Message from the Communications Working Party

Here is a message from the Communications Working Party:

Effective communication between primary schools and families has been shown to play a critical role in the achievement levels of students. The Princes Hill Primary School communications working party are developing an improved communication strategy for the school. The strategy is based around the principles of improved approachability, stronger family engagement, enhanced learning outcomes, and greater student involvement.

The Year 2 blog has been modified along the lines of these discussions and all parents and students are encouraged to explore the site and provide feedback on this format and any of the other forms of communication they receive from PHPS.

If you have some ideas about what we can do better as a school in communicating, talk to us.Please send your comments to akealy@unimelb.edu.au or if you would like to discuss this further contact Allison Kealy on 0413 012 177.

Year 3/4 Science Fair!

On Monday 28th of October parents are invited to visit the neighbourhoods to explore aspects of our Science Inquiry with the students in both 3/4 neighbourhoods. The students have been investigating how a variety of scientific discoveries around energy have made an impact on our lives. As well as a strong science focus, our inquiry has also focused on collaboration and teamwork.

The students have been placed into groups by the teachers and these groups are different from the grouping that the students would choose for themselves. These groupings have been an authentic way for us to explore how we work together and plan to achieve goals.

The neighbourhoods will be open between 12.30 and 2.00pm.

This won’t be a science fair in the traditional sense, there won’t be any prizes or competition, we will be focusing on discussing scientific discoveries and how we work together.

This community event will be a great way to draw our inquiry to a close and the day will be documented through film and posted on the blog for those who are unable to make it.

Hope to see you there!

Ballarat Camp 2013

I'm sure you have heard by now, all the exciting things we got up to during our camp to Ballarat this year. During week 1 this term, students have been reflecting on their experiences through writing, videos and drawings. We are posting here a selection of photos we took during the camp but you will also find some photos and reflections displayed in our neighbourhoods very soon.

You can enlarge the photos by clicking on them!

Lunch break during the Ballarat City Tour.

Flag making at M.A.D.E.

The Eureka Flag at M.A.D.E.

A group shot at Sovereign Hill

Talking to a Police Man.

Musket firing demonstration at Sovereign Hill.

Gold Panning.

Education Program at Sovereign Hill.

The Education Program. Students had to find 'gold' and trade for money to buy licences.

During the Education Program.

Gold pouring demonstration.

At the Ballarat Wildlife Centre.