Category: Latest News from John Colet School Belrose

The week that was in 4D

In writing we have looked at multi-clause sentences focusing on relative pronouns (who, which, when, where and whose) to add information and interest.  In Grammar we have looked at homonyms (homophones and homographs); and in comprehension we have looked drawing conclusions from information reports and biographies.
In my Maths class we have explored fractions (mixed numerals, improper and equivalent) and begun to look at the relationship between decimals and percentages as parts of a whole.
In Science we compared our ecological footprints and discussed ways we could alter our behaviours to lesson our impact on the environment.
In Geography we continued our investigation into natural resources focusing on Australia’s reliance on mining (diamonds, uranium and coal).

Cynthia Dalgleish
4D
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What’s on in 5I this week

Maths – Students have been exploring measurement, where we have learnt how to convert measurements. We have also started Chance and Data this week.
English – The children have written a speech to convince a panel of council members to help fix the problem of Rosy Dock.
History – The children have looked at a range of primary sources from the first settlement of Australia.
Shakespeare – With Covid restrictions we are having minimal makeup and costuming. 5T will perform in black leggings and a plain black short sleeve T-shirt, styled to suit our Hawaii 5-0 theme for Twelfth Night.
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Deputy Head of School’s Comment

Next week we are all looking forward to our annual Athletics Carnival. It is one event that we have not had to cancel this year and it will be a great opportunity for the children to get together and enjoy a day out. It is unfortunate parents will not be able to join us this year. The Carnival always offers every child an opportunity to show an aspect of character, and being a good athlete isn’t the only way to contribute. We often see examples of courage, determination and generosity of spirit. I am sure this year will be no different.
Di Renshaw
Deputy Headmistress
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Head of School’s Comment

We focus on one school value per term, but our value of Stillness is addressed every day through our action of pausing regularly with both children and staff. It sets the tone of active attention and presence. I was struck today at our Infants assembly at how quickly and deeply our students are able to come together and fall still. Their steadiness and focus was felt throughout our discussions.
When bringing oneself to a point of stillness there is a letting go of thoughts of the past or future and often a release of the connection to ongoing thoughts that may cloud our judgement. Being mindful enables our students to begin afresh, operate with greater clarity, and act in a way that is beneficial to all.
Julian Wilcock
Head of School
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6T studying the most amazing graphic novel…

This week, after much anticipation and work on prediction, we launched into ‘reading’ our new text – ‘The Arrival’ by Shaun Tan. For those of you who are not familiar with the book, please take a look here: https://readingaustralia.com.au/essays/the-arrival/
It is, by far, the most amazing graphic novel I have ever studied with Stage 3 children and due to its depth and symbolism it is right to work on it at this point in the children’s education. We have already spent several lessons discussing the images and their meaning, the use of colour (or not!), the way Tan positions characters on the page and the general layout of his sketches. The children are excited to study the text and the standard of their written imaginative responses so far, are true testament to how much this book has truly inspired them.
Allison Tomicki
Teacher
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Half way through the Term already!

We can’t believe that we are already halfway through Term 3! The children have been working so hard and are making fabulous progress.
English – This week we have been researching the life and accomplishments of William Shakespeare. We will use this information to write our own biography next week.  
Maths – We have continued with our unit of work on Multiplication and Division. We finished off the week putting our skills into real life situations in problem solving activities.  
Science- This week in Science we looked at how shadows work. The students used a torch and a solid object to demonstrate their understanding of how shadows move in relation to the position of the sun.  
Geography – This week we learned all about the natural and human features of Australia.  
Drama – We have now staged the first three scenes of our Shakespeare Festival play, Midsummer Night’s Dream. They are sounding wonderful!  
Sara Bell
Teacher
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This week the children finished covering their Free Writing Books and began using them. The idea is that they may write any genre they choose and find support materials in the class ‘Free Writing Area’ to do this. Their work will not be marked. The children will not be bound by concerns about spelling and punctuation. The work may be viewed and shared if they choose. There has been much enthusiasm and excitement. Some children have written many pages already.
In the classroom this week we completed measurement tasks involving length and converted units of measure into millimetres, centimetres and metres. In English we familiarised ourselves with ‘persuasive text’ structure and language. An Exposition, ‘persuasive text’ is used to persuade someone of our opinion, supported by valid arguments and reasons. In Geography we explored the purpose and use of spaces. We considered the layout of our classroom and changed it to

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Sports reports

This week at PISA soccer…
Senior Girls won 13 – against Galstaun College.  Women of the Match were Hanako and Isla for their great playing tactics and playing their positions. Also Susannah for scoring 4 goals and great determination.
Senior Boys won 7 – 1 against Galstaun College.  The Men of the Match were Dominic for great shooting and Patrick and James for great sportsmanship by helping out the other team.
Junior Girls lost 3 – against Northern Beaches Christian School.
Junior Boys lost 3 – 2 against Northern Beaches Christian School.
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