Term 1 Week 9 and 10

Hello everyone
Well we are almost there - the end of the term.
I must say the change in the boys from the start of the year to now has been incredible. More focused, enthusiastic about learning and wanting to do their very best. A credit to all of them.
The boys are really starting to be accountable for their behaviour and for their learning which shows that they are growing up and becoming independent young men and learners.

Just a couple of things for the next week or so:
Parent Teacher Interviews:

• If you have not booked a time on line please do so.
• If you cannot remember your password details please contact the Prep School office and they will be more than happy to help you.
• As the interviews are only 15min in duration and Monday night seems to be very full, I will be sticking to the time limit.
• If you have any questions or concerns then we can schedule another time for early in Term 2.

Portfolio:

• You will receive your sons portfolio at the Parent Teacher Interview.
• Please go through the portfolio with your son. Each of the boys have done a task card for at least two activities.
• There is also a sheet for you to fill in as feedback for your son and how you think he has progressed.

End of Term:

• Term 1 ends on Thursday the 5th of April at 1pm.

Look forward to meeting and talking with you all next week.

Finally just wanted to wish you all a Happy Easter and a wonderful holiday. It has been a big term and I'm sure the boys are looking forward to a well deserved rest.
Have a safe and happy holiday.

Warm regards,
Nesha

Term 1 Week 8

Wow is it week 8 already - time sure has flown this term.
There are a few things happening in the next few weeks that need to be put into your diaries or calendars.

Program of Inquiry:

• The boys and I had a discussion on Friday and we made a decision regarding the P.O.I inquiry task.
• The boys decided that this week Friday the 23rd of March would be a great due date for their projects.
• On Thursday your son will bring home the poster he has been working on in class - all his own work, just to do some last minute touch ups eg colour, fix up spelling etc. I do not anticipate that they will begin their poster again. Please also remember it is the boys OWN work that I wish to see.
• I have conferenced with each of the boys and together we discussed elements that need to be added to the poster. You will find the information on the back of the poster with my signature and date I spoke with your son, along with some dot points regarding his poster.
• On the whole all the boys have worked well to do this task. Some however, have struggled with collecting information and even listening to constructive feedback.
• As this is their first major project it will be all about what they learn with regard to time management, listening to feedback and how to tackle a project. All these skills will help them when they come to do the next inquiry unit.
• Also please remember the boys DID NOT have to make a model of their invention.

Harmony Day:

• On the 21st of March it will be Harmony Day.
• All boys are asked to wear an Orange shirt along with their sports shorts and sneakers for the day. Boys in Wastford can come in their House Top.
• The Prepartory School will be involved in various class activities to raise awareness of Harmony Day.

Noah Ponniah Farewell:

• As some of you are aware Noah Ponniah will be leaving us on Wednesday to live in Melbourne.
• The boys decided that a Farewell Party would be a great idea.
• So on his last day which is the 21st of March, 3S will have a class party in honour of Noah.
• All the boys have a note in their diary about what they will bring, that is, either a savoury or sweet dish or a drink for the party.
• Can I please ask that the plate of food you supply be kept small - we do not want too much wastage and if your son is supplying a drink that it be kept to 1litre.
• Any unsued drinks or food may be sent home with your son.
• Also be aware of the boys who have allergies to various ingredients including egg, nuts, wheat, sesame and dairy. Please do not feel that you have to make sure that your food does not include these ingredients, just let me know so that I can make sure the boys in question do not consume these foods.

Reminders:

• The boys have begun revision in class for a combined 2, 10 and 5 timestables test this Friday.
• Encourage your son to learn his tables at home as well
• Also remind your son to learn his spelling words throughout the week and especially on Thursday night.
• Easter Egg Raffle booklets and money to be returned as soon as possible.

Parent / Teacher Interviews:

• These interviews are scheduled for week 10 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Notes will go home as soon as they are available giving you information about the process of booking a time.

Thanks and regards,
Nesha

Addition Information

Hello everyone

Just to clear up a few misconceptions:

Machine Mania assignment:

• The boys and I have talked at length with regard to a due date for this assignment. As yet we have not set one. It is certainly NOT this Friday.
• We will discuss as a class a suitable due date
• The boys all know that they DO NOT have to MAKE a machine. The alternatives as we discussed in class were: draw a detailed picture of your machine with labels or make a simple model using lego, cardboard etc. This model should not be big or working - it should be very simple
• Most boys have chosen to keep things very simple and have drawn a complex machine, they are now working on putting labels on the diagram to show the various components and simple machines used.
• All work has been done in class either on an A3 poster format or on powerpoint. I have therefore been able to track the progress made by the boys and how efficiently they have been using class time.
• All boys were given a criteria sheet with a Rubric explaining what exactly needed to be done (this should be in your son's communication folder). An example poster is on our board. As a class we went through the expectations for this task.

Lost on an Island:

• This is a FREE Time activity.
• If a boy has finished all class work and they have spare time they work on the Lost on an Island activity.
• There is no due date for this task - I anticipate that most boys will take quite a considerable time to complete this task as it is only done when all other work is completed.
• This activity is a class activity not for homework.

Chapel:

• We have Chapel this Friday
• Some boys have lines that they need to rehearse in their diaries. Please help them pronounce difficult words. These lines do not need to be memorised.

Easter Egg Donation:

• The P&F are having an Easter Egg Fundraiser. Please support this cause by donating as many Easter Eggs as you can.
• There is a box in our classroom awaiting your donation

Regards,
Nesha

Term 1 Week 6

Hello everyone,

Well Clipsal is over and a BIG thank you to all our parent helpers. It was wonderful to have you along for the day. The boys loved Clipsal and thoroughly enjoyed walking around with you and taking in all the wonderful sights.

Chapel
This week the boys in 3S will be rehearsing for our Chapel service which is this Friday (9th of March). If you are free and would like to come along to the service it will be in the Chapel at 8:50am approx.

Our theme for the service is Education - Thinking Globally and Acting Locally.
I have already shown the boys a youtube clip by Sarah McLachlan called 'World on Fire'. The link follows:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0O2LMqnHGg
This clip shows the allocation of money for various uses throughout the world. It also puts into perspective what we spend money on and what other less fortunate people need money for. It is a very moving and thought provoking video. This clip will also be shown at Chapel.

Homework
It is excellent to see that most boys have got into the routine with homework. For the most part homework is all about establishing a routine and being able to use allocated time efficiently. Most boys use class time extremely well, so much so that they complete most, if not all, their spelling in class - hence no homework. Others are still learning to use their time wisely.

Pancake Day
Tuesday 6th of March is Pancake day. The boys will all be given their Pancakes in class prior to recess.

Sport
Currently the boys are doing table tennis which is in the Gym. So when you come to collect them on Thursday at 3:30 you will find them all in the Gym.

Well that's about it for this week.

Thanks and regards,
Nesha