bandicoot bugleterm three 2011milestones, memos and musings from mylor primary school

MeetMeet Drumstick,Drumstick, Noodle,Noodle, OmeletteOmelette & Burger & Burger

It always gives me a great sense of pride, when I look back over the term and refl ect on all of our achievements.

Mylor Primary School is such a dynamic and rewarding place for students, one that aims to fulfi ll their passions whilst supporting a strong sense of belonging. This term these elements have been evident during a range of learning programs.

top (l to r): Benjamin, Shane & Braydon with (right)Miranda and Jacey helping with the

construction of the chook run.

By Gemma • year 6

On the 23rd of August Mylor primary got some new pets… chooks! We hired Andy to fi x up the old propagation shed. He did a very good job at fi xing up the old shed. Once he had fi nished we cleaned it out. We then put some new straw in. After we had done that we got some old crates for nesting boxes and put a bit of straw in them. Then Miranda, Maggy and I went down to Coopers and picked up a food and water dishes. The following week our teacher Miss.K went down to Coopers again and picked up the chook food and of course the chooks.

We then went down to Miss K’s car and helped carry them up. We then introduced them to their new home.

Every day we will take a small group up to the chook shed and let them pat and even hold the chooks.

One such example was the whole school celebration of ‘Book Week’ with the theme ‘One World, Many Stories.’ Most encouraging was the leadership roles and learning activities developed by the older students. The participation and enjoyment across the school was obvious.

Our community feeling and general care for others is what makes Mylor Primary School a unique and precious resource to both celebrate and cherish.

Safe Holidays, Ngari

From the principal’s desk

Music Count Us In!

Computers in Education Group SA Conference Festival of Music Choir

below: The whole school involved in the Music Count Us In program

By Georgia • year 5 & Ella F • year 6

‘Music Count Us In’ is a program that gives primary and high school students the chance to participate in music. A group of high school students wrote a song and they recorded it. Then any school could learn the song and do the dance.

This is the fi rst time we have participated in ‘Music Count Us In’. We started ‘Music Count Us In’ when a lady came in and showed us a song and dance to the their song, “We’ve Got the Music.” We learnt a cup routine as well, that was a very fast and fun.

Then on the 11th of September at 11am, many schools across S.A did the dance at the same time.

By Kaitlin • year 1

On Thursday the 1st of September, schools around the country all sang the song ‘Music - count us in’ at 11:00am. The students from Mylor all sang the song and performed the dance they had learnt previously at 11:00 along with 100’s of other schools.

On Wednesday a music teacher came and taught us a fun dance and song, and how to make music with cups by tapping them on the ground. After lunch we did the dance with the whole school. It was fun.

On Saturday the 13th of August staff attend a CEGSA conference at St. Peter’s College. This conference was about the use of technology in the classroom and how to incorporate it into the curriculum. The keynote speaker for the morning was Tom March. Tom March is a teacher who is now involved in developing web quests, and educating teachers on how to use computers and the Internet effectively in their classrooms. His keynote speech “It’s broke – so let’s fi x it” was about how teachers in the 21st century need to adapt and change their teaching practices to suit the children of the 21st century.

After the keynote we were given the opportunity to attend different workshops. These were all based around incorporating technology into the classroom. Some new strategies that we have already put in place are Look2Learn activities, which are designed to deepen children’s thinking, and to encourage questioning and discussion. We have also started to set up class blogs, where children have the opportunity to share their ideas on a topic with others.

There are many other ideas and strategies that we would like to implement in the future as we can all see the benefi ts of changing and adapting out teaching practices to suit the 21st century.

By Maggy • year 6

This year Mylor introduced the Festival of Music choir to anyone that was interested. We had students from year 2 to year 7 who wanted to be involved.

Each week we would meet Mrs Boehm in the activity room to have a rehearsal. We each ordered a book and a CD so that we could practice the songs at home. I only came to Mylor in term 2 and decided that I would like to join the choir as I had been involved at my last school.

Each week we would start with a warm up, and then move onto learning the songs. Some of the songs were really boring like The Tales, but there were also some good ones like Gundella and Caught in the crowd.

On Saturday 17th September, 9 lucky students from Mylor participated in the Festival of Music at Festival Theatre. We arrived in the morning for a dress rehearsal, and then had to come back at night for our performance. It was fun to be involved and I really liked the troupe and their ideas and costumes.

The choir would like to thank our parents for dropping us off at the rehearsal and coming to see us perform. We all cant wait to do it again next year!!!

mylor primary school - Building the confi dence to thrive

By Ella F & Jeanne • year 6

This term for Indonesian Bu Lewis cooked Klepon for Independence Day. They are traditional Indonesian sweets that are made from glutinous rice fl our and palm sugar. They are bright green, sweet, delicious and strange. The texture was sort of like play dough! We also tried cassava chips that were kind of like prawn crackers and also tasted just as good.

This term Indonesian has been exciting and interesting!

Indonesian

By Miranda & Mycheal • year 7

We did a Kick-a-thon/Walk-a-thon to raise money for the annual, Year 7 trip to Canberra. We raised approximately $300. For the walk-a-thon you walked around Mylor’s oval and you were sponsored to walk amounts of laps. For the Kick-a-thon you were sponsored to kick a certain number of goals. Aeddan and Ethan won the walk-a-thon whereas Adam won the kick-a-thon. Emma was the person who raised the most money. All these students were awarded prizes. Thank you for your support in this event.

What is an iPlan?All families are offered the opportunity to meet at least twice a year to develop an iPlan for their child. The fi rst round of meetings occurred during Term 1, with a second meeting occurring in Term 3.

iPlans are a working document formed between teachers, students and parents to gather information about the student’s interests, achievements, strengths and areas for growth. During the meeting all participants identify and agree on learning goals for the student and strategies to support the student in achieving these goals.

Results of literacy and numeracy testing undertaken at the beginning of term and comparisons with testing done in Term 1 were shared during iPlan meetings to help monitor student progress.

iPlans are a valuable record of student progress and success throughout their primary schooling. This term the majority of families met with staff to formulate and iPlan for their child.

Walk-a-thon Kick-a-thon

Progressive Achievement Test (PAT) Testing & Results

left to right: Happy walkers...Kodi, Ethan, James, Ricky, Ebony, Aeddan, Ella B and Shane

above: klepon wrapped in banana leaf

Student testing was once again completed earlier this term, with fantastic results across the board. It is so pleasing to see that the targeted Literacy and Numeracy groups we offer here at Mylor are having such a positive impact on the growth of student achievement.

Students undertook tests in Vocabulary, Comprehension, Spelling and Numeracy. Teachers then used this information to present to parents and students at our iPlan meetings. The results were discussed, and plans put in place to continue excelling students in the right direction.

Our ‘data wall’, which staff refl ect on regularly, is a constant reminder to us all that there is always room for improvement. As such, we continually strive to challenge the way that we deliver our curriculum, and aim to always meet the needs of ALL of our students.

By Adam • year 2

We did a walkathon / kickathon at the Mylor town oval. The walkathon was about walking around the oval and the kickathon you had to kick as many goals as you can. I kicked 7 goals, Liam kicked 6 goals and Henry kicked 7 goals. We did this to raise money for the year 7’s to go to Canberra.

Why I Love AustraliaBy Miranda • year 7, Braydon & Ruby • year 6

For book week this year we got into groups and each group had to plan an activity about one of the shortlisted picture books. Our group which consisted of Braydon, Miranda and Ruby read the book ‘Why I love Australia’, written by Bronwyn Bancroft.

At the end of our reading we asked the students about the book and highlighted all the different styles of dot painting in it. For our activity we chose to link our book to an Australian dot painting activity. Each student was given a practice piece of paper to have a go on before they got their real one. We had to make about 40 Australia templates for everyone to use. Our activity was on the deck.

Book Week Activities

above: (from top left) Meigan, Jacey, Jeanne, Georgia, Ella F and Maggy busily

creating their paintings.

right: Jack M, Will and Ned work on their dot paintings.

above: Firstly Braydon, then Ruby and Miranda discuss the book with the class.

My Uncles DonkeyBy Benjamin • year 4, Ella F • year 6 and Georgia • year 5

For our book week activity Benjamin, Georgia and Ella read My Uncles Donkey written by Johby Riddle. The book is about the narrator’s uncles donkey who is allowed around the house.

After we read the book we asked questions about it to see what information people had remembered. Then we explained our activity, which was making donkey collages with material, buttons and feathers. It took a long time to prepare and plan but we got there in the end. It was a messy, fun activity and the whole school really enjoyed it.

right: Ned and Maggydecorate their donkeys

top: Benjamin, Ella F and Georgia with a fi nished donkey collage.

above: Ella F and Georgia read the story to the class.

above: Kaitlin busily working up her donkey collage.

left: Velouria and Ebony discussing how to decorate their donkeys

mylor primary school - Building the confi dence to thrive

MirrorBy Jeanne • year 6

Our group Maggy, Garth and Gemma read the book called ‘Mirror’. After that we asked a few questions about the book to see if the audience were actually listening.

Then we each got into pairs and made either a native animal or a foreign animal. There were many materials including felt, string, wool, straws, corks, googly-eyes, beads, paper, cotton buds and pop sticks. Every body had lots of fun creating all the animals. When we had fi nished crafting our creatures we all had a photo taken. The book week activity was a great hit to all the students.

Book Week Activities

top: Henry and Shane with their little critters.

right: Gemma and Maggy reading to the group.

below: Gemma helps Emma with her

little creature.

left: Gemma and Maggy trying to control a very long book.

below left: Braydon, Ned and Ella B, making their critters.

below: Jacey and Georgia proudly displaying their critters.

Book Week Dress UpBy Will • year 2

On Book Week we all had to dress up. I dressed up as a soccer player, Jack dressed up as a tiger, Adam dressed up as a knight.

We didn’t do any work in the morning. I brought my soccer ball. Ned dressed up as a knight too. Miss Schirmer dressed up as a Moroccan person, Liam dressed up as Dennis the Menace and Ethan dressed up as a pirate. I had lots of fun on dress up day.

Two Peas in a PodBy Shane • year 4, Jacey & Jeanne • year 6

For our book week activity we read Two Peas in a Pod. Then we asked questions like “Who wrote the book?” After that we started on our activity, which was building a mobile. First we started with a cloud on top and then strings leading down to the things you like of your choice.

We had an example mobile that everyone could look at to get ideas. Our example had an orange cloud, and hanging down was a ladybug, a house and a ball. All these things were important to our group. We think that every one had fun and liked our book week activity.

top: Jacey discussing their book with a classmate.

above: Shane and Jacey reading to the class.

left: (left to right) Savanna, Jack P, James and making their mobiles.

left: Velouria Pussycat, Jack Tiger, Brady wan Kenobe and Sir Edward Knight.

mylor primary school - Building the confi dence to thrive

To enhance the discovery topic of the environment the children were involved in developing their questioning skillsby using questioning matrix and question dice.

These tools were used by the children to develop their questioning skills. By rolling 2 dice the children were given 2 words to start their questions with. One dice had the word why, who, when/where, which, how and what.

The other dice had did, will, might, would, can/could, is/was. By rolling the dice together the children were given the 2 words needed to start a question.

This resulted in the children developing questions that they would not necessarily think of on their own, such as ‘How would....., Who did..... and Which was.....

At the beginning of the term we decided to give the children an environmental theme as part of discovery and inquiry.

To begin this process the R-3 class did a big brainstorm about the environment. During this brainstorm the children were asked to record anything they knew about the environment. These ideas were then sorted into groups and 3 main topics were chosen, endangered animals, water conservation and recycling.

The class was then divided into 3 groups, with each group given a different topic. The aim of the environmental discovery/inquiry theme was to extend the children’s thinking and questioning skills, and to help them gain a better understanding of the discovery/inquiry process.

As a result the JP children did not produce a ‘project’ as such. They spent time using the ‘Thinker’s Keys’ to develop questions and to research their topics as a group.

Whole School Discovery & Inquiry

For discovery and inquiry I did nuclear power. My inquiry question was

“What does nuclear power do to the environment?” I found out that there were

good things and bad things about nuclear power. It was fun.

By James • year 4

The EnvironmentThe Environment

Questioning Matrix and Dice

This was extremely benefi cial as the older children helped the younger children and the level of questioning and answers were of a higher quality.

The Upper Primary Students also began the process with a brainstorm, using the ‘pair and share’ strategy. Each student then selected a topic before recording any prior knowledge they may have.

We spent a considerable time this term teaching specifi c skills, such as questioning to assist students with the inquiry process and to development higher order thinking.

Students then developed an inquiry question about their topic to research, primarily using resources we have at school, such as books from the library, rather than automatically using ‘Google’.

For the last 5 weeks of the term the students focused on the Mylor Marvels community history project. The results of which will feature at the Mylor 120 Celebrations on October 23rd.

mylor primary school - Building the confi dence to thrive

top: Jack P testing his helecopter.

above: Gemma has a successful fl ight.

top: Ricky and Will working through the process.

above: Jeanne shows Alex how the magnet works and (right) Ethan has it sussed.

By Brady • year 1

In the Science push and pull group we made helicopters. Mine didn’t fl y.

We used stuff from around the classroom to make something that could be pushed or pulled. It was fun. We made magnetic mazes. We drew a maze on a piece of paper and we got a paperclip and a magnet. We put the paper clip on top and the magnet pulled the paperclip around. You had to get to the end of the maze. I learnt that wheels help things get pushed.

By Aeddan • year 6

This term for science we did Light Fantastic. In light fantastic we learnt how light travels. We did lots of group activities on computers and without. One of the activities was building a cubby and making it as dark as it could be.

Then you had to get a torch and two mirrors and see if you can refl ect the light off the mirrors to light up the cubby and work out how light travels. Then we had to share our thoughts on how we think it lights up the cubby.

One of the other activities we did was to make periscopes. Following the directions was hard, and some people didn’t get to fi nish. We all learnt that light travels in a straight line, and that different materials have different properties which allows most, some or no light through it.

Science : Push & Pull

Science : Light Fantastic

Miss K’s group

This term in Numeracy the teaching has been in the area of ‘space’ (sometimes called shape, or geometry). We have learned about 3D shapes, angles, 2D shapes, tessellations, position and scale.

Many of these concepts were taught using games such as ‘Shape Bingo’ where students work in small groups to match the clues on the ‘Who Am I?’ cards to the shapes on their board. We have also made shapes using plasticine and matchsticks, made shapes from ‘nets’, used geo-boards, and found pictures from magazines that demonstrate shapes in real life objects.

Students were also engaged in activities that required problem solving and that reinforce the concepts taught. One example is students being given an A4 piece of paper and working out how they can fold their page 4 times, so the unfolded page has 8 triangles and 2 rectangles. Can you do it?

Mrs Boehm’s group

This term our numeracy group has been working on the idea of money. To do this we incorporated learning about discounts and percentage, as well as decimals. For our fi nal end of unit activity we were put into groups to come up with a fundraising activity that would make a profi t.

We learnt how to use Microsoft excel and develop a spreadsheet. Each spreadsheet needed to detail our activity, and the items we needed to purchase. Each group started with a $50 fl oat, and had to work out a way to make a profi t to go towards our school camp.

There were three groups in total. The fi rst group had a hot chip and frog in pond lunch; the second group held a quiz afternoon and the third group held a ‘duck race’ at the local creek. Each group worked hard to develop an idea that people would like to be involved in.

Term 3 Numeracy

Students have also completed work in their books that is about identifying shapes and the trickier task of drawing 3D shapes. They have also used a protractor to draw angles and they are able to name acute, obtuse and right angles.

On occasions students also access the website ‘Studyladder’ for a part of these lessons, which has interactive games and activities that align with the topics being taught.

above: Ruby, Aeddan and Mychael conduct the Quiz Afternoon fundraising event.

right: Jack M cutting out shapes.

far right: Garth identifying shapes.

above: Kaitlin working with shapes.

above: Adam making shapes.

To challenge our thinking we have been given problems to solve, such as making a 4 squares with 12 popsticks, then working out how to remove a certain number of sticks and leave a certain number of squares. This proved quite tricky, some of us are still fi guring out how to do them. We have had a very successful term and love being given small challenges to work on.

mylor primary school - Building the confi dence to thrive

Miss Schirmer’s group

This term in numeracy our group has become smaller, as some children moved into Miss K’s group. Each week we focus on a different area of Maths and complete a range of activities.

Some weeks involve a lot of hands-on learning, while others are more written. Each Friday we spend 40 minutes playing games based in the topic we were learning for the week. This term we have learnt about numbers, place value addition and subtraction.

We have learnt about measurement by measuring different body parts, comparing the lengths and then placing on order from shortest to longest. We have used objects from around the classroom to make patterns, and found patterns in numbers. We have been keeping a record of the weather each day in September and will graph these results at the end of the month.

When learning about shape we have been using pattern blocks and popsticks to make triangles, squares, rectangles etc, and to create pictures.

top: Jack P, Garth and Byron creating 2D shapes.

above: Benjamin and Ricky working with the 3D forms.

above: Georgia working with 3D forms, with Kaitlin’s assistance.

below: Brady and Emma discovering all the different shapes. While Ned and Meigan

are working out measurements.

top to bottom: Ebony counting, Brady working with units, Kodi and Liam R also learning units. Ned measuring Savanna’s arm, Liam R describing shapes with straws, Ned measures Ebony. Savanna, Kodi, Ebony and Emma solving different puzzles.

Miss Schirmer’s group

This term in literacy we divided the week up into different activities for each day. At the end of last term we voted to complete a greater number of short activities each day, rather than 1 or 2 longer activities.

This has worked well with the children being more engaged with their tasks and getting more completed. Each week we start off with writing a recount. Instead of writing about our weekend every Monday we have completed surveys about what others have done, and made a comic strip about an event from the weekend.

Each Tuesday we have read a book by Mem Fox. This has led to a variety of activities ranging from writing about the story and answering set questions, to making a digital book about our dreams and writing our own pirate stories.

We have had lots of opportunities to practice speaking in front of the class, by talking about Scruffy, using picture cards to make up stories and using our questioning dice to ask questions. We have had a very busy term in literacy and are very proud of the work we have completed.

above left: Drawing of her dream by Asherah.

above: Drawing of his dream by Adam.

right: Emma working hard colouring.

top left: Cordy, Brady, Adam and Liam R .

left: Henry talking to the class about his adventures with Scruffy.

top right: Kodi and Cordy.

right: Savanna and Alex reading together.

Term 3 Literacy

mylor primary school - Building the confi dence to thrive

Miss K’s group

At the beginning of each week we have “Mad Minute Monday”. This is where students are given a choice of three topics to write about for approximately 20 minutes. After this time their work is marked and up to 3 words are identifi ed as “Old Way, New Way” words. This is a strategy that uses the language of “this is the old way of spelling that word and this is the new way”. Some students then practise the spelling of these words in Homework Club, however all students spend the 5-10 minutes mid-week practising their words, before a test of the words on Friday.

We have been learning how to write a procedure. Earlier in the term students made Broccoli Soup, using broccoli from the Star Garden. After making the soup, we looked at the structure and language of a recipe and students wrote the recipe for making broccoli soup. They also completed a reading task about another school that had been growing broccoli and made broccoli pasta.

Another theme to this term has been ‘Dragons’. We began by reading a magazine article about Chinese and British dragons that highlighted the similarities and differences in mythology. Students identifi ed unknown words in the texts and completed tasks to build on their vocabulary.

Students also made Chinese dragon puppets. This task involved students following written instructions only, which required reading and understanding.

As a class we wrote a story about a dragon. The aim of this task wasn’t so much about writing a story, but to demonstrate and discuss with students the structure of a narrative (Introduction, problem, solution and conclusion) and to teach some aspects of grammar that were needed in their own writing.

This was followed up with students writing their own dragon story which they have each produced as a picture book.

As children work, I am able to move from student to student to conference with them about their writing.

Mrs Boehm’s group

This term in Literacy, we all had the chance to plan our own learning topics. This meant that we started by brainstorming a big list of possible ideas to learn about. Once this was done, we each had three votes to keep our favorites ideas in. When this was fi nished we ended up with 9 ideas. These were History, Inventions, Books, Space, Music, Animals, Diseases, Medicine, Art.

For each topic there was between three and fi ve activities. All of these activities were formative except one. The main summative activity was worth 10 marks, and we were able to get feedback on our work before we handed it up. Sometimes if we had time we were able to change it and hand it up again to get a better mark.

This term’s work was a lot easier because it was in smaller parts. We also only had to look at a topic for a short time rather than the whole term. The activities were exciting, and not too big. This also helped most of us with our time management.

above: Georgia and Ella F busy researching their topics

top left to right: Byron and Ella writing down the receipe for the soup. The group in discussion.

above left to right: Group prep of the soup ingredients. Shane showing off his knife skills.

The soup on the stove...But did they eat their broccoli?

Since all students are at different levels with their learning this gives me the opportunity to extend or recap with students depending on their learning needs.

By Mychael • year 7

In our school there are a few other activities to do outside of literacy and numeracy. They include; spelling, general studies, and inquiry. In spelling we have two groups. Most of the class are in one group, which use the SuperSpell program to complete word contracts and tests each week.

The other group are made up of students who have achieved +15.5-spelling age in our tests in term one or three. In this group we get a sheet and write for fi fteen minutes and then edit each other’s work, trying to fi nd any spelling or grammar errors.

For general studies we were given the choice of two topics, How it works was one and the other was It’s Showtime.

Friends & BulliesBy Kodi • year 1

When we were learning about friends and bullies we made a poster. We brainstormed ideas about friends and sorted our ideas into groups. Then we made pictures of bullies. We have been learning about the difference between bad decisions, being mean and being a bully.

Wednesday Art By Jane Mant

This term we concentrated on developing our drawing skills. We further investigated different line types and how they could be used to represent objects.

Early in the term we had fun drawing along with music, using lines and colours to represent the sounds, rhythms and moods. Later we used our skills to copy a lion, and our imaginations to place him in a setting or a landscape.

At the end of the term we enjoyed drawing from life outside in the yard.

More than letters & numbers Each of these topics had a table of activities that needed to be completed. Each lesson we were able to choose which activity we wanted to do and then marked it off when we were fi nished.

In inquiry we had to form an inquiry question about the environment. Some people did other forms of energy. Some did deserts and rainforests and the like.

In inquiry we had a focus on questioning this term and learning how to develop deeper questions.

below: Ned, Brady, Asherah, Ella B and Will brainstorming ideas of what makes a friend.

Completing the same task is Ebony and Jack M.

above: The Mylor Primary School Family Tree

Littl

e th

ough

ts...

FamiliesBy Liam R • year 1

We made trees with our families in it. We found out what our last name means. My name was an English name. We also found out what our fi rst name meant. We also drew pictures of our family by looking at photos we bought in.

Asherah This term I have enjoyed doing writing and playing on the swings.

Savanna This term I have enjoyed cooking cornfl ake cookies and playing on the adventure playground.

Emma This term I have enjoyed making shape pictures and sitting on the new chairs.

Henry This term I have liked cooking and Book Week and family trees and dress up day.

Ned This term I have enjoyed Book Week and community service and personal time.

Meigan This term I have enjoyed writing about my family and reading books.

Alex This term I have enjoyed playing number games.

top left: The Reeves family on holiday in Tasmania, and right Liam’s drawing.

left: Ethan and Velouria’s family tree pictures.

Cooking By Cordy • year 1

At cooking we made cornfl ake cookies and Ella poured in the milk and we did it with Miss Schirmer. Adam did the fl our and I got to have a turn of stirring. Then Miss Schirmer put the cookies in the oven and we got to eat them. We also made honey oat muffi ns. We got to help make them and then we got to eat them too.

above: Emma, Jack M and Byron measuring out ingredients.

top: Will cracks the egg with Alex and Rickyabove: Alex, Ricky and Will watch on as Velouria pours in the golden syrup.

By Mychael • year 7 & Braydon • year 6

On Wednesday the 21st of September the Heathfi eld High School Renegade drummers came for a performance. First the marching band performed 1 piece, then the ensemble played a piece. For the 3rd act we played a piece with the ensemble that we had been practicing with Jes for most of the year.

By Jacey • year 6

This year we have had a drumming master class with Jes Virgo, a Year 12 student from Heathfi eld High School. We started with 9 people but there were other master classes like knitting that people opted to participate in so we ended up with 3 people; Mychael, Braydon and myself.

While people were doing master classes or inquiry, we were working hard to learn all of the songs that we were doing, ready to perform alongside the Healthfi eld High Renegade’s visit at the end of term. It has been a lot of fun, especially performing with the Renegade.

By Jane Mant

Our core group of playgroupers continued to have fun together on Wednesday mornings. We were joined by some new families who came to visit and gave great feedback about the ‘happy’ mood of our group.

Playgroup Wednesday mornings

Bang the drum

After our performance the fl ute ensemble play some theme songs. To end the performance the ensemble played a fast, loud piece. It seemed as if everybody enjoyed the performance.

This year we had the chance to join a drumming masterclass run by Jes, a year 12 student from Heathfi eld High School. During these classes we learnt about the different types of drums, how to hold the drumsticks and different techniques such as rim taps.

We also learnt about Taiko drumming, which is a Japanese style of drumming.

We received more generous donations from the school community, most notably some fun rocking toys made by Adam Demaagd’s grandfather. These proved very popular, with a line-up of children waiting to use them during the sessions. This is a great way of teaching the vital skills of sharing and turn-taking.

As the weather gets warmer we look forward to getting outside more for sand and water play. We are looking for donations of sturdy ride on toys for our outdoor play sessions.

If you know any families with pre-school age children encourage them to come along and join our happy group!

Term 3 Masterclasses

top: Braydon and Mychael join the Renegades.

above: Various performances from the Heathfi eld High School musicians.

mylor primary school - Building the confi dence to thrive

By Ebony • year 2

For a masterclass we did knitting and we made beanies and rugs. The ladies from the Red Cross came to teach us how to knit. This is how you knit, you go out, in, out, in and then you stitch it up and then you have fi nished. Some of us made scarves.

By Shane • year 4

This term for a Master class we did photography with Stephanie Bettison. She showed us how to take good pictures. We took photos of plants out in the schoolyard. Also we talked about pictures and the best ways to take them. She has a picture of a rocket that I liked the best.

By Will • year 2

During the fi rst week of photography we took pictures of motorbikes, skateboards, plants and books. I learnt that the lens can move forward and back. I enjoyed taking pictures of motorbikes

During the second week of photography we took pictures of things and people in the adventure playground. Stephanie taught us that it is good to tell people to get ready and to take some photos in the shade and others in the light.

After we had taken the photos we came back to the classroom and looked at the pictures we took. My favourite was Jack hanging upside down on the playground.

Knit one...

Photography

above (& left): Hopefully a couple of future Mylor students...

left: Ricky & Jack M in Will’s favourite photo.

below: A selection of the other images taken by the students in the photography masterclass.

By Ethan • year 2

This term for Active after school we have been playing tennis. Every Wednesday Barry and Sana teach us tennis. We go to the tennis courts. First we have a warm up where we practise the lines and after we start to do rallies with a partner.

We have learnt about serving, we’ve learnt to do backhands and we’ve learnt to do forehands. I have enjoyed doing rallies with Will.

By Jack P • year 5

This term the Year 4-7’s played soccer in the lightning carnival at Uraidla. In our fi rst game we played Uraidla, we lost 3-2. Aeddan scored 2 goals. Next we played Hahndorf 2, we lost 2-1 and Aeddan scored 1 goal. Next we played Lobethal, we won 5-nil, Aeddan scored 4-goal and Jack scored 1 goal. In our last game we played Spring Head, we lost 3 nil. We enjoyed ourselves very much and worked well as a team.

Thank you to Karen Palmer who coached and helped with the refereeing on the day.

Soccer Carnival

Active After School Tennis

top: Aeddan kicks the ball forward. above: Braydon looks back to tackle

top right: Coach Palmer discussing tactics. middle: Georgia and Ella F take a well earned break.

right: Braydon, James, Jeanne, gemma and Miranda fi ll in time before the next game.

top (l to r from back): James, Mychael, Ella F, Aeddan, Garth, Braydon, Jack P, Henry, Emma, Ella B, Savanna, Alex, Kaitlin, Liam B, Ricky, Ethan and Will.

far left: Will on the run.

middle: Savanna and Emma.

left: Jack P hits a volley while Mychael looks on.

Book Week excursions

mylor primary school - Building the confi dence to thrive

By year 4-7 group

On 23rd August we went to the Mount Barker Library to see a play called “One World, Many Stories”. It was stories from fi ve continents; Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa and America.

The fi rst story was about the hare and the tortoise. It was a re-match of the race and the tortoise won again by sliding on his shell.

The second story was an African story about the spider that wanted to buy stories from the God of the Sun.

By Ella B • year 2

On Thursday we went to the library to see Amanda Graham for Book Week. We listened to books like Morse’s Horse and Joan’s Goat and we watched her draw a picture of a fi sh looking scared. Then we listened to a song.

above: Amanda Graham fi rstly illustrating then reading a book to the children.

top: Georgia and Ella F watch the performance.

right: The Spalsh Theatre Company in full fl ight

He had to catch hornets, leopards and the tree spirits in exchange for all the stories. He even gave his mother away.

The third story was set in Australia. It was about a cricket match in the outback between Pipes Flat and Coopers Creek. The teams had help from a dog who ran away with the ball and a Scotsman who didn’t know how to hold the bat.

The forth continent was Asia. It was about a wrestler form Japan who went to China to challenge a man stronger than him.

The last story was from Europe called “Rock Soup”. It was about a girl who cooked soup using a rock. The Splash Theatre Company did a fantastic job performing and we all enjoyed it a lot.

mylor primary schoolStrathalbyn Road Mylor SA 5153 | phone 08 8388 5345

Principal Ngari Boehm | ngari.boehm@mylorps.sa.edu.au

www.mylorps.sa.edu.au

Term Four Dates

Sunday 23rd OctoberMylor 120th CelebrationsMylor Marvels Project

Wednesday 9th NovemberMylor Primary School Open Day

Monday 21st - Friday 25th November Swimming Week (Reception to Year 5)

Tuesday 29th November Aquatics (Year 6/7)

Wednesday 7th DecemberYear 7 Graduation

What’s on the horizon

Tuesday 13th DecemberPresentation Night

Wednesday 14th DecemberLate start 10am

Thursday 15th DecemberWhole School Excursion

Friday 16th DecemberEnd of Year Shared Lunch