Junior Journeys

Finding some time for balance

By Kellie Osborn Email this article

Reflecting on achievements and events

Active learning develops our students' autonomy and abilities that help them become lifelong learners. It also gives students a greater involvement and control, increasing their desire to learn and their ability to retain information. By placing our students front and centre in their own education, and by making learning both relevant and fun, they want to know more and explore, ask questions and seek answers. It is an enormous privilege for us to join our students on their learning journey and to facilitate their inquiries.

During the holidays, our IB Learner Profile attribute of ‘Balanced’ comes to mind. After a busy Term, I encourage you and your families to counter this dynamic and active learning process with a period of rest, relaxation, restoration, and rejuvenation. Looking ahead, Term 3 will be filled with a plethora of inquiries and adventures, and so time spent balancing this practical learning with rest is essential.

Have a wonderful break and we look forward to seeing you all again from Monday 25 July 2022.

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Inspiring learning opportunities at Brownhill Creek
Our Year 4 students have been undertaking fortnightly excursions to Brownhill Creek as part of their Unit of Inquiry ‘Who we are’. Through this unit they consider what it is to be a global citizen, the rights and responsibilities of humans as global citizens; and how we can take action and contribute locally.

During the course of the Term, and with the support of experts, teachers and our supportive Year 4 parents, these afternoon excursions have provided them with a plethora of activities and experiences.

• They worked with the inspiring Jeremy Gramp from Green Adelaide who spoke to students about the local flora and fauna. His passionate delivery ensured complex topics remained interesting and students remained engaged. He has also supported us on excursion at Brownhill Creek in investigating insects, bugs and the wider environment.
• They met Andrew Tilley who spoke about the history of the area, the Kaurna Tree, and the viewing platform he was building.
• They have been thrilled to recently begin learning about the Bolstering Bandicoot project. Our thanks to the Environment Institute’s Dr Jasmin Packer and her ‘Bandi Bunch’ team (including Hayley Jose and university volunteers) who have led this project.
• They have explored the habitat (by the blackberry and habitat enclosure).
• They have learned how to identify animal signs (scats and tracks).
• They are discovering how bandicoots are important for the ecosystem – diggings, eating fungi.
• They have had a focus on the habitat and the importance of dense vegetation, helping with bush care (removing broom weed).

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A French Day to remember!
French Day is always a highlight of our calendar and each year it exceeds expectations, providing a wonderful celebration of the French language and culture.

With uniforms swapped for costumes and all things tricolore, the day opened with an assembly, where students could showcase their learning in ways as diverse as French songs, dance, and comedy.

Further to this, each year level experienced a unique French activity (below), then the older students engaged in a friendly petanque tournament.

Reception	Making French monuments with recycled materials
Year 1	Making French perfume
Year 2	Tour de Scooter, complete with replica landmarks
Year 3	French cooking with Monsieur LeFevre
Year 4	Making French monuments with edible materials
Year 5	Making parachutes and French fashion with recycled materials

The day was a great success with students, staff, and parents embracing the spirit of the event.

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Year 3 Cultural Experience Day
Another important IB Learner Profile attribute is being open-minded. In the classroom students are reminded of the importance of listening to the opinions, ideas and perspectives of others, understanding that it is only through listening to others that we are able to expand our view of the world around us.

This culturally diverse day marked the finale of their current Unit of Inquiry. We welcomed parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and cousins, who attended to share a traditional activity that is special to their family. Many cultures were represented through Greek sweets and desserts, Italian pasta, Persian writing, Japanese origami, Chinese lanterns, Dutch biscuits, and Indigenous games.

We are so thankful to these volunteers for giving their time so generously in support of our students' learning.

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Kellie Osborn
Head of Junior School