Every Friday for the last few weeks the 5/6 class have been fortunate to be working with a Cultural Artist in Residence – Kira Bain. With Kira, although we have been learning many facets of the Kaurna language and Indigenous cultural and beliefs, our main focus has been on learning how to say the Acknowledgment of Country in the Kaurna language – as you can see from the video we are slowly getting our tongues around this rich language.
Learning this term has had a major focus on Digital Technology. The Year 5’s (along with the Year 4 students) undertook a project on Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in conjunction with the University of South Australia. This exciting Project took them to two different workshops where they played various games and learned various skills. They then were given the opportunity to depthen their learning by getting the loan of a 360o camera. The students have used this camera to take photographs around the school. Keep a look out for the upcoming Virtual Reality Tour of Tenison Woods Catholic School.
While this was taking place the Year 3 and 6’s also got to expand their digital technology skills coding using BeeBots and Spheros and then using the BitsBox website for further coding opportunities.
Both these learnings culminated in a very successful trip to The Apple Store in the city where the students were able to show this learning and expand it with the latest Sphero designs.
Every single child gave the concert their all and what a spectacular it was. Thank you to the parents for their help with this concert as behind the scenes they were learning lines, calming fears, building resilience, sourcing costumes and so much more. It was a truly community effort and all efforts were greatly appreciated.
Wow, what an exciting yet educational trip to Canberra, the Nation’s Capital.
As seen from all the amazing photographs on the school’s Facebook page we were able to cram in so many excursions during our time in Canberra.
Before embarking on this trip, the Year 6 students had previously completed much work on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. But, by going on this amazing adventure the students were able to gain so much more deeper learning experiences from actually ‘living’ it out.
Throughout these experiences the students showed respect and good manners at every place we went and every person we encountered so much so, that each and every tour guide and even our coach driver commented on their good behaviour, great knowledge and good manners. They were an absolute credit to their parents, our school and themselves.
The trip consisted of visits to Parliament House, The Royal Australian Mint, National Capital Museum, National Art Gallery of Australia, The Australian War Memorial, Electoral Education Centre and many more.
Highlights included meeting both the local MP Steve Georganas and Senator Rex Patrick, going to Questacon and going to the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport).
A trip like this would not be possible without the help and support of a great many people.
We are very grateful for the Australian Government who recognise the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. We acknowledge the $60 per student the Australian Government contributed to our trip under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program and thank them for this support.
We would also like to acknowledge and show gratitude to the parents who entrusted us with their precious children. We thank the parents for allowing their child to experience this trip. Behind the scenes we would also like to acknowledge the hard work of Anna, De and Paula in the office. Last but by no means least a massive thank you to Linda Wooley who not only ensured all the appropriate risk assessments and documentation were in order beforehand and during the trip but also worked over and above during our time there. A superb team effort.
Lastly, we would like to acknowledge each individual student, their personalities shone brightly and were a credit to their families and school.
Thank you.
In All Things Love
Paula Burns
5/6P Class Teacher
