The Punchbowl Press

Our Parents and Wellbeing Program has had a strong turnout, with 13 parents attending sessions on self-care, mindfulness and nutrition led by Rana from Chester Hill Neighbourhood Centre. Learning Club has begun and our playgroups continue to grow each week.

We have enjoyed a range of community events including Zumba, Family Fun Day at Bankstown Arts Centre and Steps to Wellbeing at Punchbowl Community Centre. Families took part in an animal show, yoga and a multicultural cooking demonstration from Sierra Leone.

Our early learners are also enjoying Transition to Preschool as they get ready for 2026.

It has been a busy and rewarding start to the term. We look forward to celebrating together with families soon.

Asenati Mareko 0439487865

SaCC Facilitator

Our Stage 3 students have been deeply engaged with the powerful and award-winning book Always Was, Always Will Be, written by Aunty Fay Muir and Sue Lawson. This book, which received the 2025 prestigious Eve Pownall Prize for Information Book of the Year from The Children’s Book Council of Australia, has sparked curiosity and meaningful learning among our students. 

As eager listeners and thoughtful learners, students have connected the stories and themes in the book to their previous learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Through this process, some have begun to develop emerging critical thinking skills, demonstrating clear and insightful reflections on significant historical events. 

What is most inspiring is how our students are using these reflections to consider how they can contribute to creating a kinder, more inclusive community—both now and into the future. We are proud to see them growing into compassionate and thoughtful young people who understand the importance of respect, reconciliation, and positive action. 

Here are some thoughtful reflections from our students about the 1967 Australian Freedom Rides: 

Abdul (6 Optimism): “The living conditions and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Peoples were very bad. They faced discrimination and racism. Even Aboriginal veterans were not respected; they were not allowed to enter RSL clubs.”  

Elaria (6 Optimism): “I think Aboriginal People felt like they wouldn’t have belonged due to the racism. People were not allowing them to go into different shops or to public swimming pools with everyone else. The Australian Freedom Rides brought them relief to find that the world now knew about their struggles for rights.” 

Tyrese (6 Optimism): “It’s important to look back on that event (Australian Freedom Rides) so we can remember that all human beings must be treated with equal rights.” 

Benji (5 Success): “From the Australian Freedom Rides that happened in 1967, we can learn from the mistakes of that time. We can try our best to show empathy for other people. We should show that our generation must be able to give fair treatment and equality to all people.” 

Preschool

As part of the preschool gardening program, the children really enjoyed their learning with Miss Claire and Miss Lee. They discovered how potatoes grow inside black bags buried in the soil. After emptying the bags onto a tray, the children eagerly broke apart the soil to search for the potatoes. They found potatoes of different sizes, from big to small, along with some potato seeds. Miss Claire arranged the potatoes in a line and the children helped count them. She then invited the children to share their observations, and one child quickly noticed that the potatoes were lined up from largest to smallest—well done, clever learners! 

Together, the children counted all the potatoes and then joined in a discussion about what to cook with their harvest the following week. After voting, chips were the clear favourite!  

The following week, Miss Clare and Miss Lee helped the children make potato chips using the potatoes they had harvested from the garden.  She asked them what ingredients were needed to make chips, and the children answered, “salt and oil.” The children enjoyed their preschool made Punchbowl potato chips, describing them as yummy and crispy. Some asked for seconds. Thank you, Miss Clare and Miss Lee.  

Wallabies - Early Intervention

The end of the year is in sight, and what a journey it has been! The students of the Wallabies class have made incredible progress in their learning and personal development. Each student has shown growth in their own unique way, and it has been a privilege to witness their achievements, both big and small.  

Throughout the year, they have overcome challenges with determination, embraced new experiences, and continued to develop important life and learning skills. Their perseverance, positive attitudes, and individual strengths have been truly inspiring.  

As we approach the end of the school year, we reflect with pride on how far they have come. Every step forward is a testament to their hard work, the support of their families, and the strength of our classroom community.  

Emus - Early Intervention

We're excited to share with you the progress and enthusiasm we've seen in our recent train track project! Both the Wednesday resource group and Emus group have been fully engaged in building and creating cities, showcasing excellent collaboration and problem-solving skills.  The Children have demonstrated impressive teamwork and communication skills as they worked together to design and build their cities. Their creativity and imagination were on full display as they added details and features to their cities. We observed significant growth in their spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and critical thinking.  This project has linked to several key learning outcomes, including:  - Social skills: collaboration, communication, and teamwork - Cognitive skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity - Fine motor skills: building and manipulating train tracks and materials  We'll continue to encourage and support the children's creativity and learning through play. We're excited to see how their cities will evolve and grow! 

We're excited to share with you the progress and enthusiasm we've seen in our recent train track project! Both the Wednesday resource group and Emus group have been fully engaged in building and creating cities, showcasing excellent collaboration and problem-solving skills.  The Children have demonstrated impressive teamwork and communication skills as they worked together to design and build their cities. Their creativity and imagination were on full display as they added details and features to their cities. We observed significant growth in their spatial awareness, fine motor skills, and critical thinking.  This project has linked to several key learning outcomes, including:  - Social skills: collaboration, communication, and teamwork - Cognitive skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity - Fine motor skills: building and manipulating train tracks and materials  We'll continue to encourage and support the children's creativity and learning through play. We're excited to see how their cities will evolve and grow! 

This term, Kindergarten has been reflecting on a range of books they have read over the year. They have been looking at imaginative books and informative books and learning to tell them apart. Kindergarten has been using this knowledge to write some wonderful sentences about their favourite books.  

This term, Stage 1 have been learning about position in mathematics. Students have been looking at different types of maps and talking about how people use them. They also made their own maps and practised using words like ‘up’, ‘down’, ‘left’ and ‘right’ to describe where things are. To put their new skills into action, students have been programming robots to move in specific directions and even spell out their names on a letter mat – it has been a fun way to learn! 

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through Term 4! The Kookaburras and Owls classrooms have been full of energy, curiosity, and meaningful learning experiences. 

Growing and Learning in the Garden  

Our summer crops are thriving, and the children have loved getting their hands dirty in the garden. Snow peas have already been picked and tasted, and our tomatoes and zucchinis are growing beautifully. A recent highlight was harvesting our potatoes — students are now looking forward to preparing a fresh potato salad together, combining healthy eating with hands-on learning. 

Mathematics in Action  

In Maths, the Owls have been exploring fractions and number lines. They’ve been using a variety of hands-on tools and visual supports to build their understanding and strengthen their problem-solving skills. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they tackle new concepts. 

Literacy and Language  

Our literacy focus has been on imagery and figurative language, using the beautifully written Piano Fingers by Caroline Magerl. The Owls have been diving into expressive language and creative thinking, bringing the story to life through thoughtful discussion and imaginative writing. 

We’re looking forward to a joyful and productive second half of the term! 

Mr Shearer and Mrs Xiros 

What an amazing experience! The Stage 2 students had an incredible time at the science incursion, diving into hands-on learning about experiments, oxygen, and the fascinating concepts of heating and cooling. The interactive experiments really brought the science to life, and it was fantastic to see the students so engaged and eager to explore. A big thank you to everyone involved in making it such a fun and educational experience! Can't wait for more hands-on learning opportunities like this! 🌟🔬

Our recent school camp was an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, laughter, and teamwork! Students explored new challenges, built friendships, and made memories that will last a lifetime. From fun activities to learning experiences in the great outdoors, the camp was a fantastic opportunity for personal growth and school spirit.  

Some highlights from the students were:  Mohammed M: My favourite part about camp was when Mohammed El Moussa flipped the Kayak and Bassem and I fell out and was rescued by Miss Crawford and Miss Birgin.   Najwa: My favourite part was when Tanaya flipped the kayak and when I fell out, I lost my croc in the mud. I also enjoyed staying up late and talking with my friends.  

Shamin: The most memorable part was when kayaking partners made me push it and when they told me to go ‘faster’, I made them fall off. 

What a fantastic five weeks it has been! Our Community Language classrooms have been buzzing with excitement and meaningful learning. Students across all stages worked diligently to develop and extend their Arabic language skills. 

Kindergarten students focused on mastering Arabic alphabet sounds and proudly learned to write their names in Arabic. Years 1 and 2 continued building their knowledge of letter blends, enabling them to read simple two-word sentences. Years 3 and 4 were immersed in creating Arabic animated short stories using comic strip templates—an engaging way to strengthen their reading, writing and Arabic keyboard navigation skills. Meanwhile, Years 5 and 6 enjoyed exploring healthy living through learning Arabic vocabulary and phrases about nutritious foods. 

The past five weeks have been full of creativity, enthusiasm, and progress—well done to all our students! 

Mrs Nelly Roffaell and Mrs Rose Awada. 

Students in Genius Hour will have their artwork on exhibit at "The Stirrup Gallery" Hut 13, 142 Addison Road Marrickville. Fri 7 November, 5.30pm - Friday 14 November, 4pm