Dear Parents, Carers, and Community Members,
As we reach the end of Term 1, it is remarkable to reflect on how quickly the first ten weeks of the school year have passed. It has been wonderful to witness our Foundation students settle seamlessly into school life, while the rest of our students have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to their learning. We look forward to building on this strong foundation in Term 2 and beyond.
We made it! Our beautiful little foundation friends have made it through their first term of primary school. They have already made an immense amount of growth from week 1 to now and I am so proud of each and every one of them. This last week of school has been a time to consolidate the skills we have been working hard on across the term in all areas of our learning. We have had a very calm and settled week; I suspect that everyone is a bit tired and ready for holidays! Just a reminder that any library books you may still have at home over the holidays will need to be returned in week 1 as to not insure an overdue fee. In term 2, students will no longer need their hats, so they have been sent home for washing this week. I hope everyone has a safe holiday and that the Easter Bunny visits!
Grade One Term 1 Wrap-Up!
Wow! What an incredible start to the year our Grade One students have had! We have packed so much learning into Term 1, and it has been fantastic to see the students’ enthusiasm and growth across all areas.
In our reading sessions this term, the students have been captivated by fables, exploring their messages and life lessons. They’ve also made outstanding progress in phonics, successfully completing the initial code in Sounds-Write—well done!!!
What an amazing Term 1 it has been in Grade 2. The students have been working hard in knowledge learning about the gold rush and how Ballarat became a city. Last week, students in Grade 2 visited Sovereign Hill. Students went in the Red Hill mine where they discovered the Welcome Nugget, weighing a whopping 69kg! Students then panned for gold and all the Grade 2's struck it rich! We were lucky to witness an arrest on the diggings by a trooper who was searching for gold licenses. Thank fully none of our students got in trouble... We then participated in an education session where students explored different buildings and services that were needed for a growing population and establishing Ballarat as a city. The day ended by watching a blacksmith smelt gold and mold it into a pure gold bar worth $430,000! What an amazing day of consolidating the terms learning.
Last week, the 3/4 class spent some time at Sovereign Hill. The purpose of the visit was to learn more about gold: what it is, how it’s found, the history of the Ballarat Golfields, and other weird and wonderful facts.
After arriving, we spent some time panning for gold in the creek with a little bit of success. After this, we made our way to the Labyrinth Goldmine Tour, which took us about 25 metres underground. Whilst down there, we saw a couple of gold mines dating back to the 1800’s and some real-life gold still embedded in quartz.
In addition to this, we learnt about immigration to the goldfields during our education session. Furthermore, we gained much more insight and information about gold during the ‘Gold Pour Demonstration’.
It was a golden day out!
Sovereign Hill - By Gerard
Thursday
The first thing we did, we talked a lot and then we got dressed in a costume. The boys and girls had to wear different costumes. The boys had to wear long sleeves with a hat and a neckerchief, a vest and black shoes. It was a fun time but there was a time that was a boring moment (reading time). Girls had to wear pantaloons, a pinafore and black leather shoes. Boys had to walk the girls across the road to the bubble taps and we had to let the girls in the classroom first. Someone had to hold the door, on Thursday it was Arnold and on Friday it was Vin. I nearly got a whooping in class. Ma’am made me touch my nose to the wall instead. We got to make rope, and some people got to make candles. The girls went to the little house to do sewing.
On Wednesday, March 26th, Macarthur Street Primary School proudly participated in the Eyre District Athletics competition. A group of 22 talented students represented the school in various track and field events, showcasing their athleticism.
The students competed with great spirit and determination, and several were able to secure impressive results. Notably, Bella R. achieved a fantastic 3rd place in Shot Put, displaying strength. In the Discus events, Arnold O. and Estela A-B both excelled, with Arnold claiming 1st place and Estela following suit, also earning a 1st place finish in her age group. Estela also proved her versatility and skill in hurdles, earning a well-deserved 2nd place in the 80m Hurdles.
Happy Birthday to the students who have celebrated their birthday in the last week or will celebrate their birhday in the coming days/over the holidays.
