Crafers Primary School

Dear Parents and Caregivers

It's been three weeks since our last newsletter and what a three week period it has been. For anybody believing things slow down towards the end of the year, I can most definitely say, this is not the case for the Crafers Community. We are out and about with gusto, pride and energy attending everything from the Children's University Graduation, copious Sporting and Musical events, and a Mathematics Olympiad.

For this first time this year, a group of Year 6 students and 1 Year 5 visited St John's Grammar to compete in a Maths Olympiad. For the occasion, the students formed two teams who were required to answer a variety of mathematically themed questions. This they did with courage and collaboration. Students faced two rounds of questioning, the first being 'rapid fire' questions of two to three steps, and the second asking more complicated questions requiring several steps to be answered. The children worked together to do this. Having never done anything like this, I very much admire the students for their 'have a go' attitude and the willingness to try something new. I was very pleased when Matthew asked me about our attendance at this event. I love to see us broadening the scope of challenges and extending the children in their learning but also in their life experiences - even going to another school and seeing the similarities and differences can be quite interesting. The children came fourth out of ten teams in the competition, with scores being very close - given we now know what to expect, I am sure Crafers will be even more competitive next year!

At the other end of the school, we have seen real life learning in Biological Sciences through the hatching and care of two groups of chickens. (It is a little disconcerting to hear so much cheeping when in the staff room!) The children could not have loved this more; they discussed, observed and acted, tending to the needs of the chicks from their egg stage to being up and about and getting quite large. Fascination on faces grew as the children watched the actual hatching process - it can take a very long time! My thanks go to Miss Shephard for organising this for the Reception and Year 1 students. Whilst it may be in the Junior Primary curriculum, it has been much loved by students, staff and visitors of all sizes!

With so much to write about, I have to be quite selective in the newsletter but there is one thing I simply cannot go past. Yesterday, we held our first transition visit for our 2024 Receptions. What a delight! The children settled well into school life (as did the parents). They listened to stories, drew pictures and held the above-mentioned chicks. One child's awestruck face as the chick went to sleep in his hands has been imprinted on the mind of those watching - that's the epitome of childhood! Behind such a successful transition is a great bunch of dedicated people, our teachers, our support staff, our P&F, our Governing Council Chair and our Uniform Coordinator, I want to thank you all for your contribution in making this first school experience such a positive one - it was the embodiment of the Crafers community!

Kind regards

Chan

Blind Contouring 

In an inspiring art session, RM 13 students delved into nature's wonders using blind contouring. By relying on touch and feel, they applied this unique technique to capture the essence of natural artifacts. The results were breathtaking, showcasing the beauty of our surroundings through the eyes of budding artists. It required lots of practice and attention to detail.

Rotational Symmetry 

Students in our latest math adventure discovered the magic of rotational symmetry. Armed with classroom objects, they crafted unique shapes, unveiling the beauty of symmetry in everyday items. A hands-on journey that blended creativity and mathematics, leaving our students inspired and enlightened.

In exploring the argument and evidence aspect of forming Persuasive texts, Room 13 co-wrote and then acted a scene from the class novel Charlotte's Web. In the scene, they elaborated on the arguments that 8 year old farm girl Fern might give to her father Mr Arable for not killing Wilbur, who was the runt of the litter.

Term 4 always goes so quickly but we have already crammed a lot in. Earlier in the term, the class had fun making protein balls for the Spring fair. They worked in small groups with a parent to mix the ingredients and make them into small balls. They were then packaged in small clear bags with some lovely stickers and sold at the fair.

The class has been learning about a variety of artists, but the favourite has been Bernadette Twomey from Brisbane. The children created abstract botanical shapes, did paintwash backgrounds to make amazingly colourful and creative pieces of work. Some of you may have seen them at assembly, photos are below.

After reading the hybrid text ‘One small island’ by Allison Lester, the class have been learning about conservation and the history of sealers on Macquarie Island. After all of the seals and many of the penguins were wiped out,  Douglas Mawson stepped in and encouraged the government to turn it into a wildlife sanctuary. Some of the children have made structures to support their projects, showing the lifecycles, the adaptations and changes that have occurred on the island. They also completed maps of Macquarie Island, showing their mapping skills.

Our class novel this term is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis. This is a childhood favourite of mine and the story still holds the attention for children. They have completed a range of literacy activities and one was to create a new book cover. The results have been terrific and many children put a lot of creative effort into their final products.

I hope you enjoy their work.

Thank you,

Kim and the Year 4/5s

1:  In Room 7 we have been exploring poetry. We looked at the poem, My Country by Dorothea Mackellar which inspired us to write our own.

2: In science we have been looking at how the Earth, Moon and Sun all work together. Rosie has drawn a diagram showing the Earth revolving around the sun and written some facts.

3:  We have looked at Dr. Suess and his illustrations. We created our own ‘Cat in the Hats’, using acrylic paint on the background and black marker and pencil on the cat.