Our Rainbow!

We have created our wonderful rainbow made from lots of materials that would have gone to landfill. You can read about our action here. We are trying hard to reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill and have created a beautiful piece of art.

Our Rainbow - slideshow

Toy Stories!

We had a fabulous incursion on Tuesday. We learnt all about toys! The Preps and the Juniors worked together in mixed groups to explore toys from throughout the ages. We discovered that Mrs Fitt is the 'jacks' champion of St. Luke's. We learnt lots of interesting information about the history of toys and we were able to play many games that our parents and grandparents would have played when they were children. 
Thanks to Cynda and Barry from the History Box for an action packed and engaging session.  

We did some writing about our incursion - here are our discoveries and the things we enjoyed.

I learnt that toys are still fun when they are old. I discovered puppets are made out of clay sometimes because I made one out of clay. I enjoyed drawing on the rocks. I wonder why the tin toy robot falls apart? Alexa
I liked the puppets because they gave me lots of ideas. Campbell
I learnt who invented Thomas the Tank Engine and I enjoyed making the puppets too and in two days we can take them home and I liked the Ngaka Ngaka too. Naimh
I enjoyed doing the hula hoop. It was fun because it rocked around my body and it also went around my neck. Caitlin
I enjoyed making the puppets because it was fun and I enjoyed playing Ngaka Ngaka. Gracie
I discovered other old toys are from other different countries like Egypt and the Pyramids. Chantelle
I liked the puppets and the Barbies. It was fun. I loved another Barbie and playing with the toys. Sophie
I learnt the you can still play with old toys from the history. I liked when I dressed up as Gepetto it was funny that they all laughed. Simon
I learnt when I made my puppet that I can play with it when it's dry. Stephanie
I enjoyed making puppets because I love puppets. Ebony
I enjoyed the puppets because we got to make our own puppet. I enjoyed the Lego because you can make stuff like houses. Eva
I enjoyed making the puppets and making the rocks. Olivia
I discovered that everything was fun. I enjoyed doing Ngaka Ngaka with my friends. I enjoyed doing the puppets. I enjoyed going outside. Riley
I enjoyed drawing on the rocks because we got to keep them. I enjoyed playing with the spinning tops because they spin very fast. I learnt the Aboriginals have a game called Ngaka Ngaka which is like Noughts and Crosses. James
I enjoyed the puppets because I liked putting on the head. Hamish
I enjoyed the Ngaka Ngaka because we got to draw on the rocks and I can play Ngaka Ngaka and I enjoyed playing with the toys. Frances
I learnt that you don't need to call Noughts and Crosses, Noughts and Crosses you can call it Ngaka Ngaka. I enjoyed Ngaka Ngaka. I enjoyed the skipping because it was fun and it was a bit tricky. Patrick
I learnt who invented Thomas the Tank Engine and I enjoyed making the puppets too and in two days we can take them home and I liked the Ngaka Ngaka too. Naimh
The Aboriginal people have a game called Ngaka Ngaka which is like Noughts and Crosses. Elva
I enjoyed bowling because I knocked down three skittles. Joshua
I discovered a new game called Ngaka Ngaka and I loved playing Ngaka Ngaka and I learnt that it is an Aboriginal game. Joel
I learnt to play Ngaka Ngaka. I liked to make my puppet. We made stones. Declan

Preps talk to your families about ALL the toys and games you played on Tuesday. What is your favourite toy or game? Share with us!

Toy Stories from marieck

More Family stories from our Story boxes

Here are the rest of our beautiful family stories. You can view the other stories here. Our Inquiry topic this term is 'story' and we are discovering what we learn from stories. Each Prep has brought a story box to share memories, events and people who are special to their family.

Caitlin
My cousins are very special to me because we have lots of plays and it's lots of fun. 

Elva
I shared my Baptismal video. It's special because it has all my family in India. 

Stephanie
I liked my Baptism day and when I went to Puffing Billy and when I was born. 

Joshua 
I love Annabelle and Mum and Dad. I went to a wedding with my Mum and Dad.

Simon
My whole family went to the zoo and saw the sleepy lions and the butterfly that was big and bright. It was my auntie's birthday and she had a good time.

James
I liked building my big Lego tower with my family. My Grandma played cricket for Australia. I love my Oma very much.

Declan
My Irish flag is very special to my family because my Mum and Dad and Niamh were born there. 


Story Box - More Family Stories on PhotoPeach

Preps Take Action!

Over the term we have learnt so much about caring for animals and what living things need to grow and change. We know that most living things need food, water, shelter, exercise, rest, and friends.

We discovered that there are people in our community who do not have enough to eat and sometimes do not have a warm bed to sleep in. So we talked about what we could do to help these people and we came up with lots of ideas. Here they are:

•Give some food

•Put our money in a box and give it to the people

•Give up some of the things we have

•Go to the bank and get money

•Raise some money for the poor people

•Plant some beans

•Sing a song and people put in money

•Have a fair with lots of stuff

•Make a circus

•Have a movie night

•Bring food from home to sell – cakes, biscuits

•Do chores to earn some money

We had to go through our list and work out something we could do together to help people in our community. We decided to choose collecting food to give to the St. Vincent De Paul Society who help many struggling families.

Mrs Kennedy invited Margaret who volunteers for St Vinnie's, to share some of the work she and her friends do to help out. Margaret was very happy to hear that we were collecting food to help others. This is what we learnt from Margaret.

St Vincent De Paul gives vouchers to poor people to buy food.

St. Vinnie's helps families, school children, young people, homeless people and children from overseas.

Some people in our community don't have food.

St. Vincent De Paul helps people pay some of their electricity and water and phone bills.

St Vinnie's have a shop in Ringwood where they sell clothes and household goods.

We collected non-perishable foods all this week. We made posters to put around the school to remind everyone about our action. Each afternoon a group of Preps make an announcement to ask everyone to bring some food items.

listen to ‘Prep Announcement ’ on Audioboo

Preps in Action! on PhotoPeach

Why is it important to help others?

Special Visitors from the Vet!

Today we had a visit from Erin, Alex and Erin's dog Kirri. They are nurses at the Blackburn Veterinary Clinic. We learnt all about pet care and what happens when you visit the Vet with your pet. 

Kirri likes carrots and so do I! Campbell

Dogs shouldn't have many treats because they might get sick. Hamish

All animals need food and water. Alexa

Let a dog sniff your hand before you pat it. Olivia

I learnt that if a dog comes near me and my mum and dad are not there I have to stand very still with my hands by my side and be very quiet until the dog is gone. James

Dogs have wet noses when they are healthy. Ebony

Always give a dog exercise. Simon

Dogs need friends or they will be sad. Declan

I learnt that dogs need water. Frances

Smaller dogs live longer than bigger dogs. Caitlin

I discovered dogs don't like to have noise because it makes them scared. Chantelle

When a dog is eating you should not touch it. Joshua

Dogs can't live to 100 years old. Cormac

You can't pat a dog when she is with her puppies. Sophie

If a dog is happy you can pat it if you ask the owner. Patrick

Don't pat a dog when it is sleeping. Joel

Dogs need brushing everyday. Eva

The Vets wear uniforms when they do an operation. Riley

When a dog is tied up with no owner you are not allowed to pat it. Stephanie

Dogs chew bones to keep their teeth clean. Elva

Ask your mum and dad before you pat a dog. Gracie

When you go to the Vet with your pet they give your pet a check up. Niamh

Erin, Alex and Kirri

Doctor Alexa checks Kirri's heart with a stethoscope

Vets wear a gown, a hair cap and gloves when they operate

Can you guess who?

Kirri was very friendly and calm

Thanks for coming Erin, Alex and Kirri!

Do you have a pet?
How do you care for your pet?

Responsible Pet Ownership

Last week Melinda came to school with her beautiful dog Kato. She came to talk to us about being a responsible pet owner and all the things pets need to be happy and healthy. We learnt when we should not approach a dog and things that might scare a dog.
Melinda also taught us how to be safe if we meet a dog that is angry and its owner is not around. We must follow four steps:

Stand very still.
Hands down by your side

Be as quiet as a mouse.
Look at the ground.

When the dog goes away, walk slowly backwards and go on your way. 
If we see a dog and its owner, there are special steps we need to follow if we would like to pat the dog.

Walk up slowly and stop.
Ask the owner - "May I pat your dog?"

Hold your fist out to let the dog smell it.
Then gently stroke the dogs back.

Kato was such a lovely dog - she even gave some of the Preps kisses (licks) on their hands. 

It was wonderful to hear the Preps use the discoveries they had made at the RSPCA and all they had learnt from looking after the chicks to make connections with the learning Melinda presented.

Kato was very gentle

We had to be quiet and gentle too!
Thank you Melinda and Kato!

Preps tell your family something you discovered from meeting Melinda and Kato.

Our Chickens!

We got to hold our chickens yesterday. They felt so warm and fluffy. The chicks are growing so quickly we know they will be very happy going back to live on their farm in the country tomorrow. We will miss their cheerful chirping in the classroom.

Congratulations to the Preps for their wonderful work and taking great care of the chickens. We have learnt so much about living things by watching them hatch, grow and change right before our eyes! Having pets is a BIG responsibility.

Here we are holding onto our chicks!

 

Our Chickens from marieck

Preps talk to your families and tell them some of the things you enjoyed the most about having the chickens and something that you learnt that you didn't know before!
You can leave a comment - ask Mum and Dad to help you.

A Special Visitor!

Today we were very lucky to have Joel's Nonna come to school to tell us about her chickens. Nonna has five hens at home and she told us about all the things she needs to do to look after them. She has to clean the coop everyday and make sure it is nice and dry - because hens don't like to be wet. Nonna gives them food and fresh water each day. 
Mrs Kennedy was very proud of the great questions the Preps asked and we learnt a lot about what will happen to our chicks once they grow up.
Here are some of the questions we asked and Nonna's answers:

What is the coop made from?
The coop is made from wood and wire mesh. At night they go into the coop where they are safe from foxes and cats.

Are the chickens friendly?
Yes Joel can go into the coop and take an egg and the hen doesn't peck him.

What do you do with the eggs?
Nonna makes a special omelette for Joel - she makes a circle omelette and puts a smiley face on it with tomato sauce. Lucky Joel! 

What do the chickens eat?
They eat pasta, bread crusts, lettuce and any food scraps.

Do the chickens like their food?
Yes!

When do the hens lay their eggs?
They usually lay their eggs in the morning and sometimes after lunch. They lay eggs everyday - they lay more in the summer when the weather is warmer.

When do they go to bed?
As soon as it starts to get dark they go to their coop and jump up onto their perch and go to sleep. During winter they go at 6.00pm and during summer at 7.00pm.

What do they play with?
They don't have toys but they love to scratch the ground and walk around the garden eating bugs and snails. 

Here is Fluffy in the coop laying and egg

What a great coop - it keep the hens safe and warm!

Thanks Nonna!

Thank you to Joel's Nonna for coming to help us learn all about how to care for chickens!

We went to the RSPCA!

On Wednesday we went to the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) to learn about how they care for animals. Thanks Emily for helping us to learn so much.

The animals don't like too much noise because they might get scared. Campbell
I learnt that the guinea pigs and the rabbits need dried grass for one of their foods. Caitlin
I learnt that guinea pigs can only have a little bit of carrot or they will get a stomach ache. Sophie
I learnt that all pets need shelter so they can keep warm. Olivia
I learnt that animals need exercise so they can be fit. Simon
Animals need toys to play with so they don't get sad and they need a fence to keep them safe. Declan
I learnt that all animals need a Vet so they don't get sick. James
Animals don't like noise because they get a little bit scared. Cormac
All animals need to have food to be alive. Chantelle
All cows need to have a baby before they can make milk. Hamish
I learnt that all living things need water. Eva
I learnt that some cows are meat cows. Niamh
I learnt that cows only have teeth down the bottom of their mouth. Alexa
I learnt that cows have syrup on bouncy balls so they can lick it all off. Ebony
I learnt that cows give you milk. Riley
I learnt that cows can eat dried grass and hay. Gracie
I learnt that rabbits can have red eyes. Frances
I learnt that rabbits are not allowed to have too much carrot because it can hurt their stomachs. Joshua
I learnt that animals when they are scared they hide. Patrick
I learnt that animals need water, food, shelter, friends, Vet care and exercise. Joel
Guinea pigs need hiding places because they might be scared. Stephanie

Thanks Chrissy and Mrs David for coming with us!

We went to the RSPCA! on PhotoPeach

Our VERY Hairy Harrys need a haircut!

We have had so much fun being scientists and watching our Hairy Harrys grow. 

We have also learnt that living things need water, food and light to grow. 

We had one Hairy Harry in the cupboard with no light. We discovered that the Hairy Harry grew yellow hair - so we think that light helps to make grass green.

The Hairy Harry with no soil still grew - we are going to keep watching to see if it continues to grow.

The Hairy Harry with no water did not grow at all. We learnt that all living things need water!

Today we gave our very Hairy Harrys a haircut. Preps are amazing hairdressers!

Hairy Harry Haircuts! - slideshow

Why does light make grass green?
What do you think will happen to the Hairy Harry with no soil? Will it continue to grow?

Neighbourhood Walk

Last Wednesday we went for a walk around our neighbourhood to see lots of plants in our local area. We have been learning about what living things need to grow and survive. We ended our walk at the park and noticed big mounds of mulch under the trees. Mulch helps trees to grow and be healthy. 

On the way we looked for treasure - lots of leaves, sticks, gum nuts, bark, seed pods, flowers, snail shells and more to make a collage. We were careful not to pick anything off a plant or tree. We looked for things that had already fallen off. 

Thanks to all our mums who came on our walk!  We loved having a play in the park and we got home just before the rain! A perfect afternoon.

Here are some of the things we discovered:

I noticed that plants grow with rain. Chantelle

Plants need soil to grow. Simon

Plants always like water to grow. James

I learnt that leaves change colour when it's Autumn. Caitlin

I know that plants need water and sun to grow. Olivia

I learnt that flowers do not have to be the same colour. Frances

James taught me that trees that lose their leaves are called deciduous. Gracie

I learnt that leaves change their colour before they fall off. Niamh

Trees that don't lose their leaves are called evergreen. Alexa

 

Our Hairy Harrys have started to GROW!

Our Hairy Harrys have started to grow. Everyday we look to see if anything is happening. This week we noticed some sprouts on our Hairy Harrys. How exciting!

click on the semi circle on the right to see two more photos.

Scientists at work!

For our Inquiry this term we are thinking about what living things need to grow and survive.

Today we had to think about what plants need to grow. We drew our ideas and then shared. Everyone agreed that plants need:

sunlight, water and soil to grow. 

Then it was time to make our Hairy Harrys! We all brought a jar and a stocking to school. Mrs Kennedy had some soil and grass seeds. We followed a procedure to make our Hairy Harrys.

Mrs Kennedy asked  'What would happen if one Hairy Harry had no light? How could we find out what would happen to the Hairy Harry if it had no light? 

We decided that we could put a Hairy Harry in a cupboard so that it had no light. 
Olivia thinks that it won't grow. 
James thinks it will be all droopy. 
Cormac thinks the Hairy Harry will be brown.

Then we decided to have a Hairy Harry without water and one without soil. 

What will happen? Will the Hairy Harrys grow? We are very excited to see what will happen!

Hairy Harry with no light

Hairy Harry with no water

Hairy Harry with no soil

Here we are with our Hairy Harrys!

Hairy Harrys from marieck

Wild Action Zoo - Hands on Learning

Today we were so lucky to have Chris from Wild Action Zoo bring some very special visitors to school. We learnt so much about Australian animals and we got to touch and hold all the animals - even a saltwater crocodile called Rex!

Thanks Chris, Bumpy Stumpy, Spencer, Terrence, Freddo, Bernard, Ollie, Rex, Tiffany and Simba for teaching us so much! 

We learnt from experts today.

Make a free digital scrapbooking design

Now we are going to choose an animal to investigate.

What is your favourite animal? Why? 

Smarty Pants - Our Reflections!

This voicethread is a work in progress. As we complete each Smart the children reflect on how they feel about the activities.

Our Action - Reaching Out

As part of our Inquiry learning in term two, we discovered that all living things need food, water, shelter and protection to survive. We decided that our final action for this unit would be to raise money for the homeless, those people who do not have shelter and protection and a place to sleep at night. To raise this money we created a calendar to sell to our school community. The theme of our calendar was 'Responsible Pet Care'. We chose our favourite pets and wrote pet care rules for each pet. We used line and pattern to make each picture. We are very proud of our calendar and our school community who have supported us.

Click and hold on the photos to enlarge.