Last week the Foundation and Year 1 students had a wonderful time settling back into the routine and structure of school. Mrs Hills and Miss Wrigley saw so many happy faces when greeting the students in the hallway!

Wellbeing

Foundation 

The Foundation students have been focusing on identifying different emotions and how our emotions can change. As we read a variety of picture books throughout the week, the students discussed the different emotions we can all experience. We thought about how our body language can change as we feel these emotions as well. As a class we began thinking of different things that we can do for ourselves or others if feeling a negative emotion. The students loved reconnecting with their friends again and spent some time learning about the different qualities that make a good friendship.

The Foundation students had some wonderful responses about being back onsite at school

“I felt happy and excited because we went back to school” - June

“I felt happy because I am free of home learning”- Layla

“I feel happy because we can see our school again”- Dominic

“I feel surprised because I saw all of my friends”- Juliette

“I am excited because Covid is nearly over and we got to go back to school”-  Zac

“I feel excited because I get the see my teacher”- Sofia

Year 1 

In Year 1 we have had a big focus on re-establishing our friendships and school routines.  We have read a story written by Susan Verde called ‘I am Peace’ and the following link is the song created from the book. The students love to sing it. We have discussed how bubbles make us feel happy, calm and excited when we are looking at them and playing with them. The students have discussed how sometimes when we experience problems and troubles in our friendships it’s like bubbles popping. The bubbles pop and we talk about our worries and then we can blow more bubbles and move on. 

I am Peace by Emily Arrow

On Monday we talked about what makes a good friend and revisited our Friendology Friendship Facts. After being away from school for so long it was important to highlight fact number 4 that friendships change and that’s okay. The students were very excited when they received their ‘Back to school buddy.’ These buddies sit on the students tables and come to the floor when the students feel they need a little companionship. We have also used them to help us focus on our breathing during our meditation and mindfulness sessions. 

Another story we have read during the week was ‘Have You Filled a Bucket Today?’ The students created their own bucket to be displayed in the classroom to fill during the week. They can fill their own bucket when they have done something that has helped someone and others can fill their buckets as well. You might like to read it as a family.

Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

A few Year 1 reflections at the end of week 1:

“Today I loved being back at school. It is the best, I loved doing art and sport.” Alexis

“I loved seeing all of my friends and I loved getting my back to school buddy.” Maggie

“My favourite thing about this week was playing with my friends because I haven’t played with them for a long time.” Cooper

“It was great being back to school and getting my back to school buddy. He keeps me so calm and he likes running.” Harry

“The best thing that happened this week was seeing my friends. This week in sport we did line tag, running and catching balls. I liked meditation because it is really so relaxing.” Lachie

Classroom Compost Bins

This week both classes were introduced to their new Compost Bin provided by Kingston Council. We were also very lucky to be given some fruit from Woolworths to enjoy! This gave us a great chance to put our compost bin into use and implement more sustainability into our classrooms.