SHOWCASE
News from our schools
Page-turning fun
Students at St Charles’ Catholic Primary School Waverley have embraced ‘a novel idea.’ About one in six of the school’s students are part of three before-school enrichment groups for students identified as gifted in literacy. During remote learning, they have morphed from morning meetings to weekly challenges that include logic puzzles and riddles. Principal Paul Croker said the enrichment groups provide students with an additional learning opportunity without impacting their regular learning time. “There is a genuine excitement during these morning groups, as the students are very keen to participate and to feel challenged,” Mr Croker said. “Research tells...
Book club for parents: An excuse to connect and reflect
St Andrew’s Catholic Primary School Malabar’s book club for parents is made of the write stuff. The book club was started in 2016 by the school’s then-Family Educator, Brenda Smith, to give parents a relaxed environment to connect with others. It quickly became a social gathering where people who would normally not connect in the school yard could connect over a book. “It is always great to have commonality with others” - Frances Addabbo What happens in book club St Andrew’s book club meets every six weeks to discuss a book chosen after mutual discussion. Restaurant gatherings have turned...
STEM family challenge ignites creativity
Ever tried to build something as tall as a child out of just newspaper and masking tape? Or to make a model water slide better than one at a theme park? More than 60 families at St Pius Catholic Primary School Enmore have embraced the STEM Family Challenge, adding another dimension to their child’s learning. The STEM Family Challenge Each Monday a family is set a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) challenge and given a week to complete it. They are given a kit of minimal materials and a portfolio to record and evaluate how they solve the...