GA, GS, GD and WD’
Burnie High Transition by Mason
Grades Sixes are getting ready for all the exciting things this year and one of them is transition to Burnie High. We started doing a survey on the computers then some people from Burnie High visited us at Somerset Primary. They explained the different subjects and what to do in different classes. On Monday 6th June we went to Burnie High to see what it’s all about.
After our visit we interviewed some students to see what the experience was like for them
- Mace- I was happy to be there since I have been there a couple times and I loved the basketball courts. I was a bit bored, nervous and excited at the same time.
- Mia- Nervous but a little excited, I felt like I was going to throw up. I was happy with the group but overwhelmed and exited. I wasn’t that nervous at the end. I liked MDT, drama, library and netball awards.
- Chad- I was nervous and surprised. I’m really looking forward to going there next year. I liked the experience, but the woodwork and metal work was amazing. I was nervous but happy. Overall, a good experience and everyone is nice and can’t wait to meet everyone.
- Chase- I want to go to Burnie High as soon as possible. Honestly, I thought it was fun and I really enjoyed it. I want to go there; the cooking was pretty good I think I’ll do that as one of my subjects and exploring Burnie high was nice.
The Grade Sixes’ fun isn’t over yet as the PCYC is coming up with exciting challenges and mind-bending obstacles.
NW Cross Country by Bailey
On Wednesday some of our students went to Ulverstone Park to compete in the North West Cross Country. We initially did the trials to see who was the fastest and most capable for the cross country. Then once we got our team we were ready to go to the Ulverstone Dinosaur Park. The students that went did a great job. We interviewed some students and here’s what they said.
Miller: He felt as if there was pressure on him because everyone expected him to win. He was nervous before the race. He knew a few people from different schools. He was happy with what he accomplished. He was exhausted once he was done and he was happy that he came first.
Tahlia: Felt a bit nervous, scared and happy that she was going and missing out on school. She knew people from other schools and she was happy to see them. Tahlia was happy with the place she came and she felt as if she had done a good job. She felt puffed and happy once she was done.
Nash: Before the cross country he was confident and excited. He knew a few people from other schools. He was happy with the position he came. He was expecting to get around 70th or 60th, he was a little bit sad but not too sad. He was relieved it was over and he was tired once it was over.
Congratulations to Toby and Miller for placing 1st in the Grade 4 and Grade 6 events.
Whole School Writing Seed – Stories in a Box
A few weeks ago, teachers presented their classes with a collection of objects in a box. Students spent time thinking about what was in the box, what connections they could make, what stories the objects could tell, what writing could they do. Having an audience in mind and a purpose for writing is important. Students were encouraged to create a variety of texts and go through the whole writing process to get their work ready for publication and sharing with our school community.
The resulting creativity is on display in classroom windows for you to enjoy. The display will be up until after parent teacher discussions so there is plenty of time to have a look at the fabulous writing.
Parent Teacher discussion bookings
A reminder to jump online and book your parent teacher discussion here https://somersetps.schoolzineplus.com/view-session/5 alternatively please phone 6435 1114 and one of our friendly office staff will make the booking for you. Tomorrow is your last chance to book via the app or online.
Whole School Writing Seed – Stories in a Box
A few weeks ago, teachers presented their classes with a collection of objects in a box. Students spent time thinking about what was in the box, what connections they could make, what stories the objects could tell, what writing could they do. Having an audience in mind and a purpose for writing is important. Students were encouraged to create a variety of texts and go through the whole writing process to get their work ready for publication and sharing with our school community.
The resulting creativity is on display in classroom windows for you to enjoy. The display will be up until after parent teacher discussions so there is plenty of time to have a look at the fabulous writing.
Thank you to the parents and carers that used our drop off/pick up area well. We really appreciate your support and care.
A couple of reminders:
People reversing out of the car parks at the end of the day are causing some congestion by holding up traffic flow. To assist with this could you please be mindful of the following:
- Moving traffic has the right of way. We understand you may want to stop and let people in, however, please don’t as this causes traffic build up.
- If you are attempting to reverse out of parking spaces please wait and be patient until the flow of traffic has cleared
- If possible reverse into the straight parking spaces. This does not apply to the angled parking at the western end of the car park. If the flow of traffic eases – you can then simply move out, rather than cause congestion as you reverse.
Safety reminders at pick up and drop off times:
- Parking or standing in the pick-up/drop-off zone (to the east of the office area) is not permitted between 8:45-9:15 and 2:45-3:15. Drivers are to stay in their car with the motor running.
- Move your car to the front of the line to allow other cars access into the area.
- Try another lap or find a park in a designated area if your child is late to the pick-up zone
- Avoid double parking in the pick-up area as it becomes very dangerous when students attempt to walk between the cars.
- Delay pick up until after 3:05pm as teachers do not dismiss students until 3:00pm. It may be best to alter your family’s pick up time to 3:10 as this allows your child time to move to the pick-up area (and avoid the rush).
We appreciate your support and extra care within our car parks as we make this a safer place before and after school.
How Cool Is Coding??
Ever thought about the benefits of coding for kids apart from the fact that it is one of the most essential 21st-century skills?
Coding enables children to become independent citizens in a world where technology is everywhere. Learning to code helps students better understand one aspect of the digital world in which we live and, in some ways, become better prepared for it. The objective behind learning to code is no longer restricted to becoming a skilled coder and meeting the job market’s needs. It enables children to progress in all aspects of life.
The benefits of coding can be surprisingly wide-ranging. When it comes to preparing your kids for the future from an early age, coding opens the door to plenty of opportunities to acquire life skills and explore career opportunities.
This term in Digital Technologies we have had a focus on coding, mainly block code.
We have been using different programs throughout the school, they are Scratch Jr, Scratch and Python.
This has been important as it will help the children understand basic coding for our third term robotics program, as this will help them use the code to operate the robots.
We also run a school Code Club on Tuesday and Thursday lunch time for all the children who enjoy this part of our whole school program.
So, what is coding?
A code is a set of instructions. Coding is when we give computer commands or instructions in a programming language to get the computer to do what we want it to.
Coding is becoming an increasingly in-demand skill, and teaching children in primary school the basics of coding has become an essential component of the Australian Curriculum.
- Coding nurtures creativity
- Coding makes maths more fun and engaging
- Coding develops problem – solving skills
The ability to code gives a new perspective to problem-solving. From beginners to professionals, anyone will tell you that writing codes can get quite challenging. Through coding, children learn to quickly fix and try again in different ways when something doesn’t work out. Coding also equips kids with the ability to stick with a problem and work on finding a solution. This problem-solving technique is transferable to a lot of other fields.
- Coding enables computational thinking
- Coding promotes learning by doing
Thanks
Mr Mullins
We are loving Grade 2! We have been learning so many new and exciting things!
This term in our inquiry lessons, we are learning about innovation in schools. Did you know that in the past, students used brown paper bags as their lunchboxes?! They also used a quill and ink to write with. Oh, and they didn’t have the internet, so they had to use something called an encyclopedia to find out information…. which was often outdated! We even interviewed Miss Burgess’ nan, as researchers, to find out more information. At her school in the 1950’s, they only had one long drop toilet, no toys and they only had one swing to play with during recess and lunch times. Check out our learning journey so far!
Miss Ross has also been working in our classroom and helping us with our word inquiries. We know that spelling words correctly is really important as effective communicators. We have been looking at the /k/ phoneme and when to write the <k>, <c> or <ck> grapheme to represent the sound. Our hypothesis is ‘usually we put a <k> if the next letter is <e> or <i>’. Here we are practising!
We’re also lucky enough to have Mr Percy working in our class for a couple of weeks. He has been teaching us all about 2D and 3D shapes, as well as how shapes can flip, slide and turn. We have been doing lots of hands-on tasks in small groups as collaborators. Look at us working together and helping each other!
We are also in the process of writing our very own fairy tales. We know that fairy tales need a beginning, middle and end; in the beginning, we introduce our characters and setting; in the middle, we introduce the problem; and in the end we solve the problem. Check out some of our amazing fairy tale characters and settings!
Some Pod 2 crew received Values Certificates for their high expectations and hard work. We’re very proud of their efforts to work hard, receive and act on feedback, and to always try their best. Congratulations.
A couple of weeks ago Mrs Pearce put some information in the newsletter about Inquiry learning at Somerset Primary School.
In Prep this term children have been exploring the concept of Innovation. Mrs Hyland’s class have been extremely innovative with their creations. Miss Millers class have been planning their innovations.
In Kinder children are constantly inquiring about their environment and experiences that teachers have provided for them.
A friendly reminder to parents and carers that school uniform is important. Many students are wearing alternate jackets to the school jackets. These are not part of the uniform. Students may add alternate jackets over their uniform at recess and lunch but they will be required to remove them for the classroom. Beanies and gloves will need to be removed in the classroom as well, however, may be put on for recess and lunch as a way to keep warm. Thanks for your support as parents to help this happen.
Also please ensure your childrens uniform is named, so that it may be returned to them as quickly as possible. We have had a lot of jackets in particular that have been taken home accidentaly, due to either not being named or correctly named (ie bought second hand and not renamed to the new owner) or just accidentaly picked up. If you could please have a quick check of your childs jacket to ensure they have the right name it would be greatly appreciated.
TERM 2 – 2 May – Fri 8 July |
|
20-23 June |
Parent/Teacher meetings and reports given out |
4-8 July |
NAIDOC Week |
TERM 3 – Tue 26 July – Thurs 29 Sept |
|
25 July |
Professional Learning Day (student free day) |
17 Aug |
Book Week dress up |
20-26 Aug |
Book Week |
22 Aug – 2 Sept |
Primary Swimming (3-6) |
TBC |
Student progress communication |
21 Sept |
Cross Country |
TBC |
Back up Cross Country |
30 Sep (Fri) |
Burnie Show Day |
TERM 4 – Mon 17 Oct – Wed 21 Dec |
|
TBC |
Athletic Carnival |
TBC |
NW Athletic Carnival |
26-28 Oct |
Grade 6 Camp |
31 Oct – 3 Nov |
Art Expo Week |
4 Nov |
Professional Learning Day (student free day) |
8 Nov |
Maths Relay (SPS) |
14-19 Nov |
ECE Swimming (P-2) |
TBC |
Triathlon |
14 Dec |
Whole School Celebration Assembly |
15-16 Dec |
Christmas Roast |
15 Dec |
Reports Home |
15 Dec |
Transition Afternoon 2023 classes |
19 Dec |
Grade 6 Leavers Assembly 1pm |
20 Dec |
Grade 6 Leavers dinner |
21 Dec |
BIG DAY IN (Students last day) |
22 Dec |
Staff last day |