The Punchbowl Press

It is the end of Term 2 already, and how time flies!

We would like to say thank you to all our families who participated and attend our programs. Some of you got sick at times and stayed home, thank you for doing the right thing and following safety rules with in our centre.

It is the end of Tuning into Kids parenting program, and the starting of another busy term with various programs delivered in the SaCC centre. Transition to Preschool playgroup, Step into Work program, 1 2 3 Magic + Yoga, Better Beginnings parenting workshops, a new group of students in the Learning club with various playgroups in our centre.

The Term 3 planner will be available soon, contact Asenati if you are interested in  participating in any programs.

A special thank you to Adis and Reece, SaCC volunteers for their ongoing efforts supporting staff and programs in our centre.

Stay updated with SaCC news on the Punchbowl Public School as Community Centre Facebook page.

For all program inquiries, please contact Asenati Mareko on 0439 487 865.

Asenati Mareko – SaCC Facilitator

Stage 3 – History: Australia before Federation 

During our library sessions, we are leaning plenty of new facts about different people in The Colony. The information we’ve gathered helps us to better understand what life in Australia might have been like over 200 years ago. We’re also learning to question the information, trying to make sense of it and build and express new meaning. Some interesting things we’ve learnt: 

Bennelong lived in Governor Philip’s House. Bennelong was the first Aboriginal man to adopt European customs; this did not make him popular amongst his people. We wonder why his people didn’t accept Bennelong for adapting to change. (Saada & Umaiza 6 Optimism) 

Pemulwuy was an Aboriginal man that stood up for himself, his family and his land. He fought for his people and did not want his land to be taken. I wonder if there were others like Pemulwuy, who didn’t want European settlement. (Amir.A, 6 Optimism) 

Pemulwuy’s name comes from the Darug language, “pemul”, which means earth. (Adam, 6 Optimism) 

Book recommendation by Anniyssah, 3/4Inspire 

I like the book Wild Australian Life by Leonard Cronin and Chris Nixon. It has so many interesting facts about nature, I love nature. The book taught me lots of new things about trees. I didn’t know that trees are full of life, it gives a home to many insects living in the tree and in its roots underground. Trees can live for hundreds of years. When I went to the park, I saw a tree that looked very old. I wondered how old the tree could be, I guessed that it could be one hundred years old. 

If you love nature, or even if you don’t, I recommend that you read this book. It would convince you about how wonderful nature is and why we need to look after nature. 

Early Intervention

In Early Intervention it is our goal to work toward school readiness skills. It's essential to ensure our students are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the classroom. School readiness encompasses various aspects, including:  

Social-Emotional Skills 

1. Separation: Comfortably separating from parents/caregivers 
2. Sharing: Sharing toys and materials with peers 
3. Cooperation: Following directions and cooperating with teachers  

Language and Communication Skills 

1. Vocabulary: Using a diverse range of words to express thoughts and needs
2. Listening: Following simple and complex instructions
3. Communication: Effectively communicating with teachers and peers  

Cognitive Skills 

1. Problem-solving: Demonstrating basic problem-solving skills
2. Shapes and Colours: Recognising and identifying basic shapes and colours
3. Numbers and Counting: Demonstrating an understanding of numbers and counting concepts 

Fine and Gross Motor Skills 

1. Using scissors: Safely using scissors to cut straight lines
2. Drawing: Creating simple drawings and writing attempts
3. Running and jumping: Demonstrating basic gross motor skills 

Self-Care Skills 

1. Using the bathroom: Independently using the bathroom
2. Washing hands: Practicing good hygiene
3. Dressing: Dressing and undressing independently  

By focusing on these essential skills, our students will be well-prepared for a successful transition to school. We support all levels of abilities in our students. 

Wombats class "Ice Cream truck"

This term we set up and "Ice cream truck" with the children, which was sparked by their interest of selling ice cream. The children were questioned by their educators and brainstormed what they needed to set up the ice cream shop. They decided they needed money and a cash register. They also needed a driver and wheels for the ice cream truck. Children helped to create a sign for the ice cream and helped to write words. There was lots of learning, negotiating and taking on roles  by using their imagination to buy and sell ice cream. The children spoke about their favourite ice cream flavours and created their own ice cream artwork.  

Here are some of the childrens comments: 

Sofiyat: I like to put the wheels on 

Miraal: I like rainbow ice cream. 

Zarif: I put in ice inside and strawberry in the freezer. 

Daniel: I drive the ice cream truck. Ice cream is yummy. 

Muhammad N: Shopping 

Sydra: I got ice cream, give them them the money. 

Jude: Someone was making ice cream. I buy ice cream. 

Aryan: I'm going to drive. Ice cream truck. 

Jason: I'm driving the ice cream truck.  

Youssef: I got ice cream rainbow. You need to get money. 

This term kindergarten has been having a wonderful term learning all about music through the Amplify music program. They learned about the beat, rhythm, lyrics, and instruments. Kindy can now clap along to the beat, hum along with the rhythm, or sing along to their favourite songs (get excited for a special performance for 100 days of Kindergarten!). Watch out if you walk past their classrooms during music lessons; they make a lot of noise!  

This term, 1 Emerald have enjoyed being scientists as they carried out a range of experiments to test the force of different objects.  We have been looking at the ways we can push and pull objects to make them move and the different ways we can make objects move faster or slower. To test forces, we did an experiment where we pushed a car down a ramp from different heights, we flung a toy car out of a launcher that we made, and we designed and created sail boats which we blew across water. 

Aaqib: “I liked how we tested the forces in science and did an experiment to check how much force the toy car launcher had. When it had 1 book under the ramp, it didn’t go that far.”

Muhammad: “We have been learning about gravity and how something inside the Earth is pulling everything towards the centre.”

Hazel: “I like how we learned about push and pull force. I like how we tested the car launcher. It was really fun.”

As we approach the end of the term, we want to take a moment to reflect on the exciting learning experiences our students have had in the Kookaburras and Owls classroom! 

In maths, Kookaburras have been diving into the fascinating world of patterns. Our lessons have focused on identifying, creating, and extending repeating patterns using a variety of materials. The students have truly enjoyed experimenting with different resources, enhancing their understanding of how patterns function in our everyday lives. 

Alongside Owls maths adventures, we've also been exploring arrays, which has introduced new ways for students to organise and visualise numbers. Library time continues to be a challenge as we encourage students to think critically about the dispositions of the characters in the books we read together. 

Fridays are particularly special, as they mark our Developmental Time—a well-deserved reward for all the hard work the students put in throughout the week. 

This term, our Stage 2 students had an incredible excursion to the Botanical Gardens and enjoyed a lovely walk around Circular Quay. Their excitement and engagement were palpable! Meanwhile, Stage 3 students explored the rich history of our state with a visit to NSW Parliament House and the State Library. 

A big shout out to Mia for receiving her silver medallion this term! We are so proud of her achievement and all our students' hard work. 

As we look forward to Term 3, we can’t wait to see what new adventures and learning opportunities await us! 

Mr Tasker & Mrs Xiros 

 Stage 2 have been actively using the 4C's learning dispositions (Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication) to strengthen students' ability to express themselves and work effectively with others. 4 Positive have been using the ‘Mirroring’ process to enhance communication skills within their classroom. By practicing Mirroring, students learn to listen attentively, reflect others’ ideas respectfully, and build on shared understanding, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels heard. This approach has fostered more meaningful conversations and deeper engagement in both academic and social settings.

Stage 3 students took part in an exciting excursion to the heart of Sydney, visiting the State Library of NSW, Parliament House, and exploring the Domain. At the State Library, they explored fascinating exhibitions and learned more about Australia’s rich history and literature. During their visit to Parliament House, students had the unique opportunity to step into the roles of members in both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council, gaining a hands-on understanding of how government works. Along the walk through the Domain, students observed and discussed various public artworks, enriching their appreciation for art in everyday spaces and connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences.

"I really enjoyed the part where I became the opposition leader and was able to argue with the government." Yusef, 5 Victory.

"I loved the State Library as it was full of interesting books, paintings and historical items." Abrita, 5 Victory.

"I enjoyed Parliament house as it looked like a palace. I also liked looking at the artwork as we walked through the Domain, especially the Matchsticks." Fatou, 5 Victory.

At Punchbowl Public School, we are proud of Community Language. The teachers offer a vibrant program that supports students in maintaining and developing their language skills—in our case, Arabic.  

This program not only strengthens students’ communication skills but also fosters a deep connection to their cultural identity and heritage for many of our students. This was reflected in this term’s lessons on ‘Arabic Comics’ The students developed their reading and writing skills through creating comic strips in both English and Arabic.  

First, the students explored the history of Arabic comics and found that Arabic comics came to recognition in the early 1920s, where local artists would create political cartoons. One of the first Arab magazines that incorporated comics into their work was Al-Dabbour. 

Please make time to view your child’s work in our Education Week Art Show, which will be held in Term 3.  

From the Community Language teachers, we wish you a happy and safe school break.  

We did it—we can solve the Rubik’s Cube, and it feels AWESOME! Initially, we thought it would be impossible, but once we mastered the first and second layers, the rest became a bit easier. With the guidance of our teacher and the invaluable support of our mentor, Hamza from 5 Success, we persevered and achieved our goal. This experience has shown us that with focus and grit, we can succeed in all our learning. Adam from 5 Victory & Zayyan from 5 Success.