QPS Newsletter T3 WK5

We have been enjoying the classic Australian story Wombat Stew! Through this rich text, students expanded their vocabulary and learned to use interesting words such as amble and graceful. We also explored narrative story structure, identifying the characters, setting, problem, solution and feelings of the characters.

The best fun, however, was heading outside to make our very own gooey, chewy Wombat Stew! Students then wrote about the ingredients they added to their stew.

This was one of the first opportunities for our Prep students to showcase their writing in a longer writing piece. Until now, much of our writing has focused on orally retelling stories and recounts, as well as writing simple sentences. We were incredibly impressed with the students’ enthusiasm, creativity and writing efforts. It was wonderful to see them applying their growing knowledge of sounds, spelling, vocabulary and sentence structure to create their own pieces of writing.

Year 3/4 Camp

Year 3/4 had a brilliant time at Camp Kangaroobie. It was muddy, it was adventurous and it was so much fun! We could not have been prouder of our student’s exceptional behaviour, kindness towards each other and willingness to have a go at every activity. Camp Kangaroobie staff, the bus driver and even a grandmother visiting the Colac Botanic Gardens all came up to comment on how well our students played together, supported each other, and showed outstanding manners. We hiked to the beach, crossed a creek in a raft, tobogganed down dunes, fed cows, had a wild tractor ride, played survivor tag, built huts, cooked damper, bush danced and ate the delicious meals. While we came home tired and dirty, our hearts were full and we made so many happy memories together. It was a privilege to take this wonderful group on camp.

Integrated Studies – Ancient American Civilisations

This term, students in 5/6C have been exploring the fascinating world of the Inca, Maya and Aztec civilisations. We have discovered where and when these remarkable societies lived, with the Maya flourishing across parts of present-day Mexico and Central America from around 2000 BCE to 1500 CE, the Aztecs ruling central Mexico from 1325–1521 CE, and the Inca building a vast empire along the Andes Mountains of South America from 1438–1533 CE. Students have compared the geography, achievements and cultures of each civilisation while investigating what daily life was like for the people who lived there.

Throughout the term, we have also examined the many contributions these civilisations made to the world. Students were particularly amazed to learn that the Maya developed one of the world's first symbols for the number zero, an incredible mathematical achievement that is still important today. We have also explored Inca engineering, including their impressive road systems and terrace farming, as well as Aztec floating gardens known as chinampas. In addition, students have investigated how each civilisation was organised into different social groups, with emperors or kings, nobles, priests, warriors, merchants, artisans and farmers all playing important roles in helping their societies function. It has been a wonderful opportunity for students to appreciate the achievements and lasting legacy of these extraordinary ancient civilisations.

The Countdown is on for the Queenscliff Primary School Art Show

The excitement is building for our upcoming QPS Art Show, Saltwater Dreaming! Our students have been working incredibly hard in Visual Arts, and we cannot wait to show their colourful, creative and inspiring artwork.

A huge congratulations goes to the students who have been specially selected to take on some very exciting roles at this year’s Art Show!

Art Show Auction Artists

A group of talented students have been selected to create their very own canvas artworks for our Art Show Auction. These students were chosen based on their wonderful submissions, creativity and commitment in Visual Arts. Their finished canvases will be professionally auctioned on the night by Fletchers Director and auctioneer, James Gladman. What an incredible opportunity for our young artists to experience the excitement of seeing their own artwork go under the hammer!

Student-Led Workshops

We are also very proud of the students who have been selected to plan and teach their own creative workshops during the Art Show. These students will step into the role of art teachers, sharing their skills, ideas and creativity with other children and families. Please book in to one of these exciting workshops for a small cost – morning tea will be provided.

The Art Show is such a special opportunity to celebrate the creativity of all of our students and to bring our school community together. There will be beautiful student artwork to explore, creative activities, our student-led workshops and, of course, the excitement of the live auction.

Please come along and support our wonderful young artists! Bring your family and friends and help us make the Art Show a fantastic celebration of creativity, confidence and our QPS community. See our poster for further details.

Are you coming to the Art Show? You’d better be!