Storytime Fun

On Wednesday 25 May at 11:00am, Junior School students participated in National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) by reading Josh Pyke’s picture story book, “Family Tree”.

This event is held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA).

Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in schools, libraries, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. It is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that uses an Australian children's book that addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.

NSS aims to:

• promote the value of reading and literacy
• promote the value and fun of books
• promote an Australian writer and publisher
• promote storytime activities in libraries and communities around the country
• provide opportunities to involve parents, grandparents, the media and others to participate in and enjoy the occasion

Our students thoroughly enjoyed the experiences and I’d like to thank Ms Mepstead for introducing Casey Grammar to this wonderful event. I know that our 3B students were excited to have our Principal, Mrs Fiona Williams, visit their room to read them the story.

Celebrating National Reconciliation Week

Last week we celebrated a very important event: National Reconciliation Week (NRW). It was an opportunity for everyone to reflect on our journey so far and learn more about our shared history in Australia.

Each year, Reconciliation Australia chooses a new theme to celebrate NRW. The 2022 theme was ‘Be Brave, Make Change’ which challenged us all to ‘Be Brave’ and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can ‘Make Change’ for the benefit of all Australians.

The week of celebration included Casual Clothes Day to raise money for Indigenous charities, a colouring competition using artwork created by talented First Nations artists, and the purchase and wearing of wristbands featuring First Nations artwork.

We also participated in classroom activities and a wonderful incursion with Indigenous musician, Ganga Gigi. Along with playing his digeridoo for us, Ganga introduced simple rhythm patterns using body percussion and clap sticks. He also spoke about connection to land.

Thanks to Ms Mepstead for organising this incursion. We are extremely grateful to our wonderful Chaplain, Mrs Riviere-Pendle, who prepared almost everything else for us before commencing her Maternity leave. We wish Monique, her husband and son all the very best with the upcoming arrival of their much-anticipated baby.

Moonlit Sanctuary Excursion

Our Year 2 excursion to Moonlit Sanctuary was unfortunately postponed due to severe weather. Rest assured that our Year 2 teachers will endeavour to rebook this wonderful experience as soon as possible. Our Divisional Cross-Country event was also postponed that day, but went ahead on Friday. Congratulations runners on your great results: Zara, Kobi, Alarice, Jake, Akam and Bella.

Winter Concert

It was an absolute pleasure to attend our Winter Concert last week. Having not had a concert for two years due to Covid restrictions, it was a joy to see our students shine once again on the big stage. The concert certainly wouldn’t have happened without the assistance of a huge team of staff. Thank you to Mrs Kyne, Mr Collidge, Mrs Seal, all our talented instrumental teachers, our Year 3, 4 and 6 teachers and Mr Hall! Your efforts certainly ensured our students performed incredibly well and with such confidence.

Congratulations to all performers and thanks to our ever-supportive parents. My hope is that you enjoyed the event as much as I did.

Parking

I’d like to thank the parents who, in the interests of safety for all students, use the car park correctly. It is imperative that cars drive slowly when entering both the Performing Arts Centre and stadium car parks, and along New Holland Drive.

In addition to driving safely, it is equally important to obey our parking rules. Please do not double park when dropping off or picking up your children in the car parks. The safety of our students is our number one priority and these rules are in place to keep your children safe.

Stay safe and well

Melissa Roberton

Head of Junior School

National Simultaneous Storytime

The Junior School participated in the 22nd National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS).

This year’s book was Family Tree written by Josh Pike and illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh. It is a heartfelt celebration of family, community, and the seasons of life.

The students in 3B were excited to have our Principal, Mrs Fiona Williams read the story to them. Stanley Z has shared a recount below.

Mrs Williams came to our classroom to read a story. The name of the story was Family Tree by Josh Pyke. At 11:00 it was Simultaneous Story Time, and children all over Australia and New Zealand were listening to the same story at the same time. My favourite part of the story was when the girl moved to her own house. After Mrs Williams read the story, we made our own family tree.

Amy Mepstead

Head of Trist House - Junior School

Hatching New Experiences

What a wonderful time we have had in Foundation over the past few weeks. Our Unit of Inquiry has seen us exploring the features and characteristics of living things through a range of highly engaging and hands-on learning experiences.

Last week, we welcomed our Henny Penny Hatching kits, where each class was able to watch eggs hatch, then see the chicks grow right before their eyes! It was a joy to see the students’ sense of wonder and watch them develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for living things.

It was a great catalyst for thinking scientifically and developing student questions and ‘wonderings’. Students enjoyed thinking like scientists, making observations and drawing conclusions from what they saw and experienced. We also used the experience to develop skills and understanding across other learning areas, such as Maths and Literacy.

As part of our Inquiry, we then planted our own seeds and watched them grow, helping students to understand that living things behave in different ways and have different needs to survive.

It has been wonderful seeing students’ excitement through these rich and memorable learning experiences.

Vanessa Hodgkiss

Foundation Classroom Teacher

Head of Early Years

Reconciliation Week

The Junior School enjoyed having Ganga Giri entertain them with his didgeridoo performance and workshops. Ganga is a renowned didgeridoo artist that taught everyone about how the didgeridoo is made and how to play it. During the workshops the children listened and danced along to the different sounds of the didgeridoo. It was a wonderful way to be immersed in Aboriginal culture during Reconciliation Week.

Year 3’s & 6 were also privileged to have a visit from an Aboriginal Elder, Ian Hunt. The students were welcomed to country with a smoking ceremony and learnt about the land on which we are on.

Amy Mepstead

Head of Trist House - Junior School

Divisional Cross Country

Last week, six students from Years 3-6 travelled to Pakenham to compete in the Divisional Cross Country competition after their impressive performances at the earlier district event.

The students who participated were:

Isabella S – Year 5

Akam S – Year 6

Kobi M – Year 5

Jacob D – Year 5

Alarice M – Year 6

Zara M – Year 3

Of these six students, five finished inside the top 10 and will now progress to Regional Cross Country in Hastings on 15 June.

Alarice M – 2^nd Place

Jacob D – 6^th Place

Kobi M – 9^th Place

Zara M – 9^th Place

Akam S – 10^th Place

Congratulations to these students on such an incredible achievement. You have done yourselves and Casey Grammar proud! Wishing you the best of luck at the next level.

Jeff Batey
Physical Education Teacher