Latest News Updates

Sleep helps us Learn

Children aged six to 13 need 9-11 hours of sleep. At the same time, there is an increasing demand on their time from school (e.g., homework), sports and other extracurricular and social activities. In addition, school-aged children become more interested in TV, computers, the media and Internet as well as caffeine products – all of which can lead to difficulty falling asleep, nightmares and disruptions to their sleep. In particular, watching TV close to bedtime has been associated with bedtime resistance, difficulty falling asleep, anxiety around sleep and sleeping fewer hours.

Sleep problems and disorders are prevalent at this age. Poor or inadequate sleep can lead to mood swings and behavioural problems that impact on their ability to learn in school.

Sleep Tips for School-aged Children

  • Teach school-aged children about healthy sleep habits.
  • Continue to emphasize need for regular and consistent sleep schedule and bedtime routine.
  • Make child's bedroom conducive to sleep – dark, cool and quiet.
  • Keep TV and computers out of the bedroom.
  • Avoid caffeine.

Australian Maths Competition Presentation

Our students in the Maths Club will be awarded their certificates tomorrow at our assembly. Parents/Carers of all children who participated in the competition should have received an invitation. Please join us in celebrating the children’s achievements.

Student Agency

Welcome to our IB corner, this week I want to explain Student Agency. Have you heard of it, maybe your child has used the words? Read below to help you understand more plus the importance of it for students in order to develop into life-long learners.

What is Student Agency?

Effective schools build a culture where students and teachers work together. In essence, Student Agency refers to the level of independence a student has in the classroom. Student Agency and Voice are intrinsically connected. Agency gives the students power to direct their learning and take responsibility for it. Voice allows the student to be heard as an active learner, this encourages engagement, participation, leadership and learning.
Voice
• students question, guide and direct learning
• students share ideas and take action
• students participate in decision making
Choice
• students co-construct learning goals
• students make informed choices
• students take risks and take responsibility for their learning
Ownership
• teachers offer choice and help develop personalised learning goals
• students reflect on own learning goals
• students ideas are supported throughout planning and taking action

Grade 1/2 Unit of Inquiry – “Where we are in place and time” People’s lives have changed over time

As part of our current Unit of Inquiry into ‘Where we are in place and time’’, Grade One and Two students have been learning about how life has changed from the past to the present. In class, students have explored objects such as typewriters, gramophones and old cameras, comparing them to how we use technology today. On Wednesday, we had a visit from Emma Rosendahl. Emma is an archaeologist and MWPS parent. She shared many things, including how communication has changed over time. Students learnt about aboriginal ochre paintings, writing with coal, ink and quills, as well as modern pens and pencils. Staff and students would like to thank Emma for sharing her knowledge and bringing in her artefacts to share.

Grade 5/6 Unit of Inquiry - ‘Government Systems and Legislation Shape Individual and National Identities’.

Grade 5 and 6 have been inquiring about how ‘Government Systems and Legislation Shape Individual and National Identities’. We had two special guest speakers come and talk with us about decisions that are made in our community. We were lucky to hear from our Principal, Anne Robinson and Wentworth Shire Councillor, Jane MacAllister. These two people have been very helpful throughout our U.O.I. Something that we have learnt is that there are lots of people in our school and the community that make decisions. We also learnt that decisions cannot be made unless you research and are informed about a topic, then there must be a discussion where a final decision is made. We appreciate Anne and Jane for helping us in our Unit Of Inquiry. 

By Gr 6 students Sophie Rose & Solopani Miki.

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