Newsletter March 2013 - Coolum Beach Christian College

Primary School
As we are nearing the end of Term 1, it is definitely a good time to reflect on
what’s been happening in the Coolum Beach Christian College Primary world.
One of the great things about my role is that I have the privilege of being
involved with all the classes, students and teachers in our Primary school. This
week I spent time visiting every class; it was an opportunity to see the great
learning that was occurring and a chance to catch up with students to see how
well they have settled in to their new class environments.
Here are some of the exciting learning activities that were happening when I
visited the classrooms. In Prep, students were engaged in creative play, story
writing and wet play. Year 1 was writing very well designed stories and listening
to a story structure being modelled. Year 2 was demonstrating independent
reading skills and building reading stamina. Year 3 was also involved in literacy
workshop activities and writing reflections in their reading journals. Year 4 was
practicing independent learning skills, and Year 5 was working on fantastic
historical journals and conferencing with each other. Grade 6 was practicing their
chapel item and also was busy writing historical biographies.
Other things to note that are happening in the Primary that you may or may not have had the chance to hear about, or
see are:
Bug Club: Prep through to Year 3 has had the opportunity to be involved in Bug Club, which is a digital literacy
program that caters for different reading levels. The students can use e-Books and activities which are accessed at
both school and home. Students are really enjoying this chance to read texts in another way.
“Words Their Way”: Year 4 is trialling a spelling program called “Words Their Way” that builds on the skills that
Spelling Mastery has established. “Words Their Way” is diagnostic in nature and the students are having fun learning
the way that words work. At Coolum Beach Christian College we believe that, as teachers, we need to continually
reflect on our practices and look for ways to build on and improve the programs that we are using. Our teachers are
more than happy to discuss our classroom programs, units and other learning activities.
“The Writing Song”: Mr Winter, in his very innovative way, has written a song called “The Writing Song”. The aim is to
help students remember key elements in their writing. It is very catchy (in fact, I found myself humming it at home last
night!) So, if you have a child in Year 6, ask them to sing the song for you. As teachers we know that we have to think
of creative ways to connect students to their learning. Using music and actions is a fantastic way to aid recall.
Up and coming events next term
In school sport: Next term Years 4 - 6 will be involved in an in-school sport competition. Three different sports are on
offer with the program occurring on Friday afternoons. It is a great chance for the students to engage in exercise,
learn some new skills and raise the sporting profile of the school.
Parent teacher interviews: Parent teacher interviews will occur on Tuesday, 23 rd of April. This is in week two of next
term. Please make note of this date and book an interview with your child’s class teacher. Partnerships between home
and school produce the best educational outcomes for our students.
School photos: School photos are happening on Wednesday, 24 th of April. Please ensure that uniforms, hairstyles and
hair length for boys comply with College standards as detailed in the Parent Handbook.
I hope that this has given you a glimpse of school life. Enjoy the term break.
Tracey Shields
HEAD PRIMARY
5
Ph: 5446 4780 * Fax: 5446 4893 * Email: admin@cbcc.qld.edu.au