An Author Comes to Call
Following our exciting book week festivities, we’ve been fortunate to host local author (and parent), Alice Pung. During her visit, Alice talked to us about her process for drafting, the importance of cheap notebooks, AND that unlike many other professions, a writer’s tools are relatively easy to come by. She also discussed her interest in making things tied to her book, ‘Millie Mak the Maker’, saying, ‘you’re looking at what already exists and doing it differently.’ She added, ‘Making things is all about seeing shapes in the world.’
The children were riveted and had lots to talk to Alice about after her presentation:
Sachi – ‘Since all of us do writing, do you think we could make our own book in class?’
Conrad ‘I don’t have a question. I want to tell you something. I like reading.’
It’s fair to say we’ve all been inspired by Alice’s visit and are excited to do even more writing. We’ve already begun coming up with characters for a shared class story.
We’re Counting on Paper Planes
We’ve recently gained a temporary member of the Prep teaching team with Melbourne University student, Min Wu. Last week, he helped organise a high-flying lesson involving paper aeroplanes and measurement with informal units. After making and testing their planes, the children tried to measure the most successful throws by counting their steps. Looking at it through a science lens, we’ve since continued with paper planes by exploring the collection of data, making predictions, and comparing outcomes when a variable is changed.
Knock-Knock, It’s Our Fathers and Special Carers Assembly
A big part of being a ‘dad’ involves the telling and retelling of a specific kind of witticism. Something heavy on puns and light on punch-lines. As a group, the Preps unpacked the concept of a ‘dad joke’ and realised that anyone can tell them and (personal taste notwithstanding), anyone can enjoy them. Telling jokes is a great way to cheer people up and our fathers and carers do this so well. After sharing some jokes we knew, the children got into groups and came up with their own variants on the dad joke genre. Here are some of their home-baked rib-ticklers below:
- Marcus – “Why don’t you see elephants hiding in trees? I don’t know, I’ve never been to the zoo!”
- Gabe – “What did the compost say to the food scraps? Feed me!”
- Poppy – “Why shouldn’t you eat too many Blueberries? Blueberry trees will grow out of your ears.”
- Jade – “Why did the marshmallow eat the cake? Because it was a cake marsh.”
- Alexa – “Why does a cat get scared all the time? Because it doesn’t know what to do, bro!”
- Mary – “Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other chicken.”
- Wren – What does a mouse do in the toilet? Flushes it for you!”
Turning Trash into Treasure!
In an inspiring fusion of creativity and environmental consciousness, our prep students have continued diving into the world of recycled plastic to create extraordinary and imaginative projects. What was once discarded plastic is now being transformed into everything from dazzling jewellery and stylish accessories to whimsical fidget toys, intricate spaceships, and even a functional crane and parking garage! Guided by a spirit of collaboration and problem-solving, these wonderful creators are working together to brainstorm, design, and build their projects. Each student contributes their ideas and skills, learning not only how to repurpose plastic waste but also how to communicate and collaborate effectively. From the smallest trinkets to complex structures, these recycled plastic creations are more than just fun — they’re a powerful reminder of how resourcefulness and imagination can turn something as simple as plastic rubbish into a canvas for boundless possibilities. As we are nearing the end of our plastic collection, we look forward to the students guiding us as to where our plastic problem goes next!
Acknowledgement of Country
The students participated in a workshop to create their own prep neighbourhood Acknowledgement of Country. They explored the significance of Country and could express gratitude for the land on which they live and learn. Students shared what they wanted to contribute, and what they thought was important and needed to be included.
- Jade – We acknowledge we are on the aboriginal land of the Wurundjeri people (of the Kulin Nation)
- Tigerlily – We promise to look after the world (the land and its animals)
- Theo – We look after the trees
- Harriet – We will try to share and only take what we need
- Ruby N -They (trees) give us air, they give us shade, they just give us so many things.
- Sachi – (remembering that) It always was and always will be Aboriginal land
- Teo – We need to thank the dirt
Each student’s addition to this Acknowledgement of Country serves as a beautiful reminder of the importance of honouring the traditional custodians of our land and celebrating the diversity that shapes our shared history. Here is our final copy:
