Launching into Learning

Our littlest learners have ventured into our local community twice this Term in Launching into Learning’s Pop Up Playgroups. These are valuable learning experiences, whereby children and their families can connect with the natural environment.

The Early Years Learning Framework says: “Children’s connectedness and different ways of belonging with people, country and communities helps them to learn ways of being which reflect the values, traditions and practices of their families and communities. Over time this learning transforms the ways they interact with others.”

Our intention is to teach children to value and respect the natural world around us. When they are exploring Johnsons’ Beach we discuss the rock pool habitat and it’s importance, the elements of change that occurs across the shoreline when seaweed, shells and feathers appear and marvel at all the community members that spend time with their dogs walking the beach.
At Ferndene State reserve we discuss the tree canopy that provides shelter for animals, the role that fungi play in the ecosystem and wonder about the old mining tunnel and the history that it holds.
Our intention is to model respect and instil this deep within our learners too.

We endeavour to allow students to develop this love of nature throughout their full schooling journey and there are many opportunities for this, including the Outdoor Education bushwalk that happened last week and the Grade 1 students who are helping with gardening at school.

Shoutouts

My first shout out must go to the families that attend LiL each week. We are grateful to be able to share a love of learning, our beautiful new facilities and quality time with your little people.

A mighty Pink shout out to those who assisted in running Pink Day last Friday. We raised over $1,000 and we are proud to be helping Shirley in her quest to assist the Cancer Warriors on the North West Coast.

I saw a lovely shout out online recently where 2 PDS students were spoken highly of due to their kindness at the basketball stadium. They introduced themselves to a new student starting at PDS soon and that indicates maturity and respect And should be commended.

Shoutout to the secondary students that jump into the canteen at recess and lunch to help hand out orders and assist where they can. It such a busy space and we know that Tish and Belinda appreciate the kindness of those helpers.

Shoutout to Lachie T who recently took out a big golfing milestone by winning his first open age pennants match. We are very proud of your efforts.

Don’t hesitate to send us an email and let us know the amazing things our students are doing in the community too. We’d love to give them a shoutout in future newsletters and in Green Penguin Meetings.

Assembly

During the Secondary assembly on Thursday, 50 students were formally recognised as being outstanding in their ability to show our focus value of Respect.  Over 200 Secondary students were nominated by all teaching staff across the high school and this is a testament to the level of commitment our students are showing to uphold our values.

Interhigh Swimming

A team of 30 students represented Penguin at the Interhigh Swimming event this week. This is the highest number of representatives from PDS in 10 years. Congratulations to all students who made the team and worked hard at their individual and team events.

Transition

Year 10 students had a visit from Michelle Summers from Hellyer College last Tuesday afternoon to start the process of transitioning from Year 10 to 11. This is a big step for a lot of our students and it’s important to begin this transition period as early as possible to give students the time and skills to process this change. There will be more information sharing and preparations for the Hellyer Taster Day coming up in Term 2.