Term 2 -Week 9 - 22nd June 2023
-
Principal's Report
-
Principals Report continued
-
This week’s presentation from "The Resilience Project" focuses on Gratitude.
-
Winter Wellness
-
Mother's Day activities
-
waranta tapilti - Let's go video
-
Training for Merino Challenge
-
Premier's Reading Challenge
-
More Sheep work
-
Illuminate Programme
-
Cooking with Brigette
-
NBN - School Student Broadband Initative
-
Beatbox visit
-
Class One and Two JRLF Excursion
-
Children's University
-
Grade 1/2 enjoying Maths
-
Leading Image-School Photos
-
Grade 1/2 watching building works
-
National Simultanious Storytime
-
SPSSA Cross Country 7/06/2023
-
LiL children having fun 8-6-23
Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
It’s been a busy Term 2 so far.
- We had a kindness day, where we wore blue clothing and focused on positive relationships
- James Wicks weighed our Sheep and Georgie shared her expertise in sheep handling
- We celebrated our learning and achievements with a Whole School Assembly
- We took part in National Simultaneous Story Time
- Our Primary classes went on excursions to the Jordan River Learning Federation Farm
- Students represented our school at the Campbell Town Show Wool handling, James and Brodie came third
- The Fissure Sealant crew were on site
- Our students competed in the SPSSA Cross Country
- Our teachers completed their second professional learning session with the Bagdad Primary Staff on quality assessment. Our teachers also worked collaboratively with teaching staff from Kempton, Oatlands and Bagdad on the new reading monitoring tool
- Tom has been helping with haltering our sheep on Tuesdays
- Our Gr 10 students visited Elizabeth College on their Taster Day
- We had a visit from a Beat Boxer who introduced us to musical rhythms and patterns
- Kinder parent interviews
- The construction of our Ag Science classroom and outdoor classrooms are well underway
- Teachers have been busy writing student reports.
Reports for our Prep to Grade 10 students will be sent home on Wednesday in Week 10
Parent teacher conversations about student learning are in Week 11, a link to book a time to meet with your child or children's teachers will be distributed shortly
Our University of Tasmania Pre-Service teachers Kate Bowler and Bek Dilger successfully completed the practicum. Kate worked in our 1/2 class and Bek in our 3/4 class. They contributed positively and insightfully to our students learning and wellbeing and also to our staff Professional Learning Communities, we thank them for their hard work and wish them all the best in their future in education!
You’ll notice that we have a concrete slab and framing for our Ag Science Classroom, things are moving along very fluidly and we thank everyone involved, especially the early morning starts!
Thankyou everyone for meeting our uniform expectations, it is very much appreciated!
Congratulations to Brodie Speed on his selection in the U16 Tasmania Devils Squad and his selection in the Tasmanian U15 team that will travel to Victoria to play in the School Sport Australia Competition and to Brock Watkins who made the STJFL in the U16 Representative Team.
I shared this with our staff and thought that it may be of interest to you as well.
Below is a TEDx talk by the very talented Tasmanian Dr Lila Landowski, she is an award winning neuroscientist who lectures at UTAS, the story of how she ended up in Tasmania is inspiring.
Lila talks about the brain and simplifies what we can do to make learning easier for ourselves.
I’ve summarised the ‘bare bones’ of the the talk for you, the talk is easy to digest and takes 18 minutes. The summary isn’t deep but gives you an idea of what to expect.
I highly encourage you to watch the video, click on the link or scan the QR code below
Brain Hack: 6 secrets to learning faster, backed by neuroscience | Lila Landowski | TEDxHobart
Attention: Paying attention is crucial for effective learning. When we are fully focused on a task, we are more likely to retain information, especially in the long term. However, with the constant distractions of modern life, such as social media and frequent context switching, our attention span can suffer. Techniques like focused attention meditation can help improve attention in the long term, while short bursts of exercise can enhance attention in the short term.
Alertness: Being alert is essential for optimal learning. When we are fully engaged and alert, we have a better chance of retaining information. Activating our sympathetic nervous system, also known as the fight-or-flight response, increases alertness by releasing adrenaline and noradrenaline. Exercise, certain breathing techniques like Wim Hof breathing, and mild stressors can help boost alertness. However, chronic stress can have negative effects on learning and memory, so it's important to manage stress levels appropriately.
Sleep: Sleep plays a critical role in learning and memory consolidation. During sleep, short-term memories are transferred to long-term memory storage in the brain. The hippocampus, a brain region involved in learning and memory, helps with this process. Lack of sleep can hinder memory consolidation and retention. Prioritizing sufficient sleep before and after learning sessions is crucial for optimal learning outcomes.
Repetition: Repetition is key to learning. Repeating information or practicing skills helps strengthen the neural connections associated with that specific learning. Through neuroplasticity, the brain creates and reinforces connections, making it easier to recall information in the future. The spacing technique, which involves spacing out learning sessions over multiple days, can enhance long-term memory. Repetition is especially important for stable and long-lasting learning.
Breaks: Taking breaks during learning sessions is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, breaks allow the brain to subconsciously replay and reinforce newly encoded information, making it easier to recall. Taking a 10 to 20-minute break after learning a new task can improve subsequent performance. Additionally, breaks prevent retrograde interference, where learning new, similar information too soon can disrupt the stability of newly encoded memories. Thus, it's important to schedule breaks and engage in non-demanding activities during those periods.
Mistakes: Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. When we make mistakes, the brain releases neuromodulators like acetylcholine, increasing attention and focus. This heightened attention opens a window for neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to adapt and improve. Embracing mistakes and viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning is important. Quizzing oneself, challenging tasks, and turning learning into a game can create a positive feedback loop of improved attention and motivation.
Principals Report continued
A big thankyou to our students who have been recognised for living our school values and setting a great example to us all
- Matilda M sharing with her friends RESPECT
- Bonnie H Fantastic participation in the illuminate challenge ASPIRATION, GROWTH, COURAGE and RESPECT
- Mia C always listening to instructionsand showing RESPECT in the classroom
- Chloe D fantastic participation in the illuminate Challenge ASPIRATION, GROWTH, COURAGE and RESPECT
- Piper B working as a team to finish off a challenging Maths task ASPIRATION
- Jai C Fantastic participation in the illuminate challenge ASPIRATION, GROWTH, COURAGE and RESPECT
- Logan W Being RESPECTFUL in HASS
- Danielle B Showing leadership in organising/feeding our sheep ASPIRATION, COURAGE
- Shelby R Working as a team to finish off a challenging Maths task ASPIRATION
- Joel T Fantastic work in speech, remembering his correct sounds and words ASPIRATION, GROWTH, COURAGE and RESPECT
- Andrew P Fantastic participation in the illuminate challenge ASPIRATION, GROWTH, COURAGE and RESPECT
- Mia c listening to instructions the first time RESPECT
- Lachlan G Extending himself in Maths GROWTH
- Riley M Working hard in Phonics GROWTH
- Harry B Fantastic participation in the illuminate Challenge ASPIRATION, GROWTH, COURAGE and RESPECT
- Andrew P assisting in feeding and herding our sheep COURAGE
- Ava B cleaning up the classroom without being asked RESPECT
- Mitchel B holding door open for teachers and students RESPECT
- Lachlan G having a great attitude in maths GROWTH
- Ava B showing huge RESPECT to the classroom enviroment
- Mia C Going up 3 reading levels GROWTH
- Mason C assisting in feeding and herding our sheep COURAGE
- Makayla W H helping clean up the classroom even when the mess was not her own RESPECT
- Robert P Fantastic partisipation in the illuminate challenge ASPIRATION, GROWTH, COURAGE and RESPECT
- Nellie B Helping clean up mess that isn't hers and RESPECTING the classroom
- Baily Y Fantastic participation in the illuminate challenge ASPIRATION, COURAGE, GROWTH and RESPECT
- Lachlan G Showing kindness to others when participating in maths lessons RESPECT
- Lucas M trying his best dueing literacy and doing everything he has been asked ASPIRATION and GROWTH
- Jordy H fantastic writing GROWTH
- Willow S Helping Shelby and showing initiative RESPECT
- Mason C Fantastic participation in the illuminate challenge ASPIRATION, GROWTH, COURAGE and RESPECT
- Holly S showing huge RESPECT to the classroom enviroment
- Xavier R at lunch time being a kind and helpful friend RESPECT
- Ella P fantastic participation in the illuminate challenge ASPIRATION, GROWTH, COURAGE and RESPECT
- Indigo M Extending herself in Maths GROWTH
- Matilda S RESPECTFULLY listening on the mat when others were not
- Riley M showing RESPECT for classmates and great sportsmanship GROWTH
- Jordy H showing RESPECT and great sportsmanship GROWTH
- Avril G For taking her time to do her best work and even doing extra bits! ASPIRATION
- Haylie K Reading a poem at the ANZAC Day service and helping place books at the cenotaph and showing all the school values ASPIRATION, GROWTH, COURAGE and RESPECT
- Indigo M working hard in reading groups GROWTH
- Mitchell B By working hard in HASS GROWTH
- Lachlan G showing RESPECT for his classmates and great sportsmanship GROWTH
- Holly s Cleaning up the classroom without being asked RESPECT
- Makayla WH working hard on all learning tasks GROWTH
- Chloe E Reading a poem at the ANZAC Day service and helping place books at the cenotaph, showing all the school values ASPIRATION, GROWTH, COURAGE and RESPECT
- Haylie K showing leadership in organising/feeding our sheep ASPIRATION and COURAGE
- Mitchell B showing kindness to others when partisipating in Maths lessons RESPECT
- Chloe E extending herself in Maths GROWTH
This week’s presentation from "The Resilience Project" focuses on Gratitude.
Gratitude is paying attention to the things that we have right now, and not worrying about what we don’t have. We practise this by noticing the positives that exist around us.
Research shows that practicing gratitude rewires our brains to overcome the negativity bias (which can lead to anxiety and depression) and see the world for what we are thankful for. It is also shown to broaden thinking, and increase physical health through improved sleep and attitude to exercise.
View Part 2 of the series here:
Part 2 - Gratitude:https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh/
There are many ways in which you can practise gratitude, including starting a gratitude journal. You can simply use a notebook to list three things that went well for you each day, or use a more comprehensive Wellbeing Journal, like those created by The Resilience Project.
Source:Psychology Today
For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.
Winter Wellness
Mother's Day activities
Our students in Grade 1/2 had a lovely time making these gifts for their Mum's. We all hope that the Mum's had a lovely day.
waranta tapilti - Let's go video
The waranta tapilti – Let’s Go video is now available on the DECYP Aboriginal Education YouTube channel.
This video was developed and written by Year 9 and 10 Tasmanian Aboriginal students. They were asked about their thoughts and emotions regarding the transition from Year 10 to 11. They also discussed what advice they would like to give to other young people about dealing with change.
The students explored their fears and then went through a process of exploring their culture, such as connecting to their land (Country), listening to their ancestors, and seeking guidance from the wisdom of Elders and Community. After that, they decided on the message they wanted to share with other young people and how they wanted to convey that message.
The result is a remarkable video that showcases the students' artwork. Contributions from young Aboriginal creatives Bianca Templar and Kieran Lonergan helped the students to develop the concept.
For more information, please visit the Careerify website
Training for Merino Challenge
A big thanks to Guy for donating his sheep, hosting and upskilling us, Damien who shared his knowledge in such an engaging way and Matthew who gave us a practical, hands on shearing experience with the chance to ask questions. We are very grateful for the time they spent with us and gave us a perfect preparation for the upcoming Merino Challenge. Stay tuned more to come!
Premier's Reading Challenge
This years "Premier's Reading Challenge" starts on 26th June, 2023 and runs until the 1st September,2023. The challenge is open to students from Prep to Grade 10. Speak to Brigette and collect your reading log book.
Enjoy the love of reading, it is such a great thing to enjoy.
More Sheep work
A big afternoon in the paddock with our 9/10s! Thanks to James Wicks for helping us weigh our sheep (when we finally managed to get them in the pen!)
Illuminate Programme
On Friday May 12th I joined the secondary students for their final day of the Illuminate programme. I hadn't until that day been aware of the programme's content but this was the day for presentations of work.
Firstly, the students had to stand in their groups and sell their product which involved financing it, running it obtaining equipment (all those things that go into starting a business which in this case was about sustainability and recycling).
In the next session the students gathered equipment and set up their shops. I could see a great deal of planning had gone into all this.
These students were amazing. Their attitudes, their teamwork, confidence when speaking and attention to detail was so impressive and professional.
Each and every one of them left me thinking these young people can do anything. Well done to all of you.
The future of Bothwell is in good hands.
Judi Turner
Cooking with Brigette
The students made Ham and Cheese Scrolls. They look very tasty.
NBN - School Student Broadband Initative
Beatbox visit
On Wednesday, K-6 had Jobe and Lydia from the Beatbox program come and visit. Jobe showed us how to make music with our voices and then helped us make our own songs.
Class One and Two JRLF Excursion
On Tuesday, 1/2 went to the Jordan River Learning Federation school farm. We picked vegetables from the garden and prepared them in the kitchen, fed the animals while we waited, and then enjoyed a stir fry.
Children's University
Here are some pictures of Bothwell District High School Children's University paintings on display at Government House with other schools. Can you find your artwork?
Grade 1/2 enjoying Maths
Mrs Turner took Grade 1/2 for maths. the students had to move around the room measuring lots of different things. By the look of it they had lots of fun.
Leading Image-School Photos
The school has organised for Leading Image to do our school photos. This will be on Monday 3rd July,2023. Below is your Access Key to book online.
Just follow the instructions as written below.
Grade 1/2 watching building works
National Simultanious Storytime
Our students listened to the story "The Speedy Sloth". This book is read at the same time Australia wide. We join in on this activity every year. Students from Kinder to Grade Six enjoyed the story and the many activities that accompany the story. Lots of fun was had by all.
Everyone said this book was enjoyable!
SPSSA Cross Country 7/06/2023
On Wednesday 7/06/2023 our students participated in the SPSSA Cross Country.
Well done to all our participants, they did an amazing job.
And thankyou to Haylie Kline and Danielle Bradburn for helping out.
LiL children having fun 8-6-23
LiL Children enjoying icing biscuits and cutting and gluing. Nice to see little smiling faces.