Firstly, I would like to say thank you to the wonderful staff, children and families for welcoming me into the school as the new Class 3 teacher.  I feel truly blessed.

We commenced the term with the ‘Literature of Creation and Tradition’ main lesson, where opportunities to consider the great themes of humanity took place.  Stories of creation, tradition and authority, and the impacts they had on individuals, were shared and explored.  In ancient human civilisations these themes have been expressed in some of the great narratives that speak directly to the growing child’s imagination, particularly in relation to questions that arise at this age.  It was a wonderful opportunity to continue developing language and literacy skills as well as explore different belief systems and stories from throughout the world.  The stories of the ancient Hebrew people were used as a basis for awakening learning.  Through the integration of song, dance, story and deep tradition, the children came alive.

After this we delved into a ‘Time’ main lesson.  Throughout this block, the Class 3 children have developed their capacity to further understand their world, and the natural rhythms that divide the days, weeks and seasons.  One of the things that we found the most fascinating came out of an exploration of how the kingdoms of nature relate with time.  We also looked at different methods of measuring time throughout the years, and explored the sundial, candle clocks, water clocks and even the use of rope clocks.  They learnt about the three hands of a clock through a story where they are referred to as ‘the three brothers’.  This began with the hour hand.  In addition to learning about every number equaling 5 minutes for the minute hand, we talked about “quarter past” or “quarter to” and “half past,” so we understand the clock as two halves and also as four quarters.

We have welcomed the change into Djeran with lots of practice of our Autumn festival songs and verses.  We have used our five senses to observe the seasonal changes during our Wednesday afternoons in the bush.  Each Wednesday the children add an entry into their bush journals.  Some highlights have been: autumn leaf rubbings, shadow drawings and their Djeran acrostic poems.  I have shared some below for you to enjoy.

Djeran is the best time of year

Jumping kangaroos far and near

Every bird is in town

Red blossoms are falling down

Ants are crawling all around

New bracken from the ground

MALA

Djeran is here

Jumping kangaroos

Every leaf falls

Red bottlebrush

And banksia bloom

Next up Winter 

KEVIN

Dew is on the leaves in the morning

Jumping kangaroos are hopping around

Every tree is losing its leaves

Rain is coming and cold weather

Apples are turning red

Noorn is going to sleep for winter

IMOGEN

Next week the Class 3 children will begin their Farming main lesson, and we are all very excited.

A little quote to reflect on…

“At many times throughout their lives,

children will feel the world has turned topsy-turvey.

It’s not the ever-present smile that will help them feel secure,

it’s knowing that love can hold many feelings, including sadness,

and that they count on the people they love to be with them until the world turns right-side up again”.

Fred Rogers

Many thanks,

Bree