Middle School Newsletter 2017: Volume 10

Middle School Newsletter: Volume 10

Term 3 

Weeks 2 & 3

What has been happening in the Middle School?

Welcome back everyone. The Middle School team hope you all had a restful break and have come back to school ready for another busy and fun filled term. The two major events for the Middle School this term are our camp to Anglesea (23-25 August) and the swimming program (28 August - 8 September).

Our teaching and learning is already well underway with Australian History being our Inquiry focus this term. Students will focus on how life has changed over time and recognise significant events that have caused these changes.

Learning and Teaching

We Are Learning To (WALT)....

READING: 

connect different texts to our own lives and other texts that we have read  and the world that we live in

WRITING: 

understand and use the structure of a procedural text. We have also completed our first Big Write for the term.

MATHS:

To use efficient mental and written strategies to solve multiplication problems

SPELLING: 

Grade 3:The graph /a/ making the sound “a” as in baby and the graph /g/ making the sound “j” as in giant

Grade 4: Words ending in the consonant suffix -ness, The graph /y/ making the sound “y” as in yawn and The graph /i/ making the sound “i” as in onion

UNIT OF STUDY (History) 

Explain how and why life changed in the past, and identify aspects of the past that remained the same.

PLAY IS THE WAY: 

Pursue your personal best, no matter who you are working with.

Term 2 Calendar Dates

Friday 4th August: Camp Notices Due

Tuesday 8th of August: Parent/Teacher Interviews

Sunday 13th August: Working Bee

Monday 14th August: Swimming Notices Due

Monday 21st to Friday 25th August: Book Week

Wednesday 23rd to Friday 25th August: Middle School Camp to Angahook

Monday 28th August to Friday 8th September: P-4 Swimming

Tuesday 29th August: Father’s Day Stall

Monday 4th September: District Athletics

Wednesday 20th September: Footy Day

Friday 22nd September: Last Day of Term 3

Current Notices

Middle School Camp

Camp is fast approaching. Could all medical and dietary forms please be returned to your child’s classroom teacher by Friday 4th August so that planning can be finalised. Also, make sure all payments have be finalised with the office by this date too.

bCyberwise - Online Safety

Most children are unaware of the digital footprint they leave every time they post online and the harmful effects it can have on themselves, or on others. Similar to regular discussions we have with the students encouraging them when interacting face to face, the same applies online.

Always T.H.I.N.K.

T- is it TRUE?

H- is it HELPFUL?

I- is it INSPIRING?

N- is it NECESSARY?

K- is it KIND?

To read more about the program your child participated in please visit this link: bCyberwise

Or download the bCyberwise Monster Family App: Monster Family App

Middle School Newsletter 2017: Volume 9

Middle School Newsletter: Volume 9
Term 2 
Weeks 9-10

What has been happening in the Middle School?

Wow! Another term done and dusted! While we have been super busy, we still can't believe that we are half way through the year. This term has seen a focus on expanding our science knowledge and skills, with our chemical and physical science units. We hosted a whole school open night and our learning was supported by two separate invisits. Our clever and brave Year 3s spent three days in early May demonstrating their knowledge as part of the NAPLAN assessments and the remainder of the term has featured a range of assessment and reflection tasks for our upcoming student reports. Our Middle School team has continued to evolve and we look forward to working closely together again next term! From camp in August to the swimming program and a focus on history, it's sure to be another fun filled term of learning!

Learning and Teaching

We Are Learning To (WALT)....

READING: 
use clues in the text to help make informed guesses about what unknown words could mean.

WRITING: 
reflect on our semester of learning and understand the structure of an explanation piece of writing.

MATHS:
measure order and compare different objects using familar metric units.

SPELLING: 
Year 3: The digraph |oy| making the sound “oy” as in toy.

Year 4: The digraph |ie| make the sound E as in chief.

UNIT OF STUDY: 
understand that forces can be exerted by one object or another through direct contact or from a distance.

PLAY IS THE WAY: 
pursuing your personal best no matter who you are working with.

Term 2 Calendar Dates

Thursday 29th June: Student reports go home to families
Friday 30th June: Last Day of Term 2
Monday 18th July: First Day of Term 3

Current Notices

Middle School Camp

Camp is coming up during Term 3. Could all expression of interest forms please be sent back to your classroom teacher ASAP, as well as deposits paid via Qkr.
More information for camp will be sent out in Term 3.

bCyberwise - Online Safety

Most children are unaware of the digital footprint they leave every time they post online and the harmful effects it can have on themselves, or on others. Similar to regular discussions we have with the students encouraging them when interacting face to face, the same applies online.
Always T.H.I.N.K.
T- is it TRUE?
H- is it HELPFUL?
I- is it INSPIRING?
N- is it NECESSARY?
K- is it KIND?

To read more about the program your child participated in please visit this link: bCyberwise
Or download the bCyberwise Monster Family App: Monster Family App

Middle School Newsletter 2017: Volume 8

Middle School Newsletter: Volume 8
Term 2 
Weeks 7-8

What has been happening in the Middle School?

This week we were lucky enough to have a visitor from 'Fizzics Education' conduct experiments with the 3/4 students. They explored their understandings of physics and how different objects move. This invisit supports our current Science unit, 'Magnetic Moves'.

We say farewell to Miss Maddie Oates and would like to thank her for all her hard work and dedication. We wish her the best of luck with everything and look forward to seeing her around in the future.

We would also like to welcome Mrs Nikki McCallum to the 3/4 area. Mrs McCallum will make a valuable addition to the middle school team and we look forward to having her join us for the remainder of the year.

Learning and Teaching

We Are Learning To (WALT)....

READING: question different texts before, during and after reading them as well as combine new information with prior knowledge to formulate new understandings (synthesising).

WRITING/V.C.O.P.: understand the structure of an explanation piece of writing and use our scientific research to create our own explanation pieces.

MATHS: measure, order and compare objects using familiar metric units.

SPELLING: 
Year 3: The digraph /se/ making the sound "s" as in horse.

Year 4: The consonant suffix -ly.

UNIT OF STUDY: Understand that forces can be exerted by one object or another through direct contact or from a distance.

PLAY IS THE WAY: Be Brave - Participate to Progress

Term 2 Calendar Dates

Monday 12th June: Queen's Birthday Public Holiday
Thursday 29th June: Student reports go home to families
Friday 30th June: Last Day of Term 2

Current Notices

Next week, the grade sixes will be raising money for the Red Nose Day Appeal by selling a range of different products. All funds raised will go towards supporting the families of sick kids.

bCyberwise - Online Safety

Most children are unaware of the digital footprint they leave every time they post online and the harmful effects it can have on themselves, or on others. Similar to regular discussions we have with the students encouraging them when interacting face to face, the same applies online.
Always T.H.I.N.K.
T- is it TRUE?
H- is it HELPFUL?
I- is it INSPIRING?
N- is it NECESSARY?
K- is it KIND?

To read more about the program your child participated in please visit this link: bCyberwise
Or download the bCyberwise Monster Family App: Monster Family App

Making News

We have just started our new topic in Science. Here are some pictures of our recent visit from Fizzics Education.

Middle School Newsletter 2017: Volume 7

Middle School Newsletter: Volume 7
Term 2 
Weeks 5-6

What has been happening in the Middle School?

In week 5 we were visited by the ladies from 'Mad About Science' to discuss all things Matter, and how different objects and substances change.

In week 6 we had Italian Day and our Science Open Night... Thank you for everyone's participation in both events. 

Learning and Teaching

We Are Learning To (WALT)....

READING: question different texts before, during and after reading them.

WRITING/V.C.O.P.: understand the structure of an explanation piece of writing.

MATHS: to explore the basic understandings of fractions.

SPELLING: 
Year 3: the prefix 'inter'
Year 4: the digraph /ai/ making the sound “A” as in snail

UNIT OF STUDY: to support students to represent and explain their understandings of the way different materials change, from a solid to a liquid at different temperatures. Introduction of scientific views

PLAY IS THE WAY: Be Brave - Participate to Progress

Term 2 Calendar Dates

Monday 5th June: Forces, Friction and Movement Invisit
Monday 12th June: Queen's Birthday Public Holiday
Thursday 29th June: Student reports go home to families
Friday 30th June: Last Day of Term 2

Current Notices

Upcoming Invisits for Term 2

One down, one to go. To support our studies in Science this term, there will be one more exciting science workshop running. Details are as follows. A green coloured notice went home earlier in the term outlining the new term-by-term payment system. Please ensure that that this term's excursion/invisit levy has been paid as soon as possible.

Fizzics Education Invisit  - Monday 5^th June

In the Forces, Friction & Movement Show students will look in depth at how push and pull forces act to move objects. They will also explore what variables impact friction between two surfaces and how this impacts on object movement. This workshops supports the Middle School’s Term 2 unit of Physical Science.

bCyberwise - Online Safety

Most children are unaware of the digital footprint they leave every time they post online and the harmful effects it can have on themselves, or on others. Similar to regular discussions we have with the students encouraging them when interacting face to face, the same applies online.
Always T.H.I.N.K.
T- is it TRUE?
H- is it HELPFUL?
I- is it INSPIRING?
N- is it NECESSARY?
K- is it KIND?

To read more about the program your child participated in please visit this link: bCyberwise
Or download the bCyberwise Monster Family App: Monster Family App

Making News

Well done to all students who participated in the Cross Country @ Karkarook Reserve last week. Tough conditions didn't dampen the Mentone Park spirit to much, and all reports were that everyone gave it the absolute best effort.

Middle School Newsletter 2017 - Volume 6

Middle School Newsletter: Volume 6
Term 2 
Weeks 3-4

What has been happening in the Middle School?

We've had a busy two weeks preparing and sitting for NAPLAN testing. Congratulations to our Grade 3s who did an incredible job of remaining cool, calm and collected throughout. We are very proud of all your efforts! Thank you also to our Grade 4s who were very supportive and accommodating, having done it previously.

Besides NAPLAN we have been excitedly exploring chemical science and the change of states in anticipation of our invisit next week - The Matter With Matter! We apologise as there was a mistake in our last newsletter regarding which classes would go on Monday and Friday. Please find them amended below in Term 2 Calendar Dates.

Learning and Teaching

We Are Learning To (WALT)....

READING: question different texts before, during and after reading them

WRITING/V.C.O.P.: understand the structure of an explanation piece of writing

MATHS: to explore the basic understandings of fractions

SPELLING: 
Year 3: the graph /c/ making the “s” as in city
Year 4: the digraph /ch/ making the sound “sh” as in chef

UNIT OF STUDY: to support students to represent and explain their understanding of the way different materials change from solid to liquid at different temperatures. Introduction of scientific views

PLAY IS THE WAY: Be Brave - Participate to Progress

Term 2 Calendar Dates

Monday 15th May: Mad About Science Invisit Middle W & M
Wednesday 17th May: District Cross Country
Friday 19th May: Mad About Science Invisit Middle H & OB
Tuesday 23rd May: Italian Day
Thursday 25th May: Education Week - Open Night 6pm - 7pm
Monday 5th June: Forces, Friction and Movement Invisit

Current Notices

Upcoming Invisits for Term 2

To support our studies into Science this term, there will be two exciting science workshops running (one for each of our two units). Details are as follows. A green coloured notice went home at the start of the week outlining the new term-by-term payment system. Please ensure that that this term's excursion/invisit levy has been paid as soon as possible.

Mad About Science Invisit - Monday 15^th May (Middle W & Middle M) & Friday 19^th May (Middle OB & Middle H)

Mad About Science presents ‘The Matter of Matter’ workshop. Students will investigate the three states of matter in a fun and exciting way. This workshop supports the Middle School’s Term 2 unit of Chemical Science.

Fizzics Education Invisit  - Monday 5^th June

In the Forces, Friction & Movement Show students will look in depth at how push and pull forces act to move objects. They will also explore what variables impact friction between two surfaces and how this impacts on object movement. This workshops supports the Middle School’s Term 2 unit of Physical Science.

2017 District Cross Country 

This year's 2017 District Cross Country will be held on Wednesday 17th May at Karkarook Park on Warrigal Road, Heatherton. Congratulations to all of the students who qualified for this year's event. Please ensure all permission slips returned and payments are made as soon as possible. We also welcome any parents who would like to come and support our team on the day. Go Mentone Park!

The 2017 team is as follows: Daniel, Oscar, Dimitri, Adam, Ben, Corey, Luke, Anton, Sam, Isabelle, Giaan, Jasmine, Harper, Dimitra, Layla, Kate, Amy, Chloe and Alana.

bCyberwise - Online Safety

Most children are unaware of the digital footprint they leave every time they post online and the harmful effects it can have on themselves, or on others. Similar to regular discussions we have with the students encouraging them when interacting face to face, the same applies online.
Always T.H.I.N.K.
T- is it TRUE?
H- is it HELPFUL?
I- is it INSPIRING?
N- is it NECESSARY?
K- is it KIND?

To read more about the program your child participated in please visit this link: bCyberwise
Or download the bCyberwise Monster Family App: Monster Family App

Making News

P.I.T.W Blogger activity. Students rotated around leaving their opinions on statements.

Middle School Newsletter 2017 - Volume 5

Middle School Newsletter: Volume 5
Term 2 
Weeks 1-2

Welcome back!


Welcome back to Term 2. We hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday period and were able to rest and relax. We have another busy, yet exciting term ahead of us that we can't wait to get started!


Reflection of Term 1 

At the conclusion of Term 1, students reflected individually and collaboratively about the adaption to the new flexible and open learning space, along with new furniture and new teachers. From reflection, the Middle School (students and teachers) had interesting feedback that we will adapt so that our transition into Term 2 is both seamless and smooth. 
Feedback included:
> variety of flexible furniture provided comfort for different learners and allowed the workings of 1:1, small groups, large groups, year levels or the entire Middle School
> Play Is The Way is helping us work towards being responsible for our own actions - including the way we treat others, the new area and the control of our noise levels
> together we are working on the same things at the same time to make sure there is consistency among the Middle School and depending on what we are working on, our noise level is appropriate to that situation

What has been happening in the Middle School?

We have had a magnificent start to the term after reviewing and breaking down our Middle School Expectations for greater understanding. Students expanded on the meaning of each expectation and gave everyday examples of each. We have also established quiet zones and the whole area is a walk only zone.
Middle School Expectations
1. Clean up after yourself
2. Be a team player!
3. Respect others by listening, giving eye contact and showing understanding
4. The right attitude and polite manners can take you anywhere!
5. Keep noise and movement APPROPRIATE around the Middle School Area
6. Give EVERYTHING a go!
7. It’s ok to make mistakes. Learn from it! 

With routines, learning and fun back in full swing in the Middle School Area, we are excited to begin our Science Inquiry Unit this term beginning with Chemical Sciences and moving on to Magnetic Moves! 

Learning and Teaching

We Are Learning To (WALT)....

READING: determine important facts in texts
WRITING/V.C.O.P.: write persuasively by arguing one side of an issue and the use of Vinny Vocabulary
MATHS: use a range of strategies to solve subtraction problems
SPELLING: 
Year 3: the trigraph /are/ makes the sound 'air' as in square
Year 4: the digraph /wr/ making the sound 'r' as in wrist
UNIT OF STUDY: immerse ourselves in chemical science by exploring the way a change in state between solid and liquid can be caused by adding or removing heat.

PLAY IS THE WAY: Treat Others As You Would Like Them to Treat You - If someone is unlike you, seek to understand them.

Term 2 Calendar Dates

Friday 28th April: Cross Country Trials
Tuesday 9th May- Thursday 11th May: NAPLAN testing
Monday 15th May: Mad About Science Invisit Middle W & OB
Friday 19th May: Mad About Science Invisit Middle H & M
Tuesday 23rd May: Italian Day
Monday 5th June: Forces, Friction and Movement Invisit

Current Notices

NAPLAN

To support students with the upcoming NAPLAN testing (Grade 3's for the first time and Grade 4's again next year in Grade 5), we have introduced new literacy rotation activities to prepare and support students based on their individual abilities. We are also preparing students through our Writing program and within Maths lessons. We are trying to encourage a calm and try your best approach to NAPLAN to avoid any unnecessary stress or anxiety in students.

Upcoming Invisits for Term 2

To support our studies into Science this term, there will be two exciting science workshops running (one for each of our two units). Details are as follows and please ensure that this month's excursion/invisit levy has been paid as soon as possible.

Mad About Science Invisit - Monday 15^th May & Friday 19^th May (1 session per class)

Mad About Science presents ‘The Matter of Matter’ workshop. Students will investigate the three states of matter in a fun and exciting way. This workshop supports the Middle School’s Term 2 unit of Chemical Science.

Fizzics Education Invisit  - Monday 5^th June

In the Forces, Friction & Movement Show students will look in depth at how push and pull forces act to move objects. They will also explore what variables impact friction between two surfaces and how this impacts on object movement. This workshops supports the Middle School’s Term 2 unit of Physical Science.

bCyberwise - Online Safety

Most children are unaware of the digital footprint they leave every time they post online and the harmful effects it can have on themselves, or on others. Similar to regular discussions we have with the students encouraging them when interacting face to face, the same applies online.
Always T.H.I.N.K.
T- is it TRUE?
H- is it HELPFUL?
I- is it INSPIRING?
N- is it NECESSARY?
K- is it KIND?

To read more about the program your child participated in please visit this link: bCyberwise
Or download the bCyberwise Monster Family App: Monster Family App

Making News

We held a 'Panel of Peers' in an activity called Green-Red-Orange based on a series of statements and whether or not they followed the Golden Rule "Treat Others As You Would Like Them to Treat You". Our panel members held up a green card to agree, red card to disagree and orange card if undecided. This prompted great discussions as some statements had no right or wrong answer.
Example Statements:
- When someone pushes me, it's alright for me to push back
- You must keep a secret no matter what
- Looking cool is more helpful than being good
- It's alright to tell a lie sometimes
- If people are unlike us, we should be suspicious of them