CERES Excursion

Our recent 3 /4 excursion to CERES education park was a fantastic success. We were lucky to have; great weather, a keen group of parent volunteers and a chance to experience four different learning sessions about energy. The sessions were useful for deepening students understanding of energy concepts and stimulated new ideas for our upcoming science fair.

During the fossil fuels session, we learned about coal and how it is able to generate electricity for us in our homes. Some students in each session were given the role of engineer and had to keep watch on the model power station. The bicycle driven generator was an exciting way for kids to think about how a generator works. 

During the renewables sessions, we were able to see examples of solar, hydro and wind power. Students conducted an experiment using mirrors to understand how the sun's energy can be harnessed. The water wheel was a particular hit with students who have been busy trying to construct their own water wheel models at school.

At the eco-house students were able to think specifically about energy use in the home. Heating, cooling, lighting, insulation and ghost power were some of the topics explored in a hands on way. The energy flows and energy transport sessions got all students moving and engaging with the ideas of how we use energy in our diet and daily travel.

The teachers would like to thank all parents helpers, CERES staff and students for making the day such a success.

Peter Doherty Incursion

Earlier this term we had an amazing opportunity to have a visit from Genevieve’s grandfather Peter Doherty. Peter is a Veterinary Surgeon and a researcher in the field of Medicine. He jointly won a Nobel Prize in 1995 and was named ‘Australian of the Year’ in 1997!

He visited us at school to help us with our Inquiry because we are looking at scientists and how they research and what can be done with collected data. Peter has done a lot of research with how the human immune system works and how viruses spread and develop. He showed us images of virus cells that were magnified to be able to see how they look up close and then he showed us how our bodies attack those viruses.

We had a fantastic time and learnt so many things. The most important part was about covering our mouths when we cough and sneeze, and making sure to wash our hands regularly to avoid spreading infections! There were many amazing questions and it was a great opportunity to learn how a real scientist works!

Thanks Peter!

Itinerary, What to Bring List (REVISED) and Luggage Limit

Here are some information regarding the forthcoming camp. More details are to follow as we get closer to the departure day.

Unfortunately, an old draft of the What to Bring list went out yesterday. Please disregard this. If you are reading this through our subscribed email, please find the documents on our blog 34phps.blogspot.com.au.

Ballarat itinerary


2013 34 CAMP CLOTHING _ EQUIPMENT LIST[3]




LUGGAGE -

Empty pizza boxes at home? Bring them in for Science!

Students in the science group, "How the World Works", will be exploring the use of solar power as a renewable energy source. As part of our study, we will be creating our own solar powered ovens using empty pizza boxes. If you happen to be ordering pizza this week, please save those boxes and bring them into school. Thank you!

Recorder and Ukulele Lessons

In the pursuit of broadening  our instrumental music program, we are looking at the possibility of offering  a weekly recorder/ukulele lesson to students who are not currently involved in learning to play a musical instrument, either at school or after school hours.

We envisage that this lesson would occur during a ‘Learning Agreement’ session and  that  Luisa Zanin would be the teacher involved.

Consequently, we are calling for expressions of interest from relevant families. Please see one of the teachers in the 3/4 neighbourhood to register interest by Monday 2nd of September.

Lost Property

As you will know, the Leadership Team (in consultation with staff and in line with the school Sustainability Policy) have agreed that the unclaimed lost property can be collected and donated to the Asylum Seeker centre.

 

The next clearance will be on Friday 30^th August (in the morning), and from then on, it will beevery second Friday so if your child has lost any UN-NAMED items, please ensure you check the lost property bin over in the foyer of the gym. 

 

As has always been the practice prior to the lost property being donated (it used to be to Diabetes Australia), any NAMED clothing will be returned to the office and sent back to the child via the classroom teacher.

 

If families could please NAME THEIR CHILDREN’S CLOTHING, we will be able to return it.

Lateness

The teaching staff has raised some concern that many students are arriving late for school on a fairly regular basis. Unfortunately this is a situation that can have a negative effect on the education of not only those students who are late, but also the other students in the class.

 

What impact does being late have on the student?

Students who are late miss a lot of instructions and information about what is happening, not to mention important learning sessions. They also miss out on catching up with their friends in the playground before school. Students can feel unsettled, disorganized and unhappy for the rest of the day and it can take them some time to complete and understand the work that they have missed. It’ssimilar to being late to see a movie and not being able to understand what’s happening because youhave missed out on who the characters are and what the plot is.

 

How does it affect the other students in the class?

Students who are late have an unsettling effect on the rest of the class. Because not all late students arrive at once, the interruptions go on until the last student is settled. Students who are late often have things that need to be done prior to them joining the class and this causes even more disruption. Sometimes other students have to wait to get the teachers attention and important issues can be forgotten.

 

Why does student lateness cause difficulties for the teacher?

The teacher has a certain amount of material and activities to cover each lesson. Also, organizational issues are usually dealt with at the beginning of the day. Teachers can become increasingly frustrated when late students continually and repeatedly interrupt their planned routines, as they have to stop teaching to deal with the issues involved.

 

We are all human. Cars can break down and unexpected situations can occur. We know that family morning routines are not always straightforward. If you are experiencing problems, speak to us, as we may be able to offer suggestions to help.

We are happy to accept that students will be late on the odd occasion because of unforeseen circumstances. However, arriving late on a regular basis is not acceptable

 

Remember

A student who is half an hour late each day misses the equivalent of 16.6 days of learning each year.