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At the end of last week, I was in Sydney at the State Catholic School Principal's Conference in Sydney. There were so many excellent keynote speakers but one of my favourites was Dr Pasi Sahlberg, a Finnish educator, author and scholar who moved to Australia this year to work within the Gonski Institute at the University of NSW. He spoke about his research and the importance of equity in education to achieve excellence. I came away with a stack of food for thought and will be reflecting on my learning and looking for opportunities to build on the great work we already do at Holy Name School. This fortnight's newsletter includes some information about our alternate playground spaces, some recent sporting successes and our extra-curricular options including the Life Education Van visit and our garden program.
At Holy Name School we value the importance of students being able to play, have a movement break and socialise during lunch times. There are always teachers and learning support staff rostered on during both of the 40-minute lunch breaks to supervise and to assist students experiencing a social difficulty, apply a band-aid or be around for a quiet chat.
Every lunch there are alternate play options provided so that students have choices. Some students opt to play traditional sport, soccer, cricket, basketball, handball or netball. In the Learning Hub with Mrs Arrow and Mrs Harris three times a week there are craft options, Lego, construction tables and always a quiet space to read a book. Mrs Loring hosts Coding Club in the Learning Hub a couple of times a week. Mrs Nichols our Pastoral Care Worker sets up a variety of craft activities and chess boards on the picnic tables and her Mini Vinnies team organise regular discos. On the Infants playground, students are drawn to the creative play area that is home to a beautiful wooden kitchen, boat and stage for spontaneous dramatic productions! Here, students can engage in imaginative play and there is a constant stream of animated chatter coming from this space. A wonderful opportunity to develop social skills and conversation language. On the Infants playground, children will find dinosaurs, cars and a fairy garden set up in an imaginative space.
Both playgrounds have climbing equipment for those who want to use their gross motor skills, stretch their bodies and use up some excess energy. Lastly, there is our beautiful SAKG which is home to the resident chooks who love a visit from students during the lunch break. Students who are looking for a quiet place to sit and chat or to be busy with a gardening task come here. Mrs Banham hosts art lessons a couple of times a week outside our kitchen classroom. Students flock there at every opportunity they get!
Ask your child about their lunch break at school, you might be surprised just what they get up to each day!
Lexi Hudson and Kalani Ryan have been in Lismore this week competing in the Polding Girls soccer Team. The Polding Team played in the State competition at Southern Cross Uni. This is a wonderful achievement by these 2 young sports women – Well Done Girls!
Our School Athletics carnival was held today. Results and pics in the Week 6 Newsletter
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
Stage 2 are enjoying their lessons in our magnificent Kitchen Garden space this term. This fortnight they have created and Egyptian feast including Sunbread, Tahini Paste, Falafels, a cool lemon and mint drink and an Egyptian inspired omelette.
A huge Thank You to the families who attended our Garden Working Bee on Monday afternoon. The garden looks great and it is always easier to get jobs done when you add a bit of fun and friendship.
Over the past week, students in K-6 have had their session in the Life Education Van. This visit occurs every two years and the lessons in the van support the Teaching and Learning experiences for the students in their Physical Development, Health and Physical Education lessons.
The topics covered were:
Kinder My Body Matters
Year 1 Safety Rules
Year 2 Growing Good Friends
Year 3 All Systems Go
Year 4 Mind Your Medicine
Year 5 Decisions
Year 6 Decisions