This Term, we have commenced our swimming lessons, and all students have now participated in at least one session. The students have embraced the opportunity with great enthusiasm, demonstrating excitement and a willingness to develop their water skills. For many, these lessons have been a chance to refine their swimming techniques, build confidence in the water, and improve their overall fitness. Throughout the sessions, students have been practising a variety of essential swimming strokes, including freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke, while also focusing on correct body positioning and breathing techniques.

In addition to stroke development, students are also learning about water safety, including how to safely enter and exit the pool, floating techniques, and the importance of being aware of their surroundings when in or near water. These skills are not only crucial for swimming lessons but also play an important role in their overall safety and well-being. The lessons are also preparing students for the upcoming swimming carnival, which will take place on Friday in Week 9. As the event approaches, students will continue to refine their skills, building strength and endurance while having fun in the process. It has been fantastic to see their confidence grow, and we look forward to watching their progress in the coming weeks.

Our science lessons have been a highlight for many students this term. Science has been particularly engaging for our younger students, who have thoroughly enjoyed conducting experiments. They have been learning how to make predictions about what they think will happen and then testing their ideas through hands-on investigations. Watching their curiosity and excitement grow as they observe real-life scientific concepts in action has been wonderful.

In addition to their experiments, students have had the opportunity to explore different forms of technology, including our light-sensing robots and programmable coding robots. These activities have allowed them to develop problem-solving skills, experiment with digital technologies, and apply their learning in creative and interactive ways. Their enthusiasm for both science and technology has been evident, and they have shown great persistence and teamwork when tackling new challenges.

Our upper-year students have also been engaging in a range of STEM-based activities that challenge their creativity and critical thinking. Year 4 students are designing and constructing huts using different materials, carefully considering the properties of each material and justifying their choices based on factors such as strength, durability, and insulation. Year 5 students are constructing balloon-powered carts to explore how gases can be used to propel objects while also gaining a deeper understanding of the movement of particles in solids, liquids, and gases. Year 6 students are conducting various experiments to investigate reversible and irreversible changes, exploring how different materials react under different conditions.

These hands-on STEM activities are not only deepening students' understanding of scientific concepts but also encouraging collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity. It has been fantastic to see their ideas come to life as they work through the design, testing, and refinement processes. We are excited to see how they continue to develop their skills and apply their learning in meaningful ways throughout the remainder of the term.

Mr. Lochie Dunford