Letter Home – Term 2 Week 8
Nearing the end of term, we can reflect on the many productive and highly engaging opportunities that have been central to the learning for the children at Penbank.
The concept of inclusion has been a general focus for the junior campuses. Units of Inquiry at all levels have incorporated an inclusive perspective through investigative units such as How the World Works, How We Organise Ourselves and Sharing the Planet. Supporting Units of Inquiry, the PYP Learner Profiles enable children to consider their place in the world by understanding our global responsibility to look after each other in our quest to create a better world. Learner Profiles, including Caring, Being Principled, Open-minded and Knowledgeable, have been at the forefront.
Caring - Showing empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others by having a personal commitment to support and understand. Our children learn to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment. By caring, our children show they are committed to the community, local and beyond, and demonstrate care through kind and considerate interactions.
Principled - Behaving with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. Our children learn to take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded - Understanding and appreciating cultures and personal histories, open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. Our children learn to seek and understand a range of points of view and are willing to grow from the experience.
Knowledgeable - Exploring concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. Our children learn to acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understandings across a broad and balanced range of disciplines. Learning is ongoing and developmental with children being well prepared in all areas to follow academic pathways, intellectual pursuits and interests.
In recent weeks, we have been involved in...
Rainbow Day – IDAHOBIT day
Such a colourful day, and great to see everyone involved! Discussions and activities were framed within the context of the School's values, promoting fairness, acceptance, belonging and social responsibility - all blending well with our 3 Rs and our focus on being inclusive.
We agreed, colours make us feel happy and bring a sense of fun that brightens up our day. We also know colours are different, just as we are unique in how we live our lives and who we are. What we know about the rainbow is that every colour is important, just as everyone is important in our world.
Canberra Camp
Year 6 students returned from Canberra inspired by the many experiences of the Canberra treasure trove. Learning about parliament, the role of embassies, citizenship and visiting places such as the AIS, War Memorial, Geo Science Centre, Questacon, the National Museum and Arts Galleries provided hands-on experiences about our country and significant people who have helped shape our nation. The students learnt what it means to have a say and as a democracy, the importance of voting to make a difference.
Year 5 Community Market
Being innovative and creative builds knowledge, which certainly occurred throughout the Year 5 Inquiry Unit, How We Organise Ourselves. With the central idea, 'Businesses function on the understanding of the marketplace,' students in Matt and Sarina's Groups created much excitement in the lead-up to their market day. A variety of mini businesses from food, crafted woodwork, homemade pet treats, drinks, plants, and crafts were a few of the offerings on the day. It was impressive to see the enthusiasm of the children and the preliminary planning and work required to make the marketplace come to fruition. In addition, it was a terrific community occasion for all children and parents. Everyone loved the opportunity to buy from the very skilled Year 5 entrepreneurs!
National Reconciliation Week
Heading into National Reconciliation Week, we were visited by Wiradjuri / Wotjobulak man AJ Williams Tchen. AJ worked with staff and children and generously shared personal stories about his life growing up as an Aboriginal man. AJ provided information to children in Years 3 to 6 through role-plays and a quiz show featuring students. Along with Murri woman and musician Monica Weightman and Boonwurrung, Mutti Mutti and Yorta Yorta leader Eva Jo Edwards, they spoke about the many barriers for Aboriginal people. These barriers include access to quality education, housing and health services, language and geographical barriers, bureaucracies that undermine the ability of Aboriginal people to be decision-makers, and inter-generational trauma.
It was very special to share with them, along with the school community, the School's Reconciliation Action Plan launched at Woodleigh's National Reconciliation Week Gathering. Copies of the Woodleigh School RAP are available at each campus and online.
Be Brave, Make Change
This year's theme for National Reconciliation Week enlisted many people to contribute locally and beyond through organisations such as Willum Warrain and our friends from the Beswick community and Wugularr School. In the spirit of reconciliation, Andy Khoza and Arcadia Shannon-Jones have been in Wugularr this week, providing much-needed support to the Early Years teachers and general staff. Andy also ran a music program involving all students and worked with staff to gain their input regarding the program for our Year 6 Wugubank NT expedition in August. We also hosted little Faith and Hope, Year 4 students from Wugularr, for six weeks of the term. They thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful time with their new friends and loved the opportunity to learn at Penbank. They especially loved the playground and teachers too! Thank you to all staff who embraced the little girls wholeheartedly.
Many thanks to all families for contributing to the Sea of Hearts Challenge. It was wonderful seeing and reading the avenue of hearts that lined our pathways into the School.
PE
Make way for all of our enthusiastic and sporty kids! Rain, hail or shine, they are all actively involved. Recently, Year 5 and 6 students participated in the District Lightning Premiership – all teams experiencing success regardless of the bitterly cold and wet weather.
Cross Country has been a feature of the program. There has likewise been great success on the running track, and we wish Freya Thomas the best of luck as she competes at a regional level this week due to her excellent first placing in the District Cross Country. Congratulations, Freya, on your achievements thus far, and all the best for the regionals!
Parent Involvement
Parent involvement is up and running. Such a treat!
Parents assisting with reading, cooking, excursions, running club, as guest speakers and attending School Meeting is our way of communicating and sharing our learning face-to-face – there's nothing like it!
Look out for the upcoming Year 3 and 4 Expo that exhibits environments featuring resultant human impact and how we can improve and conserve environments. Sharing the Planet is the Unit of Inquiry that has inspired these children. Their Expo will be held in the Year 3 and 4 learning space on the last Thursday of term, 23 June, straight after School Meeting.
School Meeting
School Meeting is our weekly school gathering that showcases the learning of all age groups. All parents are now welcome to attend. School Meeting is held each Thursday morning, 8.50 to 9.30 am. Occasionally, School Meeting can extend a little longer if it is a special occasion. We welcome all parents to participate in our school experience.
Student Reports on the way
Not all subjects have been mentioned in this Letter Home; however, every area of learning, including the Arts and Indonesian, are vital to the intellectual, physical and cultural development of our children. You can expect to receive your child's report at the end of the week. If necessary, Parent-Teacher Interviews can be arranged if further information is required in addition to the report.
With two weeks to go before the conclusion of the semester, I am especially grateful that we can report on our students having been actively present to their learning each and every day of the semester. I congratulate teachers for their professionalism and commitment. Their accomplishments with the PYP and the recent Early Learning Assessment and Rating were outstanding. I appreciate there are still a few constraints, especially regarding illness, however, our aspirations for the semester have been achieved and we can look ahead with optimism to the school year ahead.
I thank you all for your patience, understanding and commitment to our school.
Do enjoy a safe and fulfilling break.
Warm regards,
VIVIENNE WEARNE
Deputy Principal – Head of Penbank Campus
PENBANK ELC Rated Exceeding!
It is with great excitement and pride, that we announce that Penbank Early Learning Centre has been assessed and rated as "Exceeding" under the National Quality Standards.
Since we were last assessed as "Exceeding" eight years ago, the classification criteria were amended, making it much tougher to achieve an 'Exceeding' rating. The Woodleigh Early Learning Team has worked hard over the intervening years to build a culture of continuous improvement and best practice. Following our assessment and rating earlier this year, we were delighted to once again receive the rating of "Exceeding the National Quality Standard". This rating was achieved across all seven Quality Areas without exception – an outstanding result for our Early Learning Centre!
"Exceeding the National Quality Standard (NQS) means going above and beyond what is expected at the Meeting NQS level for a standard. All standards in a quality area need to be rated Exceeding for that quality area to be rated Exceeding."
https://www.acecqa.gov.au/reso...
Quotes from the assessment and rating report
"The service showed a strong commitment to creating a dynamic child-initiated - adult-led program that was enriched by nature pedagogy and was inclusive for all children and families. Educators viewed children as capable contributors to the program and valued their unique qualities and abilities. There was an abundance of opportunities for children to have a voice and explore their creative expression. In all aspects of the program, there was a consistent approach from all educators in relation to providing positive guidance to children focusing on supporting children's individual differences."
"Educators were highly motivated to challenge their own thinking and to draw on new ideas and current research to ensure children were receiving the best possible support and opportunities for learning."
"The educational leader (Lisa Coxon) played an important role within the service and her extensive knowledge and passion for the role supported the embedding of high expectations for teaching and learning. There was clear evidence that practices were based on industry best practice and a reflection on current research in the approach to mentoring and supporting the educators. This led to a team of educators that consistently demonstrated a high level of skills and knowledge in all aspects of their practice. The educational leader worked closely with and in collaboration with the school leadership team who together, promoted a culture of positivity, support, and continuous improvement."
"There was an obvious harmony in all educators' approach to teaching and learning that also seamlessly aligned to the school values and guiding principles. The service recognised the importance of striving for best practice and continuously reflected on what they could do to improve outcomes for children and families."
LISA COXON
Head of Early Childhood
What's Ahead
Term 2
WEEK 8
Queen's Birthday Holiday – Monday 13th June
SMR Cross Country @ Hastings – Wednesday 15th June
Penbank and Minimbah SC Tour and Morning Tea -Thursday 16th June, 10.30 am
Early Learning & Prep Wildlife Incursion - Thursday 16th June
Wugubank NT Parent Info session - Thursday 16th June, 3.45 pm
ELG/3 and Year 3 & 4 Wildlife Incursion - Friday 17th June
International Women's Day Lunch Year 6 - Friday 17th June
Reports distributed – Friday 17th June
WEEK 9
World Refugee Day – Monday 20th June
Boys Netball/Girls AFL – Monday 20th June
Body Safe Year 5 – Monday 20th June 11:30 am
Parent/Teacher Interviews – Tuesday 21st June
Winter Musicale SC Hall – Thursday 23rd June 7.00 pm
Term 2 Ends – Friday 24th June – 3 weeks break
Term 3
WEEK 1
Staff Professional Learning Day – Monday 18th July
Students Commence Term 3 – Tuesday 19th July
Year 3 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 20th July 10:00 am
Year 4 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 20th July 11:30 am
WEEK 2
Year 3 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 27th July 10:00 am
Year 4 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 27th July 11:30 am
Beanie Festival – Saturday 30th July
WEEK 3
Penbank Athletics @ Ballam Park – Monday 1st August
Sovereign Hill Camp – Year 5 – Wednesday 3rd August – Friday 5th August
Year 3 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 3rd August 10:00 am
Year 4 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 3rd August 11:30 am
WEEK 4
Year 6 Camp to Wugularr NT – Monday 8th August – Tuesday 16th August
ELG/4 Excursion Bunjil Place: Edward the Emu – Tuesday 9th August 10.00 am
Year 3 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 10th August 10:00 am
Year 4 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 10th August 11:30 am
WEEK 5 – Activities Week SC
Year 6 Return from NT – Tuesday 16th August
Penbank Billy Cart Project
A group of Year 6 students have recently designed and built a Billy Cart. With some assistance from Marc, the end result has gone incredibly well, exceeding the team's expectations. As such, they have decided to raffle the Billy Cart to raise funds for an excursion for the Wugulaar students.
Tickets are on sale at Penbank Reception.
One ticket: $2.00
Three tickets: $5.00
Thank you for supporting both the Year 6 Project Team and the Wugulaar students.
The winner will be drawn during our final School meeting in week 9.
Good luck!
FRANNY COOK
Year 6 Billy Cart Project Team Advisor
Discover the Senior Campus
The Head of Senior Campus, Nat McLennan, invites you to join her and the Principal, David Baker, for an introduction to Senior Campus life and a student-led tour of the Campus.
The transition from Minimbah and Penbank to the Senior Campus is a significant step in the lives of Woodleigh students and their families – one we hope to ease by building a sense of comfort and belonging prior to the start of Year 7.
Morning tea will be served before the tours, and while this event is intended for parents, not students, young children are more than welcome to attend with you.
If you cannot attend this event, we will be running a second session in Term 3.
We hope to see you at Senior Campus on June 16!
BOOK NOWAlmost, Maine – Tickets on Sale
Almost, Maine (PG)-is a series of loosely connected stories about the residents of a fictional remote town in Maine called “Almost.” Each scene happens at exactly 9:00PM in the middle of winter, as the northern lights hover in the sky.
Relationships end, begin, or change beyond recognition, as strangers become friends, friends become lovers, and lovers turn into strangers.
“Well, I can’t help it. It just came over me…I’ve fallen in love with you…”
At times realistic and at times absurd, Almost, Maine is mostly very funny with an element of sentimental “magic.”
Experience the life-altering power of the human heart and have your heart touched and warmed in the process.
Note: Almost, Maine will be streamed to ticket holders in the event that a live performance is unable to go ahead due to Covid.
BOOK NOWIt is with great excitement and pride, that we announce that Penbank Early Learning Centre has been assessed and rated as "Exceeding" under the National Quality Standards.
Since we were last assessed as "Exceeding" eight years ago, the classification criteria were amended, making it much tougher to achieve an 'Exceeding' rating. The Woodleigh Early Learning Team has worked hard over the intervening years to build a culture of continuous improvement and best practice. Following our assessment and rating earlier this year, we were delighted to once again receive the rating of "Exceeding the National Quality Standard". This rating was achieved across all seven Quality Areas without exception – an outstanding result for our Early Learning Centre!
"Exceeding the National Quality Standard (NQS) means going above and beyond what is expected at the Meeting NQS level for a standard. All standards in a quality area need to be rated Exceeding for that quality area to be rated Exceeding."
https://www.acecqa.gov.au/reso...
Quotes from the assessment and rating report
"The service showed a strong commitment to creating a dynamic child-initiated - adult-led program that was enriched by nature pedagogy and was inclusive for all children and families. Educators viewed children as capable contributors to the program and valued their unique qualities and abilities. There was an abundance of opportunities for children to have a voice and explore their creative expression. In all aspects of the program, there was a consistent approach from all educators in relation to providing positive guidance to children focusing on supporting children's individual differences."
"Educators were highly motivated to challenge their own thinking and to draw on new ideas and current research to ensure children were receiving the best possible support and opportunities for learning."
"The educational leader (Lisa Coxon) played an important role within the service and her extensive knowledge and passion for the role supported the embedding of high expectations for teaching and learning. There was clear evidence that practices were based on industry best practice and a reflection on current research in the approach to mentoring and supporting the educators. This led to a team of educators that consistently demonstrated a high level of skills and knowledge in all aspects of their practice. The educational leader worked closely with and in collaboration with the school leadership team who together, promoted a culture of positivity, support, and continuous improvement."
"There was an obvious harmony in all educators' approach to teaching and learning that also seamlessly aligned to the school values and guiding principles. The service recognised the importance of striving for best practice and continuously reflected on what they could do to improve outcomes for children and families."
LISA COXON
Head of Early Childhood
Term 2
WEEK 8
Queen's Birthday Holiday – Monday 13th June
SMR Cross Country @ Hastings – Wednesday 15th June
Penbank and Minimbah SC Tour and Morning Tea -Thursday 16th June, 10.30 am
Early Learning & Prep Wildlife Incursion - Thursday 16th June
Wugubank NT Parent Info session - Thursday 16th June, 3.45 pm
ELG/3 and Year 3 & 4 Wildlife Incursion - Friday 17th June
International Women's Day Lunch Year 6 - Friday 17th June
Reports distributed – Friday 17th June
WEEK 9
World Refugee Day – Monday 20th June
Boys Netball/Girls AFL – Monday 20th June
Body Safe Year 5 – Monday 20th June 11:30 am
Parent/Teacher Interviews – Tuesday 21st June
Winter Musicale SC Hall – Thursday 23rd June 7.00 pm
Term 2 Ends – Friday 24th June – 3 weeks break
Term 3
WEEK 1
Staff Professional Learning Day – Monday 18th July
Students Commence Term 3 – Tuesday 19th July
Year 3 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 20th July 10:00 am
Year 4 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 20th July 11:30 am
WEEK 2
Year 3 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 27th July 10:00 am
Year 4 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 27th July 11:30 am
Beanie Festival – Saturday 30th July
WEEK 3
Penbank Athletics @ Ballam Park – Monday 1st August
Sovereign Hill Camp – Year 5 – Wednesday 3rd August – Friday 5th August
Year 3 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 3rd August 10:00 am
Year 4 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 3rd August 11:30 am
WEEK 4
Year 6 Camp to Wugularr NT – Monday 8th August – Tuesday 16th August
ELG/4 Excursion Bunjil Place: Edward the Emu – Tuesday 9th August 10.00 am
Year 3 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 10th August 10:00 am
Year 4 Body Safety Australia Imagine Me – Wednesday 10th August 11:30 am
WEEK 5 – Activities Week SC
Year 6 Return from NT – Tuesday 16th August
A group of Year 6 students have recently designed and built a Billy Cart. With some assistance from Marc, the end result has gone incredibly well, exceeding the team's expectations. As such, they have decided to raffle the Billy Cart to raise funds for an excursion for the Wugulaar students.
Tickets are on sale at Penbank Reception.
One ticket: $2.00
Three tickets: $5.00
Thank you for supporting both the Year 6 Project Team and the Wugulaar students.
The winner will be drawn during our final School meeting in week 9.
Good luck!
FRANNY COOK
Year 6 Billy Cart Project Team Advisor
The Head of Senior Campus, Nat McLennan, invites you to join her and the Principal, David Baker, for an introduction to Senior Campus life and a student-led tour of the Campus.
The transition from Minimbah and Penbank to the Senior Campus is a significant step in the lives of Woodleigh students and their families – one we hope to ease by building a sense of comfort and belonging prior to the start of Year 7.
Morning tea will be served before the tours, and while this event is intended for parents, not students, young children are more than welcome to attend with you.
If you cannot attend this event, we will be running a second session in Term 3.
We hope to see you at Senior Campus on June 16!
BOOK NOWAlmost, Maine (PG)-is a series of loosely connected stories about the residents of a fictional remote town in Maine called “Almost.” Each scene happens at exactly 9:00PM in the middle of winter, as the northern lights hover in the sky.
Relationships end, begin, or change beyond recognition, as strangers become friends, friends become lovers, and lovers turn into strangers.
“Well, I can’t help it. It just came over me…I’ve fallen in love with you…”
At times realistic and at times absurd, Almost, Maine is mostly very funny with an element of sentimental “magic.”
Experience the life-altering power of the human heart and have your heart touched and warmed in the process.