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Welcome back to Term 2, hopefully the cooler weather will arrive soon.
Professional Development Day
On Monday 15 April, all staff participated in workshops at school. I would like to thank the following staff who presented workshops on the day Melanie Johnstone, Jo Boyle, Aris Banaga, Elizabeth Andrade, Rebecca Gardner, Nikki Konieczny and Alice O’Connell-Debais Department of Education OT. All work undertaken on this day was connected to targets in the 2024 Annual School Improvement Plan.
ANZAC Day
The school ran an ANZAC service at assembly on the 24 April. Thank you to 1/2 Sideras and Stevens for their beautiful and moving rendition of the song, Lest we Forget. The array of wreaths laid were testimony to the creative talents of students and staff.
Students, staff and parents also participated in the Palmerston ANZAC Parade. Transition Kouros’ wreath was selected from all the wreaths to be laid at the cenotaph at the end of the march. Thank you everyone who attended this event.
National Assessment Program– Civics and Citizenship (NAP-CC)
The NAP–CC assessment is an online test that students will access using internet-connected devices.
Zuccoli was randomly selected to participate in this program. On the 10th May, a sample of 20 students from Year 6 will undertake the assessment. These students will be randomly selected by Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). These students will participate in an online assessment session.
The National Assessment Program is an ongoing program of assessments designed to measure progress towards the goals outlined in the Mparntwe Declaration, 2019. NAP–CC measures not only students’ skills, knowledge and understanding of Australia’s system of government and civic life but also student attitudes, values and participation in civic-related activities at school and in the community.
The Minister for Education visited Zuccoli Primary School
The Education Minster, Mark Monaghan, visited the school on Wednesday 24th. The Minister was escorted around the school by School Captains, Rensie Bravo and Abhipsa Undapalli. During the visit the Minister visited Transition Mitchell, spoke to the NTLC Student Commissioners and Ms Golding, the Teacher Commissioner and visited 5/6 Johnson.
Congratulations James
Congratulations to James Buntine who received a family pass to the Gold Coast Suns and North Melbourne AFL match on Saturday 11 May. James was one of 90 students who had 100% attendance for Term 1. All these students were acknowledged at the Assembly in Week 10 Term1 and James’ name was drawn out of the box as the lucky recipient.
Transportables
The delivery of two of the four Transportable classrooms will be conducted over 3 days from Wednesday 1st May to Friday 3rd May. After delivery, works will commence connecting services and concrete pathways.
Mothers Day Stall
The annual Mother’s Day Stall will run from Tuesday 7 May to Thursday 9 May. The stall will be in the library. More information will be sent out closer to the date.
Practice Fire Drill and Code 1 Drill
- Practice Fire Drill on Wednesday 1st May at 8:30am. Teachers over the next two weeks will explain what this will look and sound like. All staff and students will be aware that this drill will happen at this time.
- Practice Code 1 Drill on Tuesday 7th May. This drill will happen during recess time at 10:30am. Code 1 means that all students and staff need to stop playing and go into the nearest classroom and stay there until the Code 1 Drill is cancelled. Teachers over the next two weeks will explain what this will look like and sound like. All staff and students will be aware that this drill will happen at this time.
CDU Preservice Teachers from CDU
The school currently has four Preservice Teachers from CDU undertaking a teaching practicum. We welcome you to Zuccoli and hope you have a productive practicum.
- Huachao (Paula) Xu - in 1/2 Thompson
- Xiaoyang (Yolande) Yan - in Transition Mitchell
- Christina Wright - in 5/6 Thompson
- Shaeka Sultana – in 3/4 Golding
Staffing Updates
Congratulations to Rebecca Gardner who was successful in winning the position of Assistant Principal. The principal position was advertised as the school was reclassified as a Level 6 school. This reclassification was due to growing enrolments and increasing complexity of a large school. I was successful in winning another contract.
Carolyn Edwards
Principal
Blue 2 are thrilled to share some fantastic learning that has been taking place in our classroom – our students truly showcased their spelling abilities in last week’s spelling dictation tests! With diligence and determination, our fierce learners in Blue 2 soared through their spelling tests, demonstrating remarkable improvement and mastery of language. Our focus letters and sounds were u and o.
Throughout the year our students in Blue 2 have been diligently honing their spelling skills, working extra hard to move up to the next level. From mastering the spelling of tricky words words to tackling challenging vocabulary, Blue 2 has shown incredible growth and confidence in their spelling abilities.
As we celebrate these remarkable achievements, Blue 2 would like to acknowledge the importance of spelling in nurturing effective communication skills. Strong spelling abilities empower our learners in Blue 2 to express themselves clearly and articulately, laying a solid foundation for their academic and personal success.
Well done Blue 2!
In Term 1 for visual arts we have been exploring how lines and shape are used to create artworks. We have learnt that there are many ways we can use shapes to create masterpieces. Students used different colour paper to create a garden of their own design.
Our class have been learning to write an information report on different animals.
Students learnt some interesting facts about giraffes. The class wrote short sentences describing information about giraffes.
Welcome back to Term 2!! We had an exciting beginning to the Term with school photos. Groups 2 and 4 had the photo studio set up in the classroom and they absolutely loved the experience. I think we may have some requests for our own photo booth soon as a play experience for the students. Groups 1 and 3 had an exciting adventure by leaving the Preschool to be in the whole school photo and getting their individual and sibling pictures taken in the Hall. We couldn’t have done our best photos without all the help and support from our Preschool team and Mr. Alan. Thank you for helping us have our first ever school photos!
The students were really excited to connect with their friends and Educators after the holidays. We got right back into our learning by introducing a new focus child system where students are able to share their learning with their peers and Educators are able to spend time with each student individually to help foster their interests, develop their skills and build strong connections. We have many exciting events happening this Term so please make sure you are checking Dojo for the newest information. If you are still not connected to Dojo, please see your child’s teacher.
Mother's Day is fast approaching and Preschoolers will be going down to the Mother's Day Stall in Week 4 on the Tuesday May 7th and Thursday May 9th. Please send money in a labelled envelope if you’d like your child to purchase something.
The Preschool Team
We would like to thank all of the children who attended vacation care over the school holidays. We understand these days can be extremely long for many of our children however the vacation care activities that were booked in were a huge success, there were quite a few children not wanting to leave at the end of the day! We will be uploading more fun photos of vacation care during the next week. Thank you to families who kept up to date with the activity calendar and facebook reminder posts, dropping off their child/ren well prepared for each day, it is very much appreciated.
Our OSHC tab on the Zuccoli Primary School website is continuing to expand with helpful information for families, please pop over and have a look. As always we welcome any feedback.
In Term 1, eight students were selected to participate in a Robotics Extension Program. This group met each Friday and learnt how to build and code Lego EV3 Mindstorms. This program aimed to advance students’ knowledge of visual programming and develop their problem-solving skills.
Students built the base model robot, added an ultra-sonic sensor, attached a motorised arm and used block coding to program their EV3. They learnt that the robots can be coded to detect objects, make sounds, grab items and perform movements. These tasks were challenging, but the students showed enthusiasm and resilience throughout the term.
They certainly had some fun along the way!
What is your favourite Sporting Team?
Queensland Cowboys
What is a place that you have visited that you would like to revisit and why?
I have been to Greece when I was a teenager and would love to return soon so that I can introduce my husband and children to all my family there. There are beautiful beaches and amazing food.
What is one thing you still have from when you were a child?
When I was around six months old, I received a gold bracelet with my name engraved on it, from my godmother and godfather. This is one item that I still have from my childhood and surprisingly it still fits.
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with anyone it would be have to be my husband – no kids. I’m sure most people with kids would agree, adult conversation without interruptions, not have to worry about chasing after little ones and just relax and enjoy a HOT meal.
If you were to give one book to all your friends, what would it be and why?
If I were to give one book to all of my friends the genre would be; Fantasy, Sci-Fi or Romance novels as these are my favourite.
What is your favourite Sporting Team?
Panthers – I liked the jerseys back in the 90’s and there were some likeable players.
What is a place that you have visited that you would like to revisit?
Phi Phi Islands
What is your favourite music artist and novelist?
Music from the 80’s and 90’s – I was that one that wore black clothing, had bright red streaks and listened to heavy metal.
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?
My Dad – he’s been gone for about 8 years and I have so many amazing things I need to tell him about.
What is your favourite Sporting Team?
Any Diving Team
What is a place that you have visited that you would like to revisit and why?
I would like to go back to Singapore to see the Gardens by the Bay as they were not there last time I went.
What is one thing you still have from when you were a child?
A ring that I wear all day every day.
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?
My parents and grandparents. I never got to know my grandparents as all but one were gone before I was born.
If you were to give one book to all your friends, what would it be and why?
The Barefoot Investor so we can all retire rich.
What is your favourite Sporting Team?
While I don't generally keep up with sports teams, when State of Origin season rolls around, I find myself rallying behind the Maroons with unexpected enthusiasm.
What is a place that you have visited that you would like to revisit and why?
I'm eager to revisit one of the 7,641 islands in the Philippines, particularly El Nido Palawan. Its serene and majestic beauty leaves an indelible impression!
What is one thing you still have from when you were a child?
Nostalgically, I've held onto a few report cards from my primary school days. They reside safely in my mum's keepsake box.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?
If I could choose anyone for dinner, it would be David Attenborough! His captivating tales about nature, delivered with his soothing voice, would make for an unforgettable evening of enlightenment and joy.
If you were to give one book to all your friends, what would it be and why?
If I could offer a single book to all my friends, it'd be "The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down" by Haemin Sunim, a treasure trove of insights into finding tranquillity amidst life's chaos. Additionally, "The Whole-Brain Child" by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson provides invaluable guidance for fostering children's emotional intelligence and brain development, making it a must-read for parents and caregivers alike.
What is your favourite Sporting Team?
My favourite sporting team is the Toronto Blue Jays. I have loved them since I was a little kid going to baseball games with my Dad.
What is a place that you have visited that you would like to revisit and why?
Fiji was such an amazing experience with my family. I loved the culture, the language and the people we met in our travels. My son learnt how to say Bula before he could even say hello.
What is one thing you still have from when you were a child?
I still have the care bear I was given by Grandma on my first birthday. I have given each of my own children a care bear on their first birthdays to continue the tradition that she started all those years ago.
If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would have to be my Mum. She lives in Canada and we don’t see each other as much as I would like to so having dinner just the two of us would be amazing!
If you were to give one book to all your friends, what would it be and why?
My favourite book right now is Lola in the mirror by Trent Dalton. I have been recommending it to all my friends. It’s beautifully written and a book that I just couldn’t put down. The authors writing inspires me to write!