Personal Digital Devices Come to Stage 2

If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow. - John Dewey

When I was at school the only information we had access to was the set of World Book Encyclopaedias in the school library. This meant that everybody in my class produced the same posters and the only difference between each child’s project was the colour of the cardboard that we chose. I remember clearly the rush to the local library to borrow a book or a dash to the newsagency to aquire a piece of cardboard before they sold out, only to make a mistake with a permanent marker when writing the heading. How things have changed in this digital age!

For our students, interacting with advanced technologies is a natural part of their everyday lives so the extension of having their own device in the classroom was a natural and advantageous move. This year Stage 2 students were introduced to having a personal digital device (PDD) to use every day in class and it's clear that they are thoroughly enjoying the change.

As educators we seek to create an environment which focuses on, and fosters, the “Four Cs” of 21st century education - communication, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Changed methods of delivering information ensures that the children’s skills sets, ability to think more deeply and synthesise greater amounts of information are being developed and extended.

We have seen a higher level of engagement in learning in Years 3 and 4 this year as students have more choice in displaying their learning, and quick and easy access to content that we have made available to them. They are able to work on the same task in a group, from different devices and places in the room. One significant difference is the simple ability to watch videos and read content at their own pace, pausing to reflect or rewinding to listen again to information. Students become the key contributors to their own learning process.

Of course we continue handwriting lessons and use paper and pencils daily … and a quick trip to the newsagency for cardboard may still be necessary if the students choose this method for presentation!

Personal digital devices in Stage 2 have brought a new powerful dimension to an already dynamic program.


Linda Wearne
Stage 2 Manager

Primary Updates

Staffing

Mrs Linda Wearne
Linda Wearne has been appointed to the role of Stage 2 Manager, allowing Lou Deibe to focus on Priority Projects. Linda will work with Chantelle Morrison, our Stage 2 Learning Leader, to direct and support staff and students in Stage 2.

Mrs Kathy Evangelidis
Last week we farewelled Beth Henry who had been filling a maternity leave position at NBCS on Year 3. Beth was a targeted graduate with the Department of Education and was recently successful in attaining a full-time appointment at Oakhill Drive Public School. We are excited to announce that Mrs Kathy Evangelidis has enthusiastically agreed to teach 3H (now known as 3E) for the remainder of 2014. Kathy has been at NBCS for many years and is a highly respected teacher who has been working in our Directed Studies team.

Kathy Evangelidis

Kathy Evangelidis

Linda Wearne

Linda Wearne

Important to Know

Before School Arrival
Supervision of the Primary playground commences at 8:15am. Students should not arrive at school before this time unless they catch an early bus or arrive early due to a sibling’s involvement in extra-curricular music or PISA training. In such a case, students should go straight to the SCIL Plaza area located between the Zone and the SCIL Building.


Personal Digital Device

To limit the potential for damage to personal digital devices we recommend that students do not use them when travelling on public transport, with the exception of phones for emergencies or to listen to music. Students should always be considerate of other passengers.


Peter Grimes
Head of Primary

Band and String Workshop Day

On Monday 5 May, our Primary Band and String Group players were involved in an all-day workshop at the school. The day provided the opportunity to broaden the repertoire for each ensemble and provided valuable rehearsal time for upcoming performances. 

Lucy Clark and Alyssa Ivers from 3C took part in the day and have shared their thoughts.

This year, I participated in Band Camp. I am in the String Group and I play the violin. I like being in the String group for the opportunities we have such as Band Camp. The String Group learned to play “Rolling in the Deep”. Band Camp went for a day, and at the end of the day there was a small concert where we performed the song we had been working on that day. We had three different teachers throughout the day and the school provided the meals. I had a great time at Band Camp. - Lucy Clark

At Band Camp we played our instruments for around six hours. It was a lot of work but at the same time it was good fun. The Training Band was taught how to play “Power Rock”. The Concert Band played two songs, and they were “Mac the Knife” and “It Don’t Mean A Thing”. At the end of the day, all of the ensembles played the songs to the parents. It was the best day ever. - Alyssa Ivers

The String Group, Training Band and Concert Band provide a great opportunity for students to be a part of an ensemble and enjoy performance opportunities at school events and external festivals. We encourage all children who are learning an instrument, or interested in learning an instrument, to join a school ensemble.  Information on how to enrol in an ensemble can be obtained from the School Office.


Amanda Hill
Creative Arts

Primary Sport

Australian Futsal Team 2014
Congratulations Declan Annear who has been selected to represent Australia playing Futsal in Malaysia in November.

Declan plays representative futsal for UTS, a local club at Narrabeen Academy of Sport.

He was initially selected for the State team, Northern NSW, to play in the 2014 National Futsal Championships. Declan’s team was undefeated the entire competition and then lost in golden goal in the semi-finals.

A selector from the National competition nominated Declan to be part of the Australian Futsal team to tour Malaysia in 2014.
Declan has achieved one of his goals – to play Futsal for Australia!

Fantastic achievement Declan, we look forward to following your journey.

 

Boys Soccer Gala Day
Congratulations to our Junior and Senior Boys Soccer Gala Day teams that competed on Monday19 May. The Junior team fought hard and displayed great athleticism and sportsmanship. Ben Hutchison, Campbell Wem, James Dyer, Jamie Allen, Liam Parker, Nick Jansen, Noah Charles, Sam Johnson, Will Elliott, Will Pascoe, Xavier McLean.

The Senior team won the competition which is a terrific achievement. Congratulations on the great sportsmanship and tremendous talent displayed throughout the day. Aidan Johnson, Ben Worthington, Brayden Everitt, Dan Jerram, Declan Annear, Jeremy Nicholson, Luca Ormachea, Max Dowling, Owen Shaw, Nathan Halpin, Richard Riis, Tim Jansen, Tom Chidiac.

Thank you to Mr Cameron and Mr Stanwell for coaching the teams and to the parents who assisted with transport and supported the teams on the day.


Cross Country
Good luck to our Cross Country team competing in the State Cross Country Carnival on Friday 30 May at Horsley Park.


PISA
PISA Training and matches will go ahead as usual on Friday, 30 May.


Athletics Team
Information will be distributed this week to our Zone Athletics Team. Please make note of our first training session on Saturday 31 May, 2:00–3:30pm at Narrabeen. Please read your notes carefully and email Mrs Mitchell if you have any questions.


Karen Mitchell
Acting Head of Primary Sport

Student Led Primary Lunchtime Clubs for Term 2

This term's new Primary Club roster is up and running. Primary student leaders have organised and are now facilitating these fun-filled events on a weekly basis.

Students who love sport can choose between the Touch Footy, Basketball, Newcomb Ball, Soccer or the Sports Crazy clubs. Those interested in developing their understanding in the Bible can go to Bible Study clubs, which are available for students in Stage 1 and Stage 2. Students with a creative flair can enjoy making bracelets in the Bracelet Club. Other creative options are the Colour Me Colouring, Craft Club and the Stage 1 Art Club.

The Card Club is for those who are interested in strategy. Here students can learn and play fun card games like UNO. The Mine Craft Club, Chess Club, Library Club, Homework Club, Gardening Club are still operating with many enthusiastic members, as well as Operation Joy whose regular visits to the Terrey Hills Nursing Home are warmly welcomed and appreciated.

Student leaders Claudia, Jasmine and Sarah have written the following excerpt explaining what they do.

Our Bracelet Club has been running for one full term. At times, the Bracelet Club has had up to 30 students who have enjoyed making bracelets. Because of its popularity, we are currently in our second term. In this club, we love to teach the kids about how to make new and exciting bracelets which are very popular amongst school students all over Australia. Students really enjoy making Loom Bands and Thread Bracelets. Our club has been a very successful club and we hope to help continue to make it fun and exciting.

Students can attend clubs during lunchtime on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.


Skender Cameron
Primary Clubs Coordinator

Awards Week 1

Joshua Iliffe
Sahara Nalbandian-Watkis
Liesel Page
Zara Perry
Michaela Siu
Alexander Diamond

Awards Week 2

Samantha Charet
Riley Dennings
Ingrid Larsen
Charlotte Davies
Isabella Price