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Prep/Grade 6 Buddy Art Lessons
The grade 6’s worked with their Prep buddies to create Christmas
stars for the SEPS shop front Christmas display. The Preps and grade
6’s loved the opportunity to work one on one in the Art Room.
Watching the 6s act as true school leaders was a really fantastic
sight. A big thanks to all students involved! |
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Exploiding Buddies
The Preps and their Year 6 buddies had great fun investigating 3D
solids by designing and constructing volcanoes. The children loved
using our outdoor learning space to watch the bi-carb of soda and
vinegar react!
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Level 1 Open Night
The Level 1 Open Night was a wonderful success. Approximately 60
of our 66 Prep students brought parents, friends and/or grandparents
to school to have a look at our wonderful new learning space. The
rooms were set up as if we were running Investigations (Discovery
Time). Although the program was somewhat modified for the evening,
it gave families an opportunity to see not only some typical
investigations that their child might be undertaking during the
session, but how children report back to their peers during
Reflection Time.
Thank you to all families who attended – it was fabulous to have
such great interest.
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Cranbourne Botanic Gardens
The Preps took a long bus ride to the Cranbourne Botanic
Gardens. When they arrived they were given the important job of
organizing Katie Koala’s birthday party. They had to invite
Katie Koala’s Australian animal friends, decorate the gardens
with streamers and gum leaves and make lolly bags which only
Australian animals would eat (bad luck preps!). It was a
fabulous day with the sun shining the whole time.
Thank you to the parent helpers who assisted in making it a
successful day! By Claire C.
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The Preps Move Back Home
Hoorah! After what seemed like ages, but was actually only 6
weeks of school time, the Preps have moved back to their refurbished
learning space. Although we enjoyed the camaraderie of the library,
we are very excited to have returned to our lovely, bright rooms.
The class teachers asked the Preps to write in their school diary
what they thought was the best part of being back – answers included
the space, the carpet and its colours, the new white-boards, the
"new" smell and – importantly – not having to take our shoes off all
the time!
Thank you so much to the Mums who willingly volunteered to help
with the cleaning, moving and unpacking on Monday and Tuesday. We
all appreciated it very much.
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100 Days of Prep
What excitement when our preps celebrated 100 days at
school. Mrs. Walton enjoyed reading to them and exploring the concept of
100. They enjoyed fun learning activities centered around the
number 100 throughout the day and, as at all parties, lots of
food!
Thank you to the prep teachers and parents who worked so hard to
make this such a memorable day of the prep students’ school
life.
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Task Works
We went on an excursion to Taskworks and I was in
the final with my partner. We had to go through the maze. The
leaders timed us, we were quick. It was loud when they cheered at
us. We dressed up and we had a photo, we were cute. We were there to
have fun. There was a game called Stomp a Stump. We had a different
bus on the way home. My partner was Jay, and Ella was my partner in
the maze. By Ruby
I went to Taskworks. The first thing I did was Peg
Fast and after that I went to the Puzzle Room. And then we went to
snack, I had an apple and sultanas. The next thing we did was Create
a Scene and then Build It. We had lunch. After that we had Stomp a
Stump and after that the Cable Maze and I was the fastest. Alex and
I were in the Grand Final, it was fun running through the poles. My
favorite was Create a Scene. Taskworks is the best! By Amy
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Prep - Grade 2 Swimming
The Prep-Grade 2 students enjoyed their Intensive Swimming
program. The program was a great success and was enjoyed by all
participants. The last day was especially exciting as the children
enjoyed games and relays to practice their skills. Well done to a
brave Mrs. Casonato-Pal and Mrs. Castrillon who shook aside fear and
cold and joined the children in the water - to much enjoyment and
laughter!
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Swimming
This week the Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 children have been
swimming at Mentone Grammar Pool. We have all been having a
wonderful time learning about different water safety skills and
perfecting our swimming strokes. We would like to say a big thank
you to all the parents who have come to help and support us over the
week. Your time and dedication are greatly appreciated.
When we arrive at the pool we get into our groups and we sit on
the edge of the pool waiting for our swimming teachers. Will the
water be warm or cold today we wonder? Some of us are given kick
boards and we are swimming down the pool. It is fun to dive down to
get the brick from the bottom of the pool. We all like doing dives
at the end of our lesson. Our swimming teachers are really nice to
us. It is time to get out of the pool, dressed and on the bus for
our journey back to school. I like our swimming lessons - they are
awesome! From Maddy and Aren |
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Buddy Program at SEPS
Sandy East is well known for its excellent Prep/Grade 6 Buddy
Program. We had the opportunity to impress
prospective parents with our fantastic program. Here are some of the
speeches our Grade 6 leaders made:
When I was a prep, school was a bit overwhelming. With a buddy to
help me out when I needed it, play with me at lunchtimes, help me
learn new things and help guide me through the first year of school,
it made school much easier to settle into. Jaimee For us Year 6s,
having buddies is more than just helping the preps around the school
and letting them get used to school every weekday. It's more about
helping them learn about numeracy and literacy and helping them
learn new skills along the way throughout school. We help them if
they are having trouble and if they hurt themselves we will always
try to help as much as we can. Oriah |
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Prep Art
Prep students have finished their Neighbourhood
Mural in art class. They had to think about what kinds of buildings,
people and objects make up our community and then create them.
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Fire-fighters visit Preps at SEPS!
After the Firemen visited the Preps this week, they had lots to
say!
“I learnt when there is a fire you get down low and go, go, go!”
Kyanna. “I didn’t know there were bad fires and good fires” Max.
“I liked when Noel put on the suit and he looked like Darth Vader
and… when he talked he sounded funny!” Ben. “I liked the beeping
sound and I liked it when Stella and Silas crawled!” Jake. “I
didn’t know they had a breathing mask” Toby. “Sandringham East
loves firefighters!” Eliza. |
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Education Week
To celebrate Education Week, we enjoyed fun Literacy and
Numeracy activities across the school. Students were broken up in
multi-age groupings P - 2 and 3 - 6 so they could help and learn
from each other. Students were involved in activities such as Nin
Nin or Math millionaire and literacy games such „What am I?” or
Cracking Codes. Not only did the children have fun but they got to
know others within the school better.
A great day was had by all!
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Vet Visit to Preps
During Discovery Time the Preps were thrilled to be
visited by Dr Sarah and Nurse Danielle from Greencross Vets in Bluff
Road. This visit was part of the Pet Pep program, which is designed
to educate children about responsible pet ownership and how to
behave towards animals. Sarah and Danielle were accompanied by Kel
the corgi and Blondie the very young kitten. The Preps learnt how to
tell the difference between an angry dog and a happy dog, and how to
interact with an unknown dog that may come up to them at the park.
Sarah and Danielle explained that they must always ask an owner if
it is OK to pat their dog, and how to pat if the answer is ‘yes’.
Kel received lots of pats as this was demonstrated!
Greencross Vets are at 262 Bluff Road, Sandringham (phone
9598-3621. |
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RACV Incursion
Preps and Grade 1s were excited when they marched into the
Performing Arts room for a session on passenger and road safety. The children participated in a range of activities,
reinforcing the importance of safety when in a car and walking down
the street. It was particularly exciting for the children when they
played the role of Mum and Dad, driving a car with their very well
behaved children in the back! The Preps and Grade 1s ended the
session with a "round of applause" thanking Maree, the RACV lady.
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Gear up for Learning
Prep children are bringing the "beach" to the prep foyer. They
are sailing the boat, swimming in the sea, building sandcastles and
role playing pirates and mermaids. Thanks to all parents and staff
(especially Mrs. Walton) who helped set up this magnificent
"dramatic play" area.
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Japanese News
In early February, in an effort to ward off illness and
misfortune, Japanese families scatter roasted soy beans inside their
homes. Someone in the family wears a mask representing a demon,
while the rest of the family throws beans at them, shouting “Oni wa
soto!” (Out with the demon). “Fukuwa uchi!” (In with good luck!).
Prep students learnt about this fun festival in Japanese class and
made their very own “Oni” masks to wear. Keane Sensai (L.O.T.E.
Coordinator) |
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New Parents Morning Tea
A special morning tea to welcome new parents was held. Thank you to Sharyn Seeberg and her team of helpers for providing
the lovely morning tea (and tissues) for our new prep parents. The tears
were quickly replaced with big smiles!
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Welcome to Preps
Our new Prep students settled into their classes
beautifully. All
of them were very excited as they anticipated their full day
sessions at school which have begun this week. The first day at
school was a particularly special day for Toby as the day coincided
with his 5th birthday! All the prep teachers would like to extend a
warm welcome to the preps and their families and are looking
forward to a wonderful year working together. |
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“You Can Do It”
The “You Can Do It!” Program focuses on five main "keys (or
'foundations‘) to success" – CONFIDENCE, PERSISTENCE, ORGANISATION,
GETTING ALONG and RESILIENCE.
The tradition of presenting our students with a key tag and set of
coloured keys representing the “KEYS to SUCCESS” started back in
2004. Each subsequent year we have presented our Preps, and any new
students to the school, with their own set of keys and key ring with
a name tag.
Sandringham East Primary School is greatly appreciative of the
continued support and assistance of Mark Clair at KEYMAN AUSTRALIA
PTY LTD, who donates the coloured keys, and Sharlene Swayn at
BUNNINGS, MENTONE who donate the key tags for the “You Can Do It!
Education" Program at our school. Thank you to these businesses for
their continued support. Lorraine Lee |
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Junior School Expo Sports
The Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2 students enjoyed a
fantastic morning when they took part in the Expo Sports
carnival with children from Black Rock Primary. The children
learnt new skills and consolidated ones they already have in a
fun program, using some fabulous state of the art equipment. The
SEPS teachers were very proud of the way our students had a go
at everything, helped each other and behaved themselves.
A HUGE thank you to all of the wonderful parents who gave up
their time to assist with the running of activities, the cooking
of our yummy barbecue lunch and supporting the teachers to
ensure the day ran so smoothly. Also thank you to Brumby’s
Sandringham and Coles Sandringham for their generosity on the
day. |
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Preps Bike Education
All prep students participated in our Bike Ed
program. The children had a wonderful time and gained so much
confidence
from the program. It was amazing to see how quickly their skills
improved as they were supported to ride their bikes
independently. A big thank you to Warren Cay and Alvina Sutton
for offering their services in assisting the children with
riding technique and all of the prep parents
who helped for the entire session. Many parents came to watch
and were able to pick up on some handy hints on bike safety and
teaching children how to ride without training wheels. Happy
bike riding preps!!! |
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Preps
Our preps visited SEPS for two very special
sessions. They were introduced to Japanese in the LOTE room with
Michelle Keane. They have already learnt to count to three in
Japanese! They also participated in a PE session with Stacey
Hayward enjoying lots of games including the game pictured using
the big parachute.
Whilst the
children were busy in their sessions the parents were invited to
a presentation by Linden Clark on ideas for healthy lunchboxes.
It was a very interesting session with some great alternatives
for healthy eating offered. Linden’s suggestions for healthy
lunchbox items will be a regular feature of our newsletter as
from next week. |
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Prep Excursion to Cranbourne Gardens
The preps had a wonderful time on their very first excursion to
Cranbourne Botanic Gardens. They explored the natural bushland, discovered Australian wildlife such as koalas, lizards and
snakes, went ponding for tadpoles and wrigglers and caught a variety
of mini-beasts in their bug catchers. It was a great day! |
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Dr. Bill the Vet Visits the Preps
The Prep's had a very special visit from Dr Bill the
vet and Mr Monty the dog. Dr Bill told us how to take care of our
pets, examined Mr Monty, performed a minor operation on Wags (the
stuffed) dog and showed us what blood looks like through a
microscope. It was a wonderful experience for all . Thank you Mia
for lending us your grandfather and Wags! |
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Discovery Time
During Discovery Time, a group of children worked in
the Construction area. Some were builders, constructing and
measuring, others were Building Inspectors who checked for safety.
After recess, back in classrooms, children were able to reflect on
the learning that had taken place. They discussed how to use tape
measures correctly and 3D shapes. Students then wrote about their
first session, and their engagement and motivation helped them
formulate some fabulous responses, including the following:
“I was building a brilliant house. We had a chimney. It was the best
house”. Eleni
“I feel really good about my work because I went into lots of
rooms. I liked the different stuff because it made me like the
different activities. I liked doing my book because I wanted to
write about my pictures. I felt really good because I’m glad someone
was helping me and I’m glad it was Jack because I haven’t played
with him for a long time”. Lachlan |
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Metropolitan
Fire Brigade and Victoria Police visit to Preps
The Preps have been discussing our community and
people who help us. They have had two
visits from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, and one from Victoria
Police. Here is a sample of what they have learnt during these
visits:
I have learnt that ….
• "You have to hold on to the firefighters leg if they come to
save you." Kieren
• "Fire is a thousand degrees." Blake
• "When you get fire on your clothes you have to drop, cover and
roll." Luke W.
• "You have to get down low and go, go, go!" Eleni
• "If an adult is around it is a bad fire, if an adult is there
it is a good fire." Max P.
• "The firefighters have to wear special clothes." Timea
• "The firefighters have a big helmet which they put on and if
there is smoke they can still breathe." Leo
• "Police get around on horses, boats, motorbikes, cars,
aeroplanes and bicycles." Amelie, George, Libby, Liam & Tyler
• "000 is the emergency number." Luke D & Arina
• "We need to take a deep breath and talk slowly if we ever have
to ring 000." Imogen
• "They train the police dogs really hard. They need people to
look after them when they are puppies." Isabel & Tia
• "Police dogs have special noses." Jazmin
• "If there is a robber who took something from you, you call the
police." Cassidy
• "You can never kid around with firefighters and policemen."
Baxter
• "My Dad got caught by the police for driving too fast but they
let him go again Name withheld!"
By the end of term, we will also have had visits from Ambulance
Victoria and the Victorian Guide Dogs Association. It has been a
very busy time for learning, and we have some magnificent writing in
our workbooks!
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Active After Schools Communities - Circus Skills
Some of our students from Prep to Grade 2 have been participating
in the Active After School Circus Program. After school
these students enjoy a healthy snack, then learn and develop their
Circus Skills.
They have been practicing their juggling, balancing and
coordination. They also use devil sticks, hoola hoops, diablos and
lots of other fun circus equipment.
Thank you to all the teachers who have given up their time to
supervise these up and coming clowns. |
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Mothers’ Day Surprise
All of the Preps walked to the post box to post their
beautiful Mothers’ Day cards they made in class. The children had a
wonderful time making the cards on the computers and walking to the
local post box to send the letters as a special surprise. Thanks to
all the dads and secret helpers who organised envelopes, helped with
making the cards, came on our walk and helped to keep the secret.
What a lovely surprise our mums had when they opened the mail the
next day! |
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RACV Road Safety
Our thanks to the RACV and their representative Maria who
presented “Street Scene”, the RACV’s road traffic safety activity,
to our Preps and Grade 1’s. Amongst other tips the children learned
how to cross a School Crossing correctly and how important it is to
be quiet when they are passengers in a car. |
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PMP - Prep & Grade 1
Judie Bullus & Peter Coles came to SEPS to talk to Prep and Grade
1 parents about the importance of the Perceptual Motor Program.
Judie and Peter are both former teachers who have developed a unique
Australian program called “Smart Start with PMP”. These sequential
activities aim to develop a child’s perceptions and understandings
of themselves and the world around them through movement. Parent
helpers are required to run this program successfully. See your
child’s teacher if you are available. |
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GRADE 6s and PREPS in the LIBRARY
Our Year 6s accompanied their Prep “Buddies” to the
Library, helping them to feel at home by reading them stories.
We are very proud of our year 6s who showed maturity and a great
willingness to “hang out” with our new Preps assisting them in
settling in to their new environment at SEPS. |
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SEPS Preps Take Off With Learning
The topic Nursery Rhymes and Fairy Tales was a catalyst that
inspired learning across many curriculum areas. The Prep students
actively engaged in a variety of learning activities that continued
to facilitate the development of their Literacy, Numeracy and social
skills, as always parental assistance was paramount and greatly
appreciated. |
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MATHS MEASURES UP Students
investigated the fairytale Goldilocks and The Three Bears. They
re-enacted the story through role play, produced storymaps to
demonstrate their understandings and measured various dimensions of
papa, mama and baby bear with unifix blocks.
“I liked measuring the bears. It was fun. I learnt measuring. Papa
bear was the tallest. Baby bear was the shortest. Mama bear was
middle size.” |
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SHAPING UP WITH MATHS
Students explored shapes in their environment.
They investigated shape parts and put them together to construct
shapes. Shape attributes were discussed and creatures constructed
using a range of shapes including triangles, squares, circles,
rectangles and diamonds.
“We had to cut out the shapes and stick them on a piece of paper. We
made a monster. We used circles, diamonds, triangles, squares and
rectangles.” |
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REVEALING SECRETS BEHIND THE LITERACY
Learning is based on an integrated curriculum
approach, where students are engaged in practical, challenging, rich
learning experiences. The Three Billy Goats Gruff provided the impetus
for students to participate in a wide range of learning experiences. One
of the many activities explored during the study of this fairytale was
the construction of masks and role-play of the story to understand each
character more explicitly.
The Little Red Hen focused on repetitive text. We explored the
characters and how they responded to each other. Children imaged they
were the characters and completed character self-portraits. We decided
we would make bread like the little red hen. All children participated
in this learning experience and wrote about what they did. They were
involved in cracking and whisking the eggs, sifting the flour, stirring
the mixture, rubbing in the butter, making and kneading the dough.
"At school we made bread. I put flour in the bowl.
We put butter on the bread. The bread was tasty."
"We made bread at school with our teachers. I helped
crack the eggs."
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The Gingerbread Man although he ran as fast as
he could he could not escape SEPS Preps who munched him as fast as
they could. A parent helper with assistance from some children
demonstrated making gingerbread dough. Every child decorated their
own gingerbread man with lots of special treats, and then opened
their mouth, snapped and gobbled him up like the crocodile in the
story.
"Yesterday we made Gingerbread men and we had to decorate them with
smarties and marshmallows.”
“The gingerbread men tasted like ginger. They were crunchy and
sweet.” |
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LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS WITH TECHNOLOGY
Students are encouraged to explore tools and
materials to investigate, design, construct and evaluate a
technology picture on The Three Little Pigs. Children explained how
they made their picture and what they used to make it appear
authentic.
“I made a scene and in it there are the Three Little Pigs houses and
the three little pigs. I made straw house out of yellow shredded
paper. I used red scrap paper for the brick house. I used icy pole
sticks for the stick house.”
“I made a picture from the Three Little Pigs. I am making the Big
Bad Wolf’s house, the stick house and the brick house. I used
icy-pole sticks for the stick house, little squares of paper for the
brick house and yellow paper to make bricks for the wolf’s house.” |
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SEPS PREPS PLUNGE INTO LEARNING
Prep students exchanged the make
believe world of fairytales for goggles, flippers, 3D glasses and
deep-sea exploration as we ventured under the sea. Students took the
plunge into the ocean and discovered a world filled with
fascinating, interesting sea creatures belonging to different animal
groups. Our classrooms became aquatic environments displaying a wide
range of the students learning experiences. |
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SEPS Preps braved Melbourne’s cold, wet, wintry
conditions and journeyed to the city to enjoy a day at the IMAX
Theatre and Melbourne Aquarium. The children swam with the sea
creatures at IMAX as they viewed the film through 3D glasses. Little
hands were constantly grabbing at the animals as they swam towards
the children on the big screen. |
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MINI OLYMPICS
The Prep students joined the students in Year 1
and 2 to participate in the SEPS Junior School Mini Olympics. The
events included equestrian, backstroke, hockey, soccer,
weightlifting, discus, javelin, athletics and canoeing. Students
demonstrated their fitness, agility, perseverance, courage and
imagination as they braved the cold and windy conditions to complete
each event. |
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FOOTY DAY
There was a whisper around the school that a
special guest would be appearing at the Footy Day Parade. Preps got
wind of the news and constructed a Banner to welcome Anthony Stevens
to our school. As a follow up activity we created the SEPS Preps
Team of the Century. This magnificent piece of artwork can be viewed
in the Prep foyer. |
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BUDDY PROGRAM
The work with our Year 6 Buddies has once again
provided our students at SEPS with a range of learning experiences from
Literacy, The Arts and Sport through to ICT and Technology. The Students
benefit from peer role models and develop a supportive relationship
through cooperative learning.
Grade 6 Students work and play with their buddy.
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