Watch this short video from BTN which is all about “Web Secrets” and tell me in at least two substantial paragraphs what you think. Do you do anything that your parents don’t know about? Do you create fake profiles? How much would you be happy with your parents seeing? Why do you think parents want to check what you do? You can answer all these questions (and more) and give reasons for your opinions and answers. What do you think most kids opinions are on web privacy and what are some of the things they get up to? Remember, parents have been around long enough to have experienced consequences of the actions they made as kids – you have not, you still haven’t experienced the full force of some really bad decisions (and you may not for years). So, who knows best?
Rotational Symmetry
We recently applied our skills with technology to demonstrate our understanding of rotational symmetry. First, we all grabbed an iPad and went for a walk around the staff car park; we were trying to find car wheels that demonstrated rotational symmetry. When we found them we used the iPads to take photos and uploaded them to Google Drive for use later. During one of our laptop sessions we were then able to use the Draw application on Drive to create and present our work. Have a look at the two examples below from Demi and Pharyn.
Mosaic Fun
This week we were lucky enough to have a visit from a mosaic making group who led us through the process of making mosaics. This was a very creative and enjoyable activity which linked in perfectly with our studies of the Romans. The students picked out a template for their mosaic and then, following a brief explanation, set about creating their artistic masterpieces. The photos below demonstrate the stages involved and show the students deep in concentration as their artistic and creative sides were let loose. Thanks to our amazing Art specialist, Ms Sveinbjornsson, for organising this great activity.
Olivia
Sarah and Long
Drying
Finished
TARDIS Holiday Project Part 2
Seeing as I try to encourage my students to write posts about the things they’ve been doing I thought I set an example by doing the same (for a change). If you’ve visited this blog over the last few weeks you may recall a post where I explained how I was trying to build myself a DVD cabinet in the shape of a TARDIS from the TV series Doctor Who (scroll down to read it). Well, the project has moved on and, whilst not completely finished, I thought I’d post an update. To be honest, the final part will be the light which goes on top of the cabinet and as I’ve no idea how I’m going to make it I thought I’d better post now as it could be a long, long time ’til this gets done. The photo is below and an image of the version I modelled mine on can be found on this site (scroll down a tiny bit). Hope you like it.
TARDIS
Cross Country
This week we held the interschool cross country competition. The competition pits the four school factions against each other with the cross-country trophy and bragging rights on offer to the victors. Each student who finished gained points to help their faction win and there were awards for the first four finishers in each year level. The students from LA19 did a great job and made everyone proud. Below are photos of William (4th place) pushing through the pain barrier, and Aimee, ahead of the competition on her way to grabbing a fabulous second place. Well done to Aimee and Demi for finishing in the top four girls, William for finishing fourth in the boys and to everyone else for finishing such a grueling race!
Check out these fabulous and very personal write-ups from Demi and Georgia.
William
Aimee
Year 1 Podcasts
Towards the end of last term, LA19 buddied up with the year 1 students to create a series of podcasts. The benefits of this collaboration were extensive. The senior students had to develop their interpersonal skills, planning questions and adjusting their tone of voice to suit the younger students. They also had to be very patient and use their listening skills to ensure they allowed the younger students to have their say. Also, they had to monitor the conversation and try to ensure it continued to flow without any long, empty spaces. All in all it was a very difficult task for the students, but they managed it very well. Check out the two examples below from Georgia and Abbey.
Holiday Bloggers
Sometimes it’s difficult for students to keep up with their blogging, especially during holiday time. As well as enjoying trips away with their families, students also have the important business of hanging out with their friends, going to the movies and long, lazy lie-ins to enjoy. Despite all that, two students have made an extra effort to keep everyone informed of their holiday activities and are well worth a read. Check out the blogs of Aimee and Georgia.
TARDIS Holiday Project
So far my school holiday has been notable mostly for being the time I caught a dreadful strain of the flu. We had a short, three day break in Yallingup (which I’m sure is one of the coldest and wettest places on Earth) which I didn’t enjoy due to my racking cough and bouts of high temperature. It seems that colds and flus hold off for teachers until the term is over, then they strike! Apart from that I’ve spent my time productively, building a TARDIS DVD cabinet. It isn’t finished yet, but I thought I’d post a picture of what it looks like so far. As my woodworking skills are particularly amateur it’s taking me quite a while and has resulted in a number of fingers finding out just how sharp saws can be. I now need to get the signs, one of which I ordered from that amazing site Etsy, and try and match the colour. I’ll post again as the project moves further ahead.
Real Life Maths
This week we’ve been putting the learning we’ve done in the classroom during Maths to practical use. The students have developed their skills in working out the areas of different shapes. In order to get a better understanding of the practical application of their skills they’ve been busy working out the areas of different places around the school. Once they worked out the area, the second part of the task was to price up replacing the grass in one area and the paving in several others. The prices are all genuine from websites around the metro area and, when calculated, will give the real cost of the jobs for the students. The complexity of the areas was also challenging with students having to identify shapes within shapes in order to measure identifiable parts. Once measured they had to add some together or subtract areas that fell within the main body but were not required. To complete the task the students, in their groups, collaborated on Google Drive to present their results. Below are some images of the students in action.
Sarah, Jonny and Jackson
C-J and Abbey working hard.
Georgia and Long
Champions!
I know it’s not all about the winning and that we should promote the idea that to participate is the real goal (which we do), but it’s great to see the beaming smiles on the faces of the students when we win. Last week we took part in a sports carnival against several other teams in soccer, modcross, netball and Aussie rules football. It was an amazing day (thanks to our legendary Phys. Ed. specialist Mr Jones) and we managed to come away with most of the trophies on offer. The Aussie rules team were successful, as were the modcross team, whereas the netball teams came a solid second and the boys’ soccer team had some very impressive wins. However, the team that I was in charge of, the girls’ soccer team, won the coveted trophy. This was a trophy that our school has never won, but we knew following our practise games (a previous post) that we were in very good shape. The girls were magnificent, winning 5 out of their 6 games, but what stood out for me was their team spirit, their sense of fair play and their desire to run themselves into the ground, draining their last drops of energy to make sure they gave their best.
It was a great moment when the girls were called up to receive the trophy and I can say that I was absolutely proud of each and every one of them.
The Champions!