Our spelling and reading focus this week has been “oa”. We also learned about the “shwa” sound and how common it is in Australian accents. In short burst writing the children wrote about a ‘Staircase to the Moon’ and with the help of our wonderful parents, we wrote an informative description of a Thorny Devil. In grammar, we have been learning how to extend our sentences to include when and where.
Maths: This week the children continue to learn how to count forward and backwards 2’s, 3’s, 5’s and 10’s from any starting point. The children also identified and described patterns when skip counting using a number line, 100’s chart, counting on and counting down.
Philosophy: Our focus has moved to forgiveness. We discussed with the children about how forgiving others makes not only them, but also you, happier and more at peace.
Geography: We looked in detail at the Pinnacles in Western
Author: admin
Whole school discussion topic: Compassion
This week, the students were introduced to the word ‘Compassion’ as part of The New Alphabet for Humanity. We explored its meaning and practical applications during both our Assembly and Philosophy lessons. The children engaged in thoughtful discussions about how they can show compassion in their daily lives, both at school and at home, and shared examples of kind and caring actions.
Compassion is showing kindness and care for others. Compassion is about taking care of each other and uplifting those around us. Compassion is having an awareness of a deep connection between ourselves and others, and to all living things. When children become actively involved in showing compassion, they learn about this value in a deep and lasting way.
Affirmation:
“I am caring and helpful to others.”
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They’ve only been in school 6 weeks!
We have had a busy and exciting week in Lower 1st, filled with hands-on learning and creative activities. In Mathematics, we explored addition by working on number bonds to 5. In English, the children went on a ‘Caterpillar Walk’ around the playground, stopping at different locations. Along the way, we took photos and used them to learn about verbs, past tense and prepositions before writing a recount of the caterpillar’s adventures. We then created beautiful caterpillar artworks with the help of our 6th Class Buddies.
In Science, we began learning about the seasons, exploring how the weather and environment change throughout the year.
This week, the students also presented their first news item. It was wonderful to see them express their thoughts clearly, listen attentively to their classmates, and take pride in sharing special stories about their families.
Lower 1st Teachers
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Beautiful application
This beautiful Sanskrit writing by four children in 2nd class was selected for its neatness and clarity. Work of this standard calls for amazing focus, which is developed through the regular practice of Stillness.
Well done to Arnavi, Jet, Gail and Gabriel.
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Celebrating 40 Years of John Colet School
Celebrating 40 Years of John Colet School!
By now, you are likely aware of this year’s Gala Event on 29th March. This is a very special occasion marking 40 years since John Colet School first opened its doors. This milestone celebration will take place in the stunning Mahratta Estate in Wahroonga, home to the School of Philosophy.
Thanks to the generosity of our community, we have an incredible $25,000 worth of auction items, including one-of-a-kind artworks created by our talented staff and students.
Expect an unforgettable evening of exquisite food & wine, live entertainment and wonderful company!
Tickets are limited, so don’t miss out! If you haven’t secured yours yet, now is the time. Bookings will close in the next 48 hours.
More details and booking links can be found below.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Julian Wilcock
Below is your link to purchase tickets for the evening.
https://www.trybooking.com/CYNWM
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On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 7
Monday Kipfler Potatoes served with Sour Cream and Sweet Chilli Sauce
Tuesday Mexican Bean Nachos served with Avocado Guacamole and Sour Cream
Wednesday Salad Rolls with Carrots, Cucumber, Tomatoes and Lettuce
Thursday Cauliflower, Sweet Potato and Paneer Curry with Rice
Friday Freshly made Basil Pesto Penne
(Chefs’ selection of fruits and vegetables provided daily)
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On the vegetarian lunch menu for Week 6
Monday Cream of Tomato and basil Soup served with crusty sourdough bread and butter
Tuesday Indian Dal served with buttered basmati rice
Wednesday Margherita pizza with fresh mozzarella and Italian herbs
Thursday Broccoli and cauliflower pasta bake topped with herb crumb
Friday Egg and tofu fried rice with sweet soy chili and fresh shallots
(Chefs’ selection of fruits and vegetables provided daily)
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IPSHA swim carnival a great success
On Tuesday, 4th March, a team of 18 students from Years 3-6 represented our school at the IPSHA Swimming Carnival, competing against other Independent Schools from across NSW. They truly did us proud, demonstrating great effort, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm throughout the day.
The team returned happy, energised, and motivated after an incredible experience swimming in the very same pool that hosted the Olympics 25 years ago!
Congratulations to all our swimmers on their outstanding achievements. A special mention goes to Declan W, who placed 4th overall in the 10-year-olds’ 50m breaststroke with an impressive time of 46.40 seconds, a fantastic result!
Well done to all who participated.
Anika Davey
PDHPE and Sports Teacher
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Deputy Head of School’s Comment
Recently, 6th Class teacher Mrs Hansson and I have been looking into a program called Learn Kind which we will be introducing later in the year to all the children from L1st-6th class. Currently 6th class are running modules as a pilot before it goes out the rest of the school. The idea is to develop a whole school approach to creating an environment where kindness is learnt and enacted. This is supported by all our school values, the Philosophy program and annual discussion from the New Alphabet for Humanity. There will be more information provided in due course.
Di Renshaw
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Head of School’s Comment
Over the past two weeks in our student assemblies, we have been reflecting on the following reading:
Tibetan Buddhist Prayer – The Four Immeasurable Attitudes
May all beings have happiness and its causes; (Love)
May all beings be freed from suffering and its causes; (Compassion)
May all beings constantly dwell in joy, transcending sorrow; (Joy)
May all beings dwell in equal love for those both close and distant; (Equanimity)
This ties beautifully with our recent Sanskrit prayer, which speaks to the happiness of all. Rather than simply wishing for happiness for ourselves and others, we have been discussing the actions we can take to bring this into reality—starting with those closest to us, extending to our school community, and reaching out to the wider world.
Through these conversations, we are encouraging students to think about kindness, inclusion, and how small, thoughtful actions can contribute to a more compassionate and connected world.
Julian Wilcock
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