Head of Primary

Term 2 Reflection

What a term we have enjoyed together! It has been jam-packed full of learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Students have explored what it means to be fearfully and wonderfully made and there have certainly been some stand out moments.

Our theme scripture from Psalm 139:14 has been a constant source of inspiration to the Primary team.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

As students have focussed on who has created them and their uniqueness, we have celebrated student’s personal strengths through the Visible Wellbeing program. God has gifted each student uniquely and for the purpose of bringing Him glory. Part of this is sharing our gifts and talents with others. Our two music events early in the term, Jazz Night and Autumn Concert, were a beautiful expression of gifts and sharing. We were wowed with what can be achieved when musicians come to play together in unison! As we concludes the term together, Year 6 shared their talents with the younger students through the Market Day. Year 6s have done a marvellous job in working in teams to create a business. They had products that they knew the younger students would love whilst reflecting the strengths of the group.

In highlighting gifts this term, we also celebrated the Year 4-6 Chess Team who took out third place. The Year 5 and 6s took home Premiers in Soccer and Runners-up in Netball and T-Ball in the first round of the winter sports games. Most recently several individuals across Year 3-6 shone in the CSEN Cross Country. Well done to all the students who have contributed so well.

Other highlights this term have included classes coming together to enjoy hands-on maths lessons. Years 1 measured, Year 2s cooked and Year 3 problem-solved all whilst learning that maths is EVERYWHERE and maths is FUN! As a Primary we enjoyed the National Simultaneous Reading event joining in with thousands of other students across the state online to read the same picture story book, Luna Roo, and celebrate a love of reading. Another highlight has been the Primary Swimming Program at Aquanation. All students furthered their water safety and developed confidence with various strokes. We are thankful for these enriching learning experiences.

As we reflect on the term, teachers have been busy releasing feedback pieces and finalising student reports. The hope is that by the end of term, parents will have received several feedback pieces informing them of their child’s progress and fostering learning conversations at home.

I am thankful for God’s sustaining grace and provision for each student, family and staff member. Please join me in praying for a restful break.

Blessings,

Prep News

Community Helpers

The Prep classes have really enjoyed learning about how different people help in our community. We have been blessed to have several parents and another visitor come to share with us.

We have learnt about Pastors, Engineers, Language School Teachers, Dentists, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists, Soccer coaches, Music Teachers and more. We liked learning about the different places people work as well as seeing their uniforms and some of the special tools they use. It was fun asking lots of questions too!

Fire Safety Incursions

As part of our learning about Community Helpers, the Preps and Year 1s had special visits from Fire fighters Matt, Justin, Jamie and Station Officer Matt, who taught us all about Fire Safety. We learned about good and bad fires, calling 000 in an emergency, safe meeting places and how to “Crawl down low and go, go, go”. We also learned about Safe Family Meeting places, smoke detectors and to “stop, drop, cover and roll” if we have fire on us. We loved exploring the “pumper” Fire Engine! We walked through the vehicle and even had a turn spraying the fire hose. Lots of 5-year-olds wanted to be fire fighters and agreed it was the “best day ever”!

Year 1 News

Melbourne Zoo Excursion

Our Zoo excursion earlier this term was a truly special and memorable day, beautifully blessed by God in so many ways. The weather was perfect as we explored the zoo, encountering fascinating animals such as lemurs, tigers and hippos. The highlight of the day was venturing through the magical butterfly house, as well as learning about the incredible lifespan of tortoises. Students also had the opportunity to become young wildlife scientists in the outdoor learning area, where they engaged in hands-on discovery.

Throughout the excursion, students learnt so much about the unique features of animals and how they are specially adapted to thrive in their environments. As our Year 1 students now conclude their 'Homely Habitats' unit, it has been wonderful to see them applying their learning from the Zoo excursion to the presentations they are currently working on.

And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:20 - 21

Year 3 News

Art Excursion to the McClelland Sculpture Park

The Year 3s spent the day at McClelland Sculpture Park exploring art in God's creation. During the bus journey, students used their booklets to spot the various sculptures dotted along the freeway, and they became very excited about this activity! 

Once we arrived, the students participated in a guided tour with an artist, learning about art processes and meaning. The students showed kindness and respect to the gallery staff. There was also a tour with me, where we explored God's perspective on various artworks. During our discussion time, the students shared insightful and profound thoughts.

The second part of the day included playing inside the sculptures and completing observational drawing activities. I am very grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to share art with the students, especially in such good weather. I am also thankful to the Year 3 teachers who supported this big day.

Maths in Action!

Our primary students have been discovering that Maths is everywhere through hands-on learning experiences that combine fun, real-world connections, and problem-solving. Year 3 students explored measurement through P.E. as we measured, recorded and compared distance, time and mass. Our Year 2 students had fun measuring and making jelly then discovering how to share the jelly equally using arrays. Our Year 1 students became Problem Solving Detectives as they learnt to look for the clues and important information within worded questions. They explored different strategies to solve problems and cleverly used their skills to discover who stole the lollies. It has been wonderful to see our students actively engaged, working together, and discovering the joy of learning Maths through hands-on experiences.

Year 4 News

'The Magic Pudding' Drama Excursion

On 15 May, the Year 4 students had the wonderful opportunity to watch the opera The Magic Pudding at The Round. For many students, it was their first experience of live theatrical opera, making it a memorable cultural experience.

History Box Incursion

We also had a History Box Incursion on 6^th May and had an enjoyable and educational time learning about the First Fleet with Barry and Cynda from History Box. Some students dressed up as a governor, marine, Aboriginal man, or convict while we listened to Barry and Cynda's engaging presentation. We then participated in some fun, hands-on activities—decorating love tokens, writing with a quill, grinding herbs, and playing a traditional Aboriginal game called Ngaka Ngaka.

Student Achievement

June Yang (4C) Wins Gold in Artistic Swimming

We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievement of 4C student June Yang at the Oceanic Australian Artistic Swimming Championship held in Sydney last month. June won a gold medal in the U10 Mixed Duet event and also achieved an impressive fourth-place finish in the U12 Team event. These results reflect her dedication, perseverance, and talent in the sport. Congratulations, June, on this wonderful accomplishment—we are proud of all that you have achieved and wish you continued success in your artistic swimming journey.

Year 5 News

Immigration Museum Excursion

On 10 June, as part of the study of Humanities, Year 5 students visited the Melbourne Immigration Museum where the students attended a museum led educational workshop studying Australian Immigration. The students also had a chance to explore the Immigration Museum. After the museum, students visited the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne where they had the opportunity to draw sketches of some unique and interesting plants. Finally, in recognition of Chinese workers who came to Victoria during the Goldrush, the students were rewarded with Yum Cha (Dim Sum) for lunch.

Year 6 News

Market Day

On Tuesday 23 June, our Year 6 students hosted their much-anticipated Market Day, a highlight of their Business unit. Throughout the term, students explored key financial and economic concepts such as profit and loss, budgeting, production processes, marketing, ethical decision-making, and understanding consumer needs and wants.

The day was a fantastic success, showcasing the creativity, teamwork and entrepreneurial spirit of our students. Visitors were treated to an impressive range of products and food items, including 3D fidgets, jewellery, boba tea, spicy noodles, crocheted creations, fairy floss, candy kebabs, lolly bags and many other handmade crafts and treats.

We are thrilled to share that Market Day raised an amazing profit of over $4,100 for the St Andrews Missions Fund. This outstanding result is a testament to the hard work, planning and perseverance demonstrated by our students throughout the project. A special congratulations goes to Abigail, Grace and Kayla, whose stall selling fairy floss, candy kebabs and lolly bags was the most profitable on the day. With an initial investment of $67.36, they made a profit of $583.14, representing an impressive return of 866%.

We would like to thank all the students and staff who visited the stalls and supported the event through their purchases. We are also incredibly grateful to the many parent helpers who generously gave their time to assist on the day. Most importantly, we thank God for providing this opportunity for our students to develop their gifts, serve others and contribute towards the work of the St Andrews Missions Fund.