So much to do, so little time……‘So much to do, so little time’ is an apt saying commonly used to describe Term 4 at many schools! We have a busy and exciting term full of new experiences, learning and challenges to help our students grow in their understanding of themselves and their place in God's world.
Here are just some of the wonderful learning initiatives and activities that are occurring as part of our school life in Term 4: Year 5 and 6 Canberra Trip - Our Year 5 and 6 students venture to Canberra with their teachers shortly. I don't know about you, but I still have fond memories of my school camps, which played an essential role in my life as a student. The typical phase, 'camps are educationally essential,' is so true. Our Year 5 and 6 students have been learning about the government in Civics and Citizenship. The Canberra trip allows students to get as close as possible to what they are learning about, where great learning occurs in 'concrete' experiences. What an excellent opportunity for students to learn more about God and His world in a 'hands-on way' where students' educational outcomes are maximised, and the opportunities for students to be involved are abundant. Cubbies - Next week, the long tradition of 'Cubbies' will take place; students will be trading gum nuts and working together to create cubby masterpieces. Students look forward to our Cubby Program each year and are always eager to start their cubbies at break times. We are so pleased that we can run a Cubby Program that invites our students to explore nature and engage in cubbies in an outdoor setting. As you know, researchers and education experts strongly encourage promoting nature play at schools. They have highlighted the physical, mental and social benefits that contact with nature provides to children. There are many benefits, including opportunities for students to practice conflict resolution, student leaders to develop their leadership skills, increase the use of gross motor skills, and build friendships with other students. Our Cubby Program reinforces students' connection with nature. It is also an excellent opportunity for students to actively respond to God's call to carefully look after our bushland, where they can contemplate God and his handiwork and praise Him by making inspiring cubbies. Swim School - All students will participate in the ‘Learn to Swim’ program at the Collegiate Pool later in the term. The Collegiate Pool is a safe, warm and clean indoor 25-metre pool. The program is led by qualified staff with the aim to provide students with the opportunity to develop and improve their ability to swim. Learning - In Term 4, teachers will continue to use our Visible Learning framework based on Professor John Hattie's research on student achievement, the largest global research base, into what works best in schools to improve student learning outcomes. At Northern, we seek to create a learning culture that celebrates and utilises collaboration and teamwork, reflecting the nature of the Body of Christ and enhancing learning. I am very thankful for the staff at Northern and their commitment to ongoing education by actively working with and supporting one another to meet the learning needs of students. Throughout this year, we have been utilising student data collected each term to analyse the impact that current teaching practices and interventions have on our students. This allows us to have data-informed teaching practices and to see areas of teaching and learning that we can strengthen alongside areas that are already strengths. It is an honour to work with colleagues who communicate how much they value lifelong learning and work hard to help their students improve and succeed through their intentional, everyday actions. As we head into Term 4, may God bless you, Northern Christian School! "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26
Bethany Armstrong – Principal
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