Camp Information Week 6 Term 3

Hello everyone,
Camp notices have been handed out Wednesday this week.

You will notice that the return date is the 22nd of August which is an error. The date of expected return in the 28th of August (Thursday of next week; Week 7).

There will be more and more information in the coming weeks regarding the camp program, what to bring and accommodation details.

Selected parent supervisory volunteers are also being notified this week.

Please keep an eye on the 3/4 blog for updates and information.

If you have any questions please come and see your neighbourhood teachers.

Thanks,
Nic and Tomo
Camp Coordinators

Book Talk

Could you help...?

A big thank you to all parents who have continued coming to Book Talk, or who have been able to join us for the first time this term.  We really appreciate the time and effort you put in each week.

Book Talk was on Wednesdays, and in case you hadn't caught up with the news, it is now on Mondays, due to chess starting this term in the old Book Talk timeslot.  With the switch to Monday Book Talk (9 am), we are finding that a few parents are no longer able to come, and on balance, neighbourhood one in particular would be greatly assisted by any new parents who would like to volunteer. Perhaps you  have time on Monday morning, and could come in to read with a group of children?  The focus is on bringing a book, or finding a book from our collection, to read to the students, discussing features of the text and sharing responses to it as you go.

If you would like to join us, please just turn up on Monday at 9.10!  Alternatively, you can find out more about it by speaking with one of the teachers.

Book Week

As part of Book Week the students will be participating in a whole school mini inquiry., commencing on Monday the 11^th  of August  and concluding with a special 2.30 pm assembly  on Thursday 21^st of August. 

A big part of the inquiry will be to investigate, through book talk, how readers connect to the stories they read, and the kinds of personal, social, cultural and literary assumptions the writer is making about their reader.   

A reader’s prior knowledge and experiences support readers in responding to the meanings of the texts they read.  Book talk not only encourages students to engage in and respond to the books they are reading, but by listening  to the varied experiences of  their peers, also enriches their own experience of the text. As a community of readers, we would like to extend an invitation for parents to come into the neighbourhood of their child and share a book that resonated with them at a similar age.  

Please let your child’s teachers know if you would like to participate in sharing your experience with the children  by arranging a suitable time for this to occur.

Tim Aris

Student learning

Stories of change - seeking parents and community members to share short stories from their experience

Dear parents,
As part of our inquiry into 'How and why changes happens?' we are wanting to offer students true stories about change. We are wondering what are meaningful or significant changes that have happened in your life? Would you be willing to share a story with students about a change that you have experienced or witnessed? We are thinking about ten minute story telling sessions.

The change story may be:
  *A personal experience or a change that you witnessed in another person, community or a country
  *Recent or from a long time ago

The sharing could be:
 *To a large group or small group
 *Accompanied by pictures, music or any other props if you would like
 *Via Skype if you were unable to leave work during the school day

Please let teachers know in person or through email if you have any ideas. Please encourage others to come in to. hilvert.alexandra.a@edumail.vic.gov.au

Book Talk is Back

Calling all parents to our new Monday morning time slot

Book Talk will start again in week 2 (21/7/14). We are so keen to have parents involved. We welcome all parents back who can continue to come and invite new parents (and grandparents) to get involved. Book Talk is a small group book sharing opportunity that supports students curiosity and momentum as readers. The sessions run from 9.10am till about 10am on Monday mornings. Parents will always be supported by teachers. We welcome any time that parents have to share – this may be a one off or every week. Please note that the day change is because of chess education this term. We apologies for any inconvenience this causes.

Seeking a parent/helper one hour a week to support a small group of sustainability leaders

We are currently on the look out for a parent (or parents, grandparents etc) who is able to support the Junior School Council students for 1 hour a week on a Friday afternoon. The group is also being supported by Kerri Gibson (assistant principal), Tim Aris (5/6 teacher) and Alexandra Hilvert (3/4 teacher and sustainability coordinator). The role would involve working with a group of 10 committed and passionate students (from yrs 3-6). This role will not require any planning and there will always be a teacher to support you. 

At the moment the students are beginning to brainstorm a whole school sustainability celebration day in term 3. This event will involve all students, teachers and interested parents. The Junior School Council's goal is to empower students to take leadership and extend their student voice across our community. This role represents an opportunity to support students to make a positive difference. Please to or email or speak with us if you are keen and please encourage others who you think would enjoy this opportunity. 

Alexandra Hilvert
hilvert.alexandra.a@edumail.vic.gov.au

How Wolves Change Rivers

As a part of the Change Inquiry, the students were given the opportunity to watch this fantastic video about how the introduction of wolves in the Yellowstone National Park can impact a huge range of the elements in the environment.