A week in the STEM room

Starting with our youngest scientists, we see the Preps and Year 1s exploring the seasons and developing their scientific skills and understanding. Using their newly developed observational skills the girls are investigating the changes in the weather. As they create talking season trees and fish for season symbols, the girls are meteorologists in the making.

Years 2 and 4 are both exploring Biology and Botany by investigating plants and animals. A key component of their learning has been asking questions and developing investigations to find out more. From researching the Amazonian Lily Pad to dissecting flowers, the girls are finding out just how exciting plants can be.

The Year 3 chemists discovered that in order to test boundaries you have to become a little messy. As they explore the states of matter, the girls learned that like heating a molecule, new challenges are exciting. Students developed a hypothesis in which they tested and created masterpieces that would have made Picasso proud.

Our more seasoned scientists in the upper grades proved that nothing is out of bounds, particularly when it comes to analysing disasters within the natural world around the globe. As Year 5 explored how the environment adapted, Year 6 analysed the environmental factors behind natural disasters.

As Mrs Moor said: ”Just imagine how many discoveries will be made in the purpose built STEM room in the new building!”

Miss Alyssa Flint
JS Science/STEM

Lunchtimes in the Barbreck Library

Each School day, the Barbreck Library, staffed by our Teacher Librarian Mrs Victoria Baldacchino and Library Technician Mrs Judy Hoole, is open for any student from prep to Year 6 who wishes to spend time there. Activities include silent reading, chess games, board games, research tools and facilities for drawing. Lunchtime is always busy with up to 65 students on some days.

With the library in the heart of the new building, we look forward to having even more students enjoy the exciting literature and reading activities so we can ignite a passion for reading in every learner.

Semester 1 Reports

Semester 1, 2018 reports for students from Prep to Year 6 will be available on the St Catherine’s School Parent Portal (mystcatherines.net.au), from Friday 22 June.  Please direct any questions regarding the Parent Portal to icthelpdesk@stcatherines.net.au. Hard copies of the reports will arrive by mail within the next week.

The comprehensive reports provide parents with an understanding of their child’s progress so far this year, and provide areas for future focus. Opportunity for further discussion regarding the reports will be possible during Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews. If you have any immediate questions, please contact your classroom or specialist teacher in the new Term.

We trust that parents will gain a detailed understanding of your child’s progress from these reports, and encourage you to focus on her growth, effort, attitude and development and celebrate her achievements.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents that these reports are written for adults to read but we encourage families to discuss the contents with your child and to acknowledge gains made, be they small or large.

Dogs outside the School Gates

While we love dogs, please ensure they are restrained when you are outside the entrance gates to Barbreck and Campbell House. We know that walking to School with the family dog is a grand and healthy activity, however we have a number of students and parents who are either very afraid of dogs or allergic to dog fur.

If you are walking the dog, we ask parents to say goodbye to your child at the School gate.

We fully anticipate that all families will appreciate the need for this special request.