It's wonderful to hear that the primary school sector has been so active and engaging for the students in recent weeks. The Romp in the Park event must have been a delightful experience for the Prep and Year 1 students, providing them with a fun-filled morning outside of the classroom. Similarly, the excursion for Year 3 to the Riverbank and Heritage Village would have offered them a chance to explore and learn about the local environment and heritage.
These excursions and opportunities outside of the regular classroom setting are valuable because they provide real-world experiences that correlate with the learning happening at school. They allow students to see practical applications of the knowledge they are gaining and make connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world around them.
The various activities mentioned, such as butterfly life cycles, fireman visits, rubbish collection, and assessment tasks, are all contributing to a well-rounded educational experience for the students. By learning about life cycles with butterflies, the Prep students are gaining an understanding of the natural world and the processes of growth and change.
The rubbish audit undertaken by Year 4 is an excellent initiative to raise awareness about waste management and environmental sustainability. It helps students develop a sense of responsibility towards their school environment and teaches them practical ways to improve practices and reduce waste.
As for the Year 6 students, their focus on assessment tasks and breaking them into manageable pieces is a crucial skill to prepare them for the transition to high school. Learning how to effectively manage their time and workload will benefit them in their future academic endeavours.
Being part of a small school provides a unique advantage in terms of sharing these experiences with others. Students have the opportunity to interact and collaborate across different year levels, fostering a sense of community and shared learning.
It's evident that the primary school sector is actively promoting engaging and diverse learning experiences for its students. These experiences not only enrich their education but also help them develop essential skills and a broader understanding of the world around them.
Refer below for more detail on each initiative.
Jacqui Goltz
Director of Primary
Prep Butterflies
Our Prep students explored the English unit based on 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar.' This immersive experience went beyond literature, integrating mathematics, science, and art. The highlight was witnessing our chrysalises turn into beautiful butterflies. The unit delved into Eric Carle's timeless tale, captivating students with the caterpillar's journey and transformation. Through interactive activities, storytelling, and discussions, they grasped storytelling elements, sequencing, character development, vocabulary, and adjectives. Mathematics lessons focused on counting, patterns, and days of the week, using colourful manipulatives to re-enact the caterpillar's food consumption. In Science, students immersed themselves in the butterfly life cycle, witnessing the stages of metamorphosis firsthand. The emergence of two stunning butterflies sparked curiosity and scientific inquiry. Finally, the students released the butterflies, named Mintie and Beauty, into the playground to continue the cycle.
Natalie Spence
Prep Class
Year 1 Fire Education
Last Friday 26 May, Year 1 students participated in Fire Education with four members of our local Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crew. The Year 1 Fire Education program aims to assist students in developing an understanding of the dangers of fire and the appropriate response should they be in a situation where a fire is involved.
During the program, the students were educated in various fire safety techniques to protect themselves and those around them. The program's highlight came when the girls were allowed to unleash their inner heroes by operating the fire hose! Thank you to Firefighters Sam, Nat, Kim and Kenton for their educational and fun visit.
Corinne Shaw
Year 1 Class Teacher
Year 3 Historical Excursion
On Tuesday 30 May, Year 3 students embarked on an excursion with Time Safari Riverfront History Walk and Rockhampton Heritage Village to delve into the rich historical tapestry of our community.
They explored the stark contrasts between past and present, examining the significant figures who shaped our community.
A highlight of the trip was a visit to the school display at the Heritage Village, complete with a formidable headmaster who enforced strict rules. This experience provided the Year 3 girls with an understanding and appreciation of our community's vibrant past.
Renee Ruhle
Year 3 Teacher
Year 4 Waste Management
It's been an exciting Term 2 for our Year 4 students as they've been working with the Rockhampton Regional Council towards a more sustainable future. We're thrilled to announce that a whole school audit was conducted with the help of Education Officers Kelly Smith and Sharyn Lowth from the Waste & Recycling Unit. Together, we sorted through a mountain of rubbish to determine the specific types and amount of waste we generate.
Our ultimate goal is to make Rockhampton Girls Grammar School even more sustainable and to inspire our students to bring these practices home with them. Let's work together to create a better future for our planet!
Today we had an unforgettable and eye-opening experience on our excursion to the Lakes Creek Waste Management Centre! Our Year 4 students delved deep into the world of waste management, discovering where our rubbish goes and learning about the critical concepts of reducing, reusing, and recycling.
The trip began with a tour of the facility that shed light on the alarming rate at which our waste is accumulating. It was astonishing to realise that, if we don't take action soon, the Lakes Creek Waste Management Centre will reach its capacity in just 20 years. This realisation serves as a powerful wake-up call for all of us!
During our guided tour, we witnessed firsthand the intricate processes involved in managing our waste. From the sorting and separation of recyclables to the composting of organic materials, we were truly amazed by the scale of operations and the dedicated efforts of the workers and the general public to act sustainability.
This visit reinforced the significance of reducing waste production and finding innovative ways to reuse and recycle. It's the small changes we make in our daily lives that can have a substantial impact on our environment.
Leaving the Lakes Creek Waste Management Centre, our students were inspired and motivated to make positive changes. We urge everyone to join us in embracing the three R's - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle - to protect our planet for future generations.
Together, let's spread awareness and take action towards a more sustainable future. Remember, every single action counts!
Vanessa Hemson
Year 4 Class Teacher