3B - Term 4, 2024 (Otters)
Hi 3B Community,
Welcome to term 4! It’s hard to believe that there are less than 9 weeks to go until the end of the school year! We hope you enjoyed the holidays and are healthy, happy and rearing to go.
Exciting news – we are going on an excursion to the city next week! Thanks to those of you who have already signed off on this in Parent Lounge. We are looking for 3 additional adults to accompany us and also parents who can help transport children who are at OSHC or are CMS staff children, so please let Alex Hunt know if you are able to help as she will be helping us to coordinate logistics. Alex can be contacted at thequizzicalowl@gmail.com or 0408 758353. Just to be clear – on the day of the excursion, children must be dropped off at Caboolture Train Station between 8:15am and 8:25am and collected from Caboolture Train Station between 2:30pm and 2:40pm.
This term is going to be super busy! We are studying the timeline of humans, geography and history of Australia (post-colonisation) and this will include a visit to the Gallery of Modern Art and the Historical Village. The students will be exploring at Australian artists and will be creating their own creative interpretation on a piece of Australian art. We are expecting the students to be increasingly self-driven in their exploration of cultural subjects.
Senior students will be focussing on creating an autobiography in the lead up to their graduation. Juniors and middles will be completing homework projects and all work will be due in the final week of term. This year, we will be seeing some changes to the transition period, which will be Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of week 8, so homework projects will be due in week 9 (November 25) to provide the maximum amount of time. Students who have not completed a book review this year need to do so this term, otherwise they can complete an independent project (including an autobiography).
With summer approaching, please remind your child to have their drink bottle and hat each day. Also, a kind reminder about our school uniform/dress policy – please ensure students wear CMS uniform and not brightly coloured items – including socks. Hoodies are not appropriate for school. Children with longer than shoulder-length hair need to have it tied back and students should not be wearing nail polish or jewellery (except 1 pair of small sleepers or studs).
As you can see from the list below, we have a busy term planned at CMS. There are several major events happening this term, including Arts Fest, Grandparents Day, transition days and Graduation Dinner (the culminating event for seniors). Dates for some events are still being confirmed so make sure you check the TASS calendar for the for the most up-to-date information!
Date | Event |
October 7 | o King’s Birthday Public Holiday |
October 8 | o 3B excursion to the city (drop off & pick up @ Caboolture Train Station) |
October 18 | o (8:30am) Market Day!
o (3:15pm) Cycle 3 Arts Fest |
October 25 | o (1:30pm – 2:25pm) Grandparents’ Day
o Day 4 Daniel (wear red) |
November 4 | o (TBC) 3B excursion to Caboolture Historical Village (pick up & drop off at venue) |
November 8 | o Pupil-Free Day – report writing |
November 11 | o (10:45am start) Remembrance Day Assembly |
November 15 | o (3pm) CMS Christmas Carols & Market (TBC) |
November 18 | o (TBC) Graduation Assembly
o (3pm – 4pm) Transition information session with cycle 3 teachers |
November 20 – 22 | o “Moving Up” Transition Days |
November 22 | o (5:15pm – 7pm) Graduation Dinner (photos from 4:30pm) |
November 25 | o Homework Projects Due |
November 28 | o Last Day of term 4
o (2:15pm) Ceremonial Clap-Out of the seniors o (5pm) Reports released to parents |
We look forward to the term ahead and continuing to grow and learn together.
Kind regards,
Tanya and Jody
3B - Term 3, 2024 (Otters)
Otters explore Mathematics
Here is a beautiful example of a graph created by Rosie G to reflect Australia’s Gold Medal tally on day 13 of the Olympics. What a creative approach to graphing! Well done, Rosie!
Learning to draw graphs helps students develop critical thinking and analytical skills by visually representing data, making abstract concepts more concrete. It also enhances their ability to observe patterns and relationships, fostering a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts in a hands-on, engaging way.
Otters explore Mathematics
Some 3B students were interested in exploring Fibonacci – this opened up discussions about the beauty and patterns of mathematics in nature. This study helps them develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder while connecting abstract math to the real world. Below you can see a student is creating their own spiral using the Fibonacci sequence.
Junior students have been drawing geometrical patterns with a compass to enhance fine motor skills, concentration, and precision. It also deepens students’ understanding of geometry, fostering creativity while connecting abstract mathematical concepts with tangible, hands-on experiences.
Otters dive into the ocean
As part of this term’s exploration of ecology, the Otters created an example of a food web of the oceanic ecosystem. They investigated various tropic levels with some students becoming primary producers, some fulfilling the role of primary & secondary consumers, while a few acted as apex predators.
Many of the students were shocked when an ‘oil spill’ (aka Tanya & Jody walking right through the web they had created) devastated much of the complex food web. Many of the students went on to discover food webs of other ecosystems.
Cooking is a much enjoyed practical life task in 3B that has numerous benefits for children. This term, we are making hot chips!
Cooking encourages independence and confidence as well as integrating maths, science and language. It promotes team work and social skills as the children work together to complete recipes. It also enhances fine motor skills and encourages healthy eating habits.
Cortez has been enjoying using a loom to weave this week.
Weaving helps our students in the following ways:
- Enhances Fine Motor Skills: Weaving encourages precise hand movements and coordination helping to improve dexterity and fine motor skills.
- Improves Concentration and Patience: Weaving requires focus and patience, as it involves following a sequence of steps and can take time to complete a project. This helps in building concentration and patience.
- Problem Solving: Weaving often involves planning and solving problems integrating basic mathematical concepts such as patterns and sequences related to tension, and thread management, thereby enhancing cognitive abilities and providing opportunities to gain an understanding of order and structure.
- Fosters Cultural Appreciation and Connection: The activity encourages creativity and self-expression as children can create their own designs and colour combinations, connecting with cultural traditions and heritage, promoting a sense of pride and understanding of different cultures
- Promotes Creativity and Self-Expression: Weaving allows individuals to express their creativity and bring their ideas to life through patterns and colours.
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety: The repetitive and rhythmic nature of weaving can have a calming effect, making it a great activity for reducing stress and promoting relaxation
Overall, weaving on a loom supports both cognitive and artistic development in a hands-on, engaging way.
Dear 3B community,
It has been lovely to see the children’s smiling faces this week and to hear stories of their holiday adventures. It is great to see how well they have already settled back into the swing of things. We would like to welcome Athena into our ‘Romp of Otters’ – we are looking forward to getting to know you better.
In the Classroom:
This term, the students will be exploring the Montessori Coming of Life story and associated work in science and geography. This work will focus on living things, biomes, adaptations, animals and ecology. If you have any books or artefacts related to these areas and are willing to loan them to us for a little while, we would appreciate it. We’ll also be borrowing some kits from the Queensland Museum to facilitate learning in these areas.
Last term, students found it interesting to watch the weekly episode of BTN through ABC i-view – it has provided some really interesting food for thought about many current topics and we will continue watching this to learn about newsworthy events this term.
In technology, students again have access to Turing Tumble, Scratch programming and hopefully, Lego Spike. We have seen some interesting creations and look forward to seeing what else they can build and program.
Homework:
Students will soon get their homework task sheet for this term. Homework projects will be due September 2nd (week 9). They will have the choice of a book review, independent project or an opportunity to join in with a read-a-thon to tie in with book week. We will be reading the novel “Wonder” in class this term and doing associated comprehension activities and discussions around the issues raised in the story.
As always, spelling practice and number fact memorisation at home is encouraged and we appreciate you supporting your child to learn their multiplication facts and weekly spelling words (lists were emailed 09/07/2024) — the former really does make a huge difference to their ability to complete mathematical tasks in so many areas of life. We also encourage the students to be reading for pleasure as part of their homework.
Term Events:
The seniors have a very busy term ahead of them with the Mystery Tour which will take place from August 7-9th. Jon will be the lead teacher for the Mystery Tour and has an exciting adventure planned for all attendees.
As you can see from the list provided, a busy term is planned at CMS including the not-to-be-missed Cycle 3 Arts Gala so make sure you add this date to your calendar! School photos are next week – Wednesday 17th July. Please ensure your child is dressed in their formal school uniform. Seniors will need to bring/wear their senior shirt. If your child would like to change into their sport shirt after the photo, they will need to bring it as well.
Date | Event |
July 12 | o Sunglasses Day (gold coin donation)
o New term assembly (2:15pm start) |
July 17 | o School Photos |
August 10 | o Cross Country (in regular PE lesson) |
August 7 – 9 | o Senior Mystery Trip |
August 12 | o Public Holiday – Brisbane Ekka |
August 14 (9am – 12pm) | o CMS Open Day (middles will act as student guides) |
August 21 | o Cross Country (in regular PE lesson) |
August 23 – 24 | o Journey & Discovery |
August 28 | o Father’s Day stall |
August 29 | o Maria Montessori’s Birthday & Italian Assembly (from 2pm) |
August 30 | o Pupil Free – Parent & Teacher Conferences |
September 2 | o Homework projects due |
September 10 (from 3:30pm) | o Cycle 3 Arts Gala |
September 13 (1:30pm) | o CMS Sports Day
o Last Day of term 3 |
Please be aware that some dates can change – check the school calendar in the Parent Portal for the most up-to-date information.
Life Skills:
Please chat with your child about hygienic toilet practices. We have already had to speak with some students about not urinating on seats and walls of the toilet stalls, and about wiping and flushing. We expect that students in Cycle 3 should be capable of independent toileting and maintaining a clean bathroom environment.
A reminder that all students should be bringing a drink bottle and hat to school each and every day – water is essential for brains to function effectively and we have a ‘no hat, no play’ policy at CMS.
Fun Fact (from Rosie G):
Four of the juniors: Harrison, Vincent, Rosie G and Sam recently did some math and found out some fun facts. Harrison told all the juniors that 4 babies are born every second. Then Sam said to Tanya, “If 4 babies are born every second, there would be 240 babies born every minute. How many minutes would it take to get to 1 million babies?” This led to some cool maths!
Vincent and Rosie G found out that 14,400 babies are born every hour. Then they figured out that 345,600 babies are born every day which means 2,419,200 babies are born each week and 126,144,000 babies are born each year. That means that 1,261,440,000 babies are born each decade and 126,144,000,000 babies are born each century. Finally, they figured out that 126,4144,000,000,000 babies are born each millennium! That’s a LOT of babies!
We look forward to the term ahead and continuing to grow and learn together.
Kind regards,
Tanya and Jody
3B - Term 2, 2024 (Otters)
The Otters class loved this ballad about pigeons, by Arlo T, and wanted to share with everyone.
The 3B Otters class recently learned about the different parts of a river. They took a trip to the dam located on the school grounds to experiment with building their own meandering river. This included a source, tributaries, confluences and the mouth. This is how we make Geography fun at CMS!! Well done Otters!
Hi 3B Community,
Welcome to term 2. We hope you have enjoyed the holidays and are healthy, happy and rearing to go.
This term, the Otter students will be exploring:
- Primary industries
- Notable Queenslanders
- Earth’s natural resources
- Active Earth, including disasters and emergencies
They’ll continue to study a range of genre writing including research reports and narrative writing, alongside letters, poetry and persuasive texts. From a geographical perspective, we’ll be looking at areas of the Earth that are prone to specific natural disasters. Last term, some students did an interesting STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Maths) challenge to build a geo-dome with pipe-cleaners and this term, they’ll be looking at how Lego can be used for design and building solutions in a number of situations.
Otters Homework
Students are required to complete a homework project again this term. Homework should very much be a student-led exercise and we encourage you to support your child to complete homework as independently as possible. Your child will need to select a topic of interest and present it to us in a format of their choosing. The choices of how to present are endless and we were truly amazed at the variety and outstanding quality of presentations. Students will be provided with a criteria sheet. Every year, students will be required to complete at least 1 book review, but it’s up to the individual to decide which term they would like to present it.
Homework projects are due on Monday, June 10 (week 9 of term 2).
Spelling practice and number fact memorisation at home is encouraged and we appreciate you supporting your child to learn their weekly spelling words (lists were emailed 15/04/2024) and multiplication facts — the later really does make a huge difference to their ability to complete mathematical tasks in so many areas of life. We also encourage the students to be reading for pleasure as part of their homework.
Cycle 3 Camp
At the end of last term, you were sent a permission form and packing list for camp. Please return it by Wednesday 17/04/2024. We are sending a paper copy home with your child today. Even though camp is in week 5, now is a good time to start to talk to your child about camp, especially if you feel they may be anxious about the change in routine. It’s completely normal for some children to be worried about being away, so it’s helpful if you can visit the camp website – https://tunnelridge.com.au/ and talk about some of the ways that camp might be different to everyday life. Almost all of cycle 3 students have experienced a few camps by now, so drawing on previous experiences and what they enjoyed in the past is a good way to build confidence for the upcoming camp.
Students will be in a cabin (each child with at least 1 person who they’ve stated a preference to share a cabin with) and will be in a different group for activities during the day. If your child struggles to sleep independently or get to sleep in unfamiliar surroundings, please consider their attendance at camp as it is essential that they are able to get to sleep when bedtime is called.
Students are expected to independently pack their own belongings, make their bed and be able to use the camp bathroom facilities – it may be worth noting that different showers turn on in different ways, just so your child can be aware in case the bathroom fittings are different to those you have at home. Please make sure all of your child’s belongings are clearly labelled (including toiletries, underwear, bedding and towels). Please also note that children will NOT need money or ANY kind of food other than their lunch on the first day. From experience, sending children with lollies, chocolate or other junk food only leads to children having problems sleeping or struggling with behaviour so please be supportive of staff and parents accompanying us to camp and do NOT send any food or drink that contains lots of added sugar to camp.
As you can see from the list below, we have a busy term planned at CMS. Please ensure you check the school calendar on Parent Lounge (Parent Lounge (cms.qld.edu.au)) in case there are changes to these:
Date | Event |
17 April | Camp forms due! |
19 April | Parent Conversations with Chiray: Montessori Parenting (from 8:15am in the library) |
25 April | Public Holiday – ANZAC Day |
6 May | o Public Holiday – Labour Day |
8 May | P & F Mothers’ Day Stall |
15-17 May | C3 Camp – Tunnel Ridge – Landsborough |
24 May | Pupil Free Day |
10 June | Homework Projects due |
14 June | Last Day of Term; End of Term Assembly (1pm); Colour Run (from 1:30pm) |
We look forward to the term ahead and continuing to grow and learn together.
Kind regards,
Tanya and Jody
3B - Term 1, 2024 (Otters)
This week, 3B has been studying traditional geology and the students have been fortunate to borrow materials from the Queensland Museum. Today, we looked at how First Peoples used rocks for cutting, scraping and chopping. It has been interesting to compare traditional methods to modern ones.
Cycle 3 commenced their Arts rotations recently. The Visual Art group looked at leaf drawings. Here are some works in progress:
The Otters Class Welcome You to 2024
Welcome to 2024! We are excited to be back and are looking forward to seeing all the Otters back in action. Term 1 is going to be a busy time as our new students: Annabella, Ellah, Harrison, Maisie, Rosie, Samuel and Vincent, get to know how our classroom works and we all take the time to get to know each other. For any parents who would like to attend a meet and greet, I’ll be available on Tuesday afternoon of week 2 from 3-3.30pm.
Processes
Students can be at school from 8.15am and need to be ready to roll by 8.30am, so it is important that they be in the classroom before 8.30am. Lessons will start promptly and students need time to greet their friends, organise their lunchbox, schedule, materials and get ready for the day.
We’ll be starting the year with a focus on grace and courtesy – especially about work ethic, patience, flexibility and working as a cooperative community. Students will undoubtedly be excited to see each other again after the holidays and will be reminded about developing positive relationships with others and how to be respectful learners. Students in cycle 3 are moving into a stage of their learning where peers are very important to them and sometimes need to be reminded that they are at school to learn and not just to socialise with their friends. In Montessori education, students are provided with freedom to own their learning and with this freedom comes the responsibility to be an independent and self-motivated learner. Please be aware that if students have difficulty with choosing and completing work independently, we will be supporting them to build these skills and sometimes this means having more direction from a staff member.
By cycle 3, students really should be taking responsibility for packing their own lunchbox – please help them to remember that we have a healthy lunchbox policy at CMS and while we will not be strictly policing this, we appreciate your support in ensuring students have appropriate food to nourish them throughout the school day. As they grow older, students are expected to be more responsible for themselves and their belongings and having a hat and water bottle every day are important items for them to remember
Curriculum
We’ll be focusing on the First Great Lesson – the story of the formation of the universe and the Earth and we will be building our curriculum for the term based upon it. We will be studying geology, the atmosphere, hydrosphere and solar system, as well as weathering and ecology.
Students will be able to more deeply investigate any of these areas that speak to them and further their knowledge with mini-research projects.
In technology, students will be exploring Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, developing their capability to compose documents – including touch-typing and opening, saving and inserting objects/tables into documents and presentations. They are welcome to practice these skills at home if they have access to a computer. Please encourage students to touch-type without looking at the keyboard as much as possible. Dance Mat typing is a freely available web-based program that many of the students use in class.
Once the students settle in, we hope to have tea-making back on the practical life shelf and we’ll be starting with some reminders about kitchen safety. As we progress through the term, we are likely to have orange juicing and possibly oven baked chips on the shelf at some point. If new students have particular dietary requirements, please email Jody and me so we can be mindful of the recipes we choose. We trust that students with more specific dietary requirements will decide whether they will undertake different cooking activities and if required, bring alternative ingredients to modify recipes if necessary. I will let those parents know in advance so they can discuss with their child whether it’s an activity they would like to undertake. We do provide gluten-free ingredients as alternatives for those who need them as much as possible.
Homework
Homework should very much be a student-led exercise and we encourage you to support your child to complete homework as independently as possible. Continuing students will remember our approach to homework has been in the format of them selecting a topic of interest and presenting it to us in a format of their choosing. The choices of how to present are endless and we have been truly amazed at the variety and outstanding quality of presentations – last year we saw video creations, costumes, tie dye, cooking, constructions and some amazing project presentations. Projects can take the form of a book review, online presentation, a set of instructions, a research report, creative writing, experiment…it’s up to your child! Students will be asked to choose their project and will be provided with a criteria sheet. Every year, students will be required to complete at least 1 book review, but it’s up to the individual to decide which term they would like to present it.
Homework projects will be due on Monday, March 18 (week 9 of term 1).
Number fact memorisation at home is encouraged and we appreciate you supporting your child to learn their multiplication facts — it really does make a huge difference to their ability to complete mathematical tasks in so many areas of life. We also encourage the students to be reading for pleasure as part of their homework.
Calendar of Events
Please be aware that this is subject to change – always check the Parent Lounge for the most up-to-date information.
· Italian and Sport – Wednesday afternoons
· Library – every second Tuesday, even weeks
· Leadership Meetings (seniors) – fortnightly, time to be advised
· Dance Fever – every Friday (2pm – 2:45pm)
Week 1: 26/01 Australia Day Public Holiday
Week 2: 30/01 3B Class Meet & Greet (3-3:30pm)
Week 5: 24/02 CMS Open Day (9am – 12pm)
Week 6: 26/02 Leadership Day (seniors only)
Week 7: 04/03 Parent & Teacher Conferences (pupil-free day)
09/03 Journey & Discovery
Week 8: 13/03 Start of NAPLAN testing
Week 9: 18/03 Homework projects due!
22/03 (TBC) Dance Fever Showcase (3:30pm start)
Week 10: 25/03 Last day NAPLAN testing
25 & 26/03 Japanese Student visit
Week 10: 29/03 Last Day Term 1
We look forward to working with you and your child this semester,
Tanya & Jody
3B - Term 4, 2023 (Otters)
During Term 4, the Otters were able to showcase some incredible work inspired by a variety of renaissance art and artists.
3B Renaissance Showcase
During Term 4, the Otters had fun doing a ‘Who’s Who’ guessing game of baby photos. They were all very excited to find the photographs on display as they returned from playtime, one day. In addition to photographs of the 3B students, Tanya and Jody contributed a photo as well and, just to make it a little more challenging, a few wildcards were also included. We wonder if anyone will be clever enough to work out ‘Who’s Who’!
Hi 3B Community,
Welcome to term 4! It’s hard to believe that there are now only 8 weeks to go! We hope you enjoyed the holidays and found some time to make memories with those people in your life that add value to your life.
We are off to a flying start this term and the Otters’ students have firmly established themselves with new topics of work – this has been great to see students working more independently and excited about some of the new things in the room. This term we are studying The Coming of Humans, especially looking at ancient civilisations as so many children expressed an interest in this area at the end of last term. We’ll be researching the Middle Ages, Industrial Revolution and the Renaissance, looking at famous people, places and inventions. In accordance with this, we’ll be looking at the continent of Europe as the focus for where this period of history is primarily focused upon.
There are loads of interesting new things on the practical life shelf this term – including some games of strategy and memory, hammering nails into a log, knot tying and logic puzzles. We are planning to also add weaving using a loom as soon as the activity is prepared. Students are continuing to further their mathematical expertise at levels appropriate to each individual and we encourage them to try to push themselves to always aim to be able to accomplish the next level of work.
We’ve discussed homework projects this week – children have the option to complete and present their work on Monday 30/10 (week 5) OR at the end of the year in week 9 (this second option is only available to those who have previously presented projects and do not need the work assessed for reporting). Students have the option of either a book review or an independent project.
This week, CMS had a visit from a police officer to talk to families about the dangers of social media and the impact of being online on the social/emotional development of young people. Please talk to your child about their online footprint and how anything and everything they write, do or say online can be recorded, screenshotted or shared beyond your child’s control. It’s really quite overwhelming some of the stories that we are told about how young people are inadvertently targeted and groomed or alternatively, display mean/unkind/bullying behaviour to online ‘friends’ with parents trusting that their child knows how to use the device appropriately. If you would like to look more into the subject, here are a couple of recommended sources of information to check out:
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/entertainment-technology/digital-life/social-media
- https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents?gclid=Cj0KCQjwmvSoBhDOARIsAK6aV7i57R3Q01PiDC29s4e1TQx9kms53ao9jwxxYwrlTJaZ_TcmvyPYIYkaAheTEALw_wcB
- https://www.safeonsocial.com/
- Officer Gomez on Facebook or Twitter is also worth following.
With summer approaching, please remind your child to have their drink bottle and hat each day. Also, a kind reminder about our school uniform/dress policy – please ensure students wear CMS uniform and not brightly coloured items – including socks. Hoodies are not appropriate for school. Children with longer hair need to have it tied back and students should not be wearing nail polish or jewellery (except 1 pair of small sleepers or studs).
As you can see from the list below, we have a busy term planned at CMS. There are several major events happening this term, including Grandparents Day, transitions, Graduation (the culminating event for seniors) and the end of year assembly.
Be sure to add these events to your diary!
Date | Event |
Tuesday, October 17 | Grace transition day (for those seniors attending Grace in 2024) |
Wednesday, October 18 | CMS Open Day (9am – 12pm) |
Friday, October 27 | Grandparents’ Day
Day 4 Daniel |
Monday, October 30 | Homework projects due (see note above)
CMS transition I |
Tuesday, October 31 | CMS transition II |
Friday, November 11 | Parent Forum (8:30am start) |
Monday, November 6 | CMS transition III |
Tuesday, November 7 | CMS transition IV |
Friday, November 11 | Remembrance Day assembly (10:45 am start) |
Thursday, November 16 | Graduation Dinner |
Friday, November 24 | Christmas Carols assembly (2pm start)
Student reports released to parents |
Monday, November 27 | Pupil Free / Teacher & Parent conferences |
Tuesday, November 28 | Homework projects due (see note above) |
Thursday, November 30 | Graduation Assembly (1pm start) |
Friday, December 1 | Last day of term 4 |
We look forward to the term ahead and continuing to grow and learn together.
Kind regards,
Tanya and Jody
3B - Term 3, 2023 (Otters)
When is homework not really homework?
When it’s fun!
Take a look at this amazing homework project from Luca, one of our Otters’ Students.
Dear 3B Community,
Welcome to term 3! We hope you have enjoyed the holidays and are healthy, happy and rearing to go. We would like thank the Viterale and Betty families for their help in taking Dodo over the holidays – we trust you enjoyed her antics and appreciate your care.
This term, we’ll be focusing on early world explorers and the First Fleet in history, and the continent of North America for geography. If you have any books or artefacts related to these topics and are willing to loan them to us for a little while, we would appreciate it. Please ensure they are clearly named so that they can be returned to you. We’ll also be getting some loans from the Queensland Museum to facilitate our learning in these areas, especially about convicts and this period of Australian history.
In technology, we’ll be exploring coding using Turing Tumble, a Rover Control activity, Scratch programming and hopefully Lego Wedo or Spike once we have got everything downloaded and ready for students to access.
The Otters have been finding it interesting to watch the weekly episode of BTN through ABC iView – it has provided some really interesting food for thought about many current topics, including the Voice to Parliament, referendums, publishing your own stories and whether junk food advertising should be banned.
The seniors have a very busy term ahead of them with the culmination of the entrepreneurship program occurring in week 3 in the form of Market Day. There is much excitement and work going on to ensure students are ready for the big day. Alternately, some senior students are involved in work experience and those placements are in the process of being organised. Another big event happening this term for our seniors is the Senior Mystery Tour, which will take place in week 5 (same week as the Ekka Show holiday). I (Tanya) will be attending this trip with Julie (from 3A) and we are both excited about the adventures that we’ll be having!
As you can see from the list on the next page, a busy term is planned at CMS. Events include school photos, a visit to cycle 3 from a small group of Japanese students, Cross Country, CMS Open Day, Italian Assembly & Journey & Discovery. Keep in mind that our 25th Anniversary Celebrations are also happening this term on the 31st of August.
Also, a reminder that Parent Forums & Toddler Parent Chat are an excellent way to delve a little deeper into the Montessori philosophy and experiences that students take part in. We strongly encourage you to come along if you are available. Read on to learn the dates and topics for this term’s forums and chats. Please remember to double check in the Parent Lounge in case of changes.
Date | Event |
July 17 (2:15pm start) | o New term assembly |
July 18 | o 3pm – Volunteer thank you
o 3:30pm – P&F Meet & Greet o 4pm – New Parent Afternoon |
July 21 (start) | o 8:30am – Parent Forum (From units to thousands: the Golden Beads)
o 10:30am – Toddler Parent Chat (Stories, poems and language) |
July 26 | o School Photos |
July 28 (9am – 11:30am) | o Market Day |
August 2-3 | o Japanese student visit |
August 10 | o Cross Country (in regular PE lesson) |
August 14 | o Public Holiday – Brisbane Ekka |
August 16 (9am – 12pm) | o CMS Open Day (middles will be student guides) |
August 16 – 18 | o Senior Mystery Trip |
August 18 – 19 | o Journey & Discovery |
August 25 | o 8:30am – Parent Forum (Starting at CMS at 3 years of age)
o 10:30am – Toddler Parent Chat (Hands: instrument of the brain) |
August 30 | o Father’s Day stall |
August 31 | o Maria Montessori’s Birthday
· 25th Anniversary Signature Event · Official Opening of New Building |
September 1 | o Pupil Free – Staff Professional Development |
September 7 | o CMS Sports Day |
September 11 (from 3:30pm) | o Cycle 3 Arts Gala |
September 14 (1:30pm) | o Italian Assembly |
September 15 | o Last Day of term 3
o P&F Disco (5pm) |
A reminder that all students should be bringing a drink bottle and hat to school each and every day – there are a couple of Otters who are a bit forgetful when it comes to these things.
We look forward to the term ahead and continuing to grow and learn together.
Kind regards,
Tanya and Jody
3B - Term 2, 2023 (Otters)
Our class has been learning about human body systems and a couple of weeks ago Jody brought in a Sphygmomanometer to measure our blood pressure. It was interesting to see how vigorous exercise impacted on our blood pressure.
We also see a lovely picture of Dodo snuggling into Arleigh’s hair! It was such a beautiful moment when Dodo went to sleep.
Hi 3B Community,
Welcome to term 2. We hope you have enjoyed the holidays and are healthy, happy and rearing to go. Thanks to the Betty Family with their help of taking Dodo over the holidays – we appreciate it.
This term, we’ll be focusing on the human body for science – we have some interesting models of the brain, lungs, teeth, heart, eye and even a double helix DNA molecule for the students to pull apart and learn more from.
We’ll also be looking at the continent of Asia for geography, specifically Asian countries that we don’t commonly think about. If you have books or artefacts that the students may find interesting to learn more about, we would love you to share them with us.
Last term we did an interesting STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Maths) challenge with pipe-cleaners and this term, the Otters will be exploring at how Lego can be used for design and building solutions in a number of situations.
As you can see from the list below, we have a busy term planned at CMS. One of the major events happening this term in our class is the 3B Parent Showcase on June 6 from 1:30pm – 2:45pm. Be sure to add this not-to-be-missed event to your diary!
Date | Event |
April 24 (2pm start) | o New term and ANZAC Day assembly |
April 25 | o ANZAC Day public holiday |
April 28 (8:30am start) | o Parent Forum – Montessori curriculum |
May 1 | o Labour Day public holiday |
May 3 (1pm – 2:25pm) | o Cycle 3 Talk Money with Esctra incursion – session 1) |
May 12 | o Mother’s Day stall |
May 17 | o Cycle 3 Talk Money with Esctra incursion – session 2) |
May 24 – 26 | o Cycle 3 Camp @ Mapleton |
May 26 (8:30am start) | o Parent Forum – Differences |
June 6 (1:30pm start) | o 3B Parent Showcase |
June 9 – 12 | o Caboolture Show – come along and check out our school display! |
June 10 (9am – 12pm) | o CMS Open Day (seniors required as guides) |
June 12 | o Pupil-free / Parent Teacher conferences |
June 16 (8:30am) | o Last Day of term assembly |
With camp in week 6, excitement is a little way off, but now is a good time to start to talk to your child about camp, especially if you feel they may be anxious about the change in routine. It’s completely normal for some children to be worried about being away, so it’s helpful if you can visit the camp website https://www.qccc.org.au/discover-mapleton and talk about some of the ways that camp might be different to everyday life. Almost all of cycle 3 students have by now experienced a few camps, so drawing on previous experiences and what they enjoyed in the past is a good way to build confidence for the upcoming camp. They will be in a bunk (each child with at least 1 person who they’ve stated a preference to share a cabin with) and will be in a different group for activities during the day. Students will need to pack their own belongings, make their bed and be able to use the camp bathroom facilities – it may be worth noting that different showers turn on in different ways, just so your child can be aware in case the bathroom fittings are different to those you have at home.
Please make sure ALL of your child’s belongings are clearly labelled (including toiletries, underwear, bedding and towels). Please also note that children will NOT need money or ANY kind of food other than their lunch on the first day. From experience, sending children with lollies, chocolate or other junk food only leads to children having problems sleeping or struggling with managing their behaviour so please be supportive of staff and parents accompanying us to camp and do not allow your child to pack any food or drink that contains lots of added sugar to camp. Please do not allow any digital devices to come to camp – camp is a time to be physical and to enjoy nature. If your child is unwell, do not send them on camp. Should you decide for your child not to attend camp, they will need to stay home.
We look forward to the term ahead and continuing to grow and learn together.
Kind regards,
Tanya and Jody
3B - Term 1, 2023 (Otters)
During homework-project-presentation-week, we were astounded by the creativity and imagination of our students. Attached is one example that engaged everyone in the class and had us all in stitches. It is an animation starring Dodo (our class budgie) and was inspired by the children’s storybook Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. Ruby Viterale created Don’t Let the Dodo Run the Fair using some of the skills she has acquired this term during the Cycle 3 Arts Rotations and with the support of her family.
What else did the Otters’ students learn about? Fizzy paintings (part of our Chemistry study) were created by adding food colouring to vinegar, placing droplets of the coloured liquid onto watercolour paper that was covered in bicarb soda. It was fascinating and fun to watch the reaction.
In a recent STEM challenge, the Otters class built a free-standing tower with nothing other than 25 pipe-cleaners. Afterwards, the students reflected on the process of design and creation, thinking about what they did well, what was a challenge and what they would improve on next time.
Great work, Otters!
The 3B students also made personal care products over the last couple of weeks. Last week we made lip balm. On Monday we made soap. We have been seeing how solids can turn to liquids and back to solids again. We’ve also observed what happens when water is heated and discussed what this means from a molecular perspective. How beautiful are these soap creations? A special thanks to Rachel for helping to make these workshops happen.
As part of their work this term, the Otters are exploring elements and the layout of the periodic table. Sabina and Isaac were the first to complete the periodic table 500 piece jigsaw. They completed it over 2 days. Sabina commented, “Isaac and I really enjoyed doing the puzzle on the periodic table.” I wonder who will attempt it next?
Hello from the juniors in the Otters’ class! Here we see a student exploring the Atom Board to create a representation of Silver (Ag). Students add the protons and neutrons to the glass bowl representing the nucleus and then add the electrons to each shell surrounding the nucleus. This helps develop the students’ understanding of the nature of different atoms and they also have the opportunity to explore all the elements on the periodic table. Great work, Otters!
Here we have the Otters’ seniors exploring parts of a circle using the geometry sticks. They also used a piece of string to measure the circumference and then cross check their accuracy by dividing the circumference by the diameter to see if they could get close to the measurement of 3.14 (pi).
What did you see outside today? What do you see at night?
These were some of the questions that we heard last week as our senior classes gathered to tell the first Great Montessori Story. The first Great story explains some amazing ‘Cosmic’ details. The students heard about how cold it is in the vastness of space, the solar system, and how the Earth formed from particles into solids, liquids and gas, and then arranged itself into layers according to the Law of Gravity. The students explored the Solar System chart and how large the sun is in relation to the Earth. The talked about Forces of Attraction and the states of solids, liquids and gas. They talked about the temperature of the Earth and how eventually the Earth cooled and became ready for life, which is another Great Story.
3B - Term 4, 2022 (Otters)
We’d like to share some end of year news with the Otters’ community. Congratulations to Imogen Betty who recently received a Young Historian Silver Certificate for her essay written about Uluru. Well done, Immy!
Hi 3B Community,
Welcome to term 4! It’s hard to believe that there are only 9 weeks to go! We hope you enjoyed the holidays and are healthy, happy and rearing to go.
We are off to a flying start this term and students have firmly established themselves with new topics of work – this has been great to see with students working more independently and excited about some of the new things in the room. This term we are studying the coming of humans, especially looking at ancient civilisations as so many children expressed an interest in this area at the end of last term. We’ll be researching ancient Egypt, Rome, Mesopotamia and China looking at famous people, places and inventions. We’re also introducing coding using Osmo and Khan Academy, depending upon the level of the student.
Many children have already baked our first recipe of the term and have enjoyed a Snickerdoodle cookie. There has also been a lot of interest in dismantling parts of a conveyor belt as well as a toddler sized balance bike. Again, we’ll be borrowing some items from the Queensland Museum to learn about various aspects of life in the ancient world. If you have books or items relevant to culture that you’re willing to loan the class this term, please ensure they are named so we know who they need to be returned to.
With summer approaching, please remind your child to have their drink bottle and hat each day. Also, a kind reminder about our school uniform/dress policy – please ensure students wear CMS uniform and not brightly coloured items – including socks. Hoodies are not appropriate for school. Children with longer hair need to have it tied back and students should not be wearing nail polish or jewellery (except 1 pair of small sleepers or studs).
As you can see from the list below, we have a busy term planned at CMS. There are several major events happening this term, including Grandparents Day, transition days, Christmas Carols and Graduation (the culminating event for seniors).
Be sure to add these events to your diary!
Calendar of Events (Please be aware that this is subject to change)
Date |
Event |
October 19 | CMS Open Day (9am – 12pm) |
October 28 | Grandparent’s Day / Day 4 Daniel / World Teacher’s Day |
Oct. 31 – Nov. 16
(Mon & Wed) |
Transition days |
November 7 | Parent Forum: The Montessori Great Stories (8:30am start in the library) |
November 11 | Remembrance Day Assembly (10:45am) |
November 18 | Graduation Dinner |
November 28 | Pupil Free – Parent Teacher Conferences |
November 29 | Homework Projects due
Christmas Carol Assembly (1pm) |
December 1 | Graduation Assembly (1pm) |
December 2 | Last Day Term 4 |
In the coming week, students will be provided with two options for their homework projects for this term: a book review or an independent project.
These will be due in the last week of term. As much as possible, these projects are independent tasks that students should be completing themselves.
Finally, although many of the Covid restrictions and isolations are now in the process of being removed, we ask that you continue to support our classroom and CMS by ensuring that children who have symptoms are kept at home.
We look forward to the term ahead and continuing to grow and learn together.
Kind regards,
Tanya and Jody
Take a look at Eramyah’s 3B Newspaper below. Great work!
3B - Term 3, 2022 (Otters)
In term 3, the 3B students completed independent projects for their homework – wow, they have been amazing!
We’ve had posters about the Incas, Dragons in mythology and crazy laws; a book review; booklets about how to write a story and Harry Potter; models of a pyramid and an underground survival capsule; a quiz about chocolate (with home made samples!); PowerPoint presentations on Machu Piccu, Cave people, The Republic Gunship and demonstrations of how to make brownies, create a lava lamp, do tie-dye and a volcano! It was an outstanding effort from all the students and we can’t wait to see what they throw themselves into next term.
Term 3 has been full of learning for the Otter students. Below we see Jye doing the decimal checkerboard – a Montessori material that supports students through the process of multiplying decimals.
We have Sabina with her cubic design – she created the image by following a series of coordinates.
Brodie and Rosie are showing their geometric designs – using rulers, protractors and compasses, students are creating designs using geometric patterns.
Aaaaaand…. We’re getting excited with our preparations for the gala – having lots of fun creating and rehearsing performances (photo – Gala is coming #3)
3B Newsletter - Term 2, 2022 (Otters)
Hi 3B Community,
What a busy term the Otters class had in term 2. At the start of June we had our class showcase. We hope you like the range of photos below showing parents working with their children on a variety of materials and the fabulous morning tea of scones, jam and cream and chocolates that the children made.
In term 2, students in 3B had the choice of a long term project for their homework. They could choose from designing their own personal flag, creating a new type of animal or building a model zoo. And what a great job they did!
In the last week of term 2, 3B had a Wildlife incursion from the fabulous Geckoes Wildlife. We have been studying zoology, especially animal classification (taxonomy) and were fortunate to see, touch and sometimes hold animals from several different classifications. A firm favourite was Bumpy the Wombat, but the Barn Owl and Tawny Frogmouth Owl, crocodile, shingleback, water dragon and leaf insects were also amazing to see. We thoroughly enjoyed this amazing experience as you can see from the photos!
Hi 3B Community,
Welcome to term 2. We hope you have enjoyed the holidays and are healthy, happy and rearing to go. Thanks to the families who helped out with the care of chickens and Dodo over the holidays. We appreciate it.
We’re happy to announce that Alexandra Hunt (Rosie’s mum) has graciously offered to be the 3B parent representative. At some point, I’m sure you’ll hear from Alex when we need support with the organisation or collection of things for our community.
As you can see from the list below, we have a busy term planned at CMS. One of the major events happening this term is the 3B Parent Showcase on Monday 6th of June from 1:30pm – 2:45pm. Be sure to add this not-to-be-missed event to your diary!
Calendar of Events (Please be aware that this is subject to change)
April 22 (Fri) | o New Term & ANZAC Day assembly (2pm start) |
April 25 (Mon) | o ANZAC Day public holiday |
April 27 – 29 (Wed – Fri) | o Cycle 3 Camp (Camp Tuchekoi) |
May 2 (Mon) | o Labour Day public holiday |
May 6 (Fri) | o Mother’s Day stall |
May 10 – May 20 (weekdays only) | o NAPLAN online testing |
May 20 (Fri) | o Book Fair starts |
May 27 (Fri) | o Book Fair ends (am session only) |
June 6 (Mon) | o 3B Showcase Afternoon (1:30 – 2:45pm) |
Jun 11 (Sat) | o CMS Open Day (9am – 12pm) |
Jun 14 (Tue) | o Homework projects due |
June 13 (Mon) | o Pupil Free – Parent Teacher Conferences |
June 17 (Fri) | o Last Day of Term 2 Assembly (8:30am)
o P&F Colour Run |
With camp just around the corner, the start of the term is going to be full of excitement as we settle back into the swing of things. Please start to talk to your children about camp, especially if you feel they may be anxious about the change in routine. It’s completely normal for some children to be worried about being away, so it’s helpful if you can visit the camp website https://www.maranatha-camp.com/new and talk about some of the ways that camp might be different to everyday life. Almost all of cycle 3 students have by now experienced a few camps, so drawing on previous experiences and what they enjoyed in the past is a good way to build confidence for the upcoming camp. They will be in a bunk (each child with at least 1 person who they’ve stated a preference to share a cabin with) and will be in a different group for activities during the day. Students will need to pack their own belongings, make their bed and be able to use the camp bathroom facilities – it may be worth noting that different showers turn on in different ways, just so your child can be aware in case the bathroom fittings are different to those you have at home. Please make sure all of your child’s belongings are clearly labelled (including toiletries, underwear, bedding and towels). Please also note that children will NOT need money or ANY kind of food other than their lunch on the first day. From experience, sending children with lollies, chocolate or other junk food only leads to children having problems sleeping or struggling with behaviour so please be supportive of staff and parents accompanying us to camp and do NOT send any food or drink that contains lots of added sugar to camp.
This term we will be focusing on the continent of Europe. If any of you have relatives living in Europe who would be willing to send us a postcard perhaps offering us a few details of everyday life in the country they live in, we would appreciate it. Please have these addressed to school, as it will be exciting for the children to receive the mail and get to read about life in different countries. If you have books or activities/artefacts from Europe that you would be willing to loan our class for the term, please ensure they are named and your child can bring them in to share with our class.
We’ll also be looking at the second of the Montessori Great Stories – the Coming of Life. We’ll be borrowing some specimens from the Queensland Museum to learn about various aspects of life with a focus on zoology. Again, if you have books or items you’re willing to loan the class this term, please ensure they are named so we know where to return them to.
The students have been provided with three options for their homework projects for this term: Create a creature; animal adaptations OR personal flag design. Please check with your child as they have been given information sheets to help them structure their work. Homework projects are due in the last week of term on Tuesday, the 14th of June (the day after parent/teacher interviews).
Finally, as Covid continues to have a presence in the community, we ask that you continue to support our classroom and CMS by ensuring that children who have symptoms are kept at home (even if they test negative) and when there is a Covid case at home, that children must isolate until testing negative on the 6th day as required in current Queensland Health provisions.
We look forward to the term ahead and continuing to grow and learn together.
Kind regards,
Tanya and Jody
3B Newsletter - Term 1, 2022 (Otters)
Welcome to 2022! We are excited to be back and are looking forward to seeing all the Otters back in action. Term 1 is going to be a busy time as our new students get to know how our classroom works and we all take the time to get to know each other. We would love to see your faces for a parent meeting, however due to the current Covid situation, will have to settle for online communication at the moment.
Processes
Students need to be at school from 8.15 and ready to roll by 8.30, so where possible, it’s great if they can arrive before this. Lessons will start promptly and students need to time to greet their friends, organise their lunchbox, schedule, materials and get ready for the day.
We’ll be starting the year with a focus on grace and courtesy – especially about work ethic, patience, flexibility and working as a cooperative community. Students will undoubtedly be excited to see each other again after the holidays and will be reminded about developing positive relationships with others and how to be respectful learners. Students in cycle 3 are moving into a stage of their learning where peers are very important to them and sometimes need to be reminded that they are at school to learn and not just to socialise with their friends. In Montessori education, students are provided with freedom to own their learning and with this freedom comes the responsibility to be an independent and self-motivated learner. Please be aware that if students have difficulty with choosing and completing work independently, we will be supporting them to build these skills and sometimes this means having more direction from a staff member.
By cycle 3, students really should be taking responsibility for packing their own lunchbox – please help them to remember that we have a healthy lunchbox policy at CMS and while we will not be strictly policing this, we appreciate your support in ensuring students have appropriate food to nourish them throughout the school day. As they grow older, students are expected to be more responsible for themselves and their belongings and having a hat and water bottle every day are important items for them to remember.
Curriculum
We’ll be focusing on the First Great Lesson – the story of the formation of the universe and the earth and will be building our curriculum for the term based upon it. We will be studying energy – including electricity, how sound and light travel, investigating lights, magnets, inertia, momentum and motion. We are looking forward to lots of hands on experiments to really build a solid understanding of these concepts.
We’ll also be investigating cultural geography – specifically looking at different kinds of maps as well as longitude and latitude and physical geography where we’ll be exploring layers of the atmosphere and climatic zones.
In technology, students will be exploring Microsoft Word and developing their capability to compose documents – including touch typing, opening, saving and inserting objects/tables. They are welcome to practice these skills at home if they have access to a computer. Please encourage students to touch type without looking at the keyboard as much as possible.
Dance Fever will be starting in Week 1 and is something exciting for students to look forward to!
Homework
Homework should very much be a student led exercise and we encourage you to support your child to complete their homework as independently as possible. Continuing students will remember that last term we trialed a new approach to homework and we will be following the same model this year. Students will choose a topic of interest and present it to us in a format of their choosing. The choices of how to present are endless – last year we saw a video, a costume and some amazing board games. Projects could take the form of a book review, online presentation, a set of instructions, a research report, creative writing, experiment….it’s up to your child! Students will be asked to choose their project and will be provided with a criteria sheet.
Homework projects will be due in the last week of term 1.
Spelling and number fact memorisation remain a standard inclusion and we appreciate your support in encouraging your child to learn their number facts—it really does make a huge difference to their ability to complete mathematical tasks in so many areas of life. We also encourage the students to be reading for pleasure as part of their homework.
Calendar of Events (Please be aware that this is subject to change)
Sport and Italian – Thursdays
Library – every second Tuesday, even weeks
Week 1: 7/2 Dance Fever, 9/2 Leadership Day (seniors only)
Week 2: 15/2 Candle Ceremony (2pm)
Week 6: 14/3 Cycle 3 Relationship Education, 16/3 Cycle 3 Relationship Education
Week 7: 24/3 Multicultural Day
Week 8: 29/3 Hearing screening, 1/4 End of Term assembly (10.30am)
We look forward to working with you and your child this semester,
Tanya & Jody
Otters Update
A final show and tell from the Otters. This term, students in 3B were tasked with an independent project of their choice. Some of the students chose a traditional research project and some chose to create a game. Here is Isaac showing the class how to play his game and Riley showing his amazing creation of Rivers ‘n’ Vines. Well done Otters!
The Otters class has been experimenting with charcoal drawing, investigating different types of charcoal and the effect each has when used. Here are some of our drawings.
The Otters class felt very lucky to be gifted these wonderful Bromeliad displays recently. How beautiful they are! As we are studying Botany this term, this was especially interesting for us.
As part of our studies, we collected some leaves, sketched them, labelled the leaf type and leaf margin before carefully using water colours to add in the detail.
3B Newsletter - Term 4, 2021 (Otters)
Jeepers, creepers! It’s term 4! How did that happen? The final term of 2021 stares us down, sure to be a busy 9 weeks with our senior graduation, transition, report cards, parent/teacher conferences and loads of stuff in between. Provided at the end of this newsletter is a list of events for the term so be sure to add them to add to your calendar!
Curriculum
This term we will be studying botany. Botany is introduced in the Montessori curriculum in Cycle 1 and knowledge continues to be developed through all cycles of learning. We’ll be looking at the parts of plants and their functions, adaptations and defense systems, and how plant life sustains living creatures on Earth.
We’ll also be looking at Australia—from both a geographical and historical perspective. There’ll be a focus on mapping, Indigenous art, explorers, inventors and bushrangers.
In technology, students will be using Osmo or Khan Academy to develop coding skills. This has been a request from many of the children who are motivated to learn more about coding and to build on the skills from last term’s Lego Wedo projects. They’ll also be practicing digital composition skills using Word, PowerPoint and Publisher.
In the lead up to the end of term, we’ll be preparing for transition, graduation and completing a variety of mini projects from science, history, geography and art. If any of you have a special interest in macramé or any other artistic skill you’d like to share with our class, especially if it complements our curriculum focus areas, please let us know. Fingers crossed that COVID will not get in the way of our plans!
We will continue to focus on grace and courtesy as well as learning an analogy about the ‘fishbowl of friendship’. As respectful learners, students will remember how to be supportive of others in their learning journey.
Also this term, the students will be doing an upcycling project for design technology where they create a bag from an old t-shirt. Please help your child to choose an old t-shirt that they can bring in for this project.
Homework
This term we will be trialing a new project. Students will choose a topic of interest and present it to us in a format of their choosing. The choices of how to present are endless – it could be a book review, online presentation, a set of instructions, a research report, creative writing, or experiment….it’s up to your child! Most students have already selected their task and have been provided with a criteria sheet. Please let us know if you require any clarification regarding this task.
Homework projects will be due in week 6.
Spelling and number fact memorisation remain a standard inclusion and we appreciate your support in encouraging your child to learn their number facts—it really does make a huge difference to their ability to complete mathematical tasks in so many areas of life.
Donation Requests from the Otters
The Otters will be conducting a variety of science experiments about plants throughout this term. If you have any of the items listed that you can donate to our class, we would really appreciate it!
We look forward to working with you and your child this semester,
Tanya & Jody
Otters' Newsletter - Term 3, 2021
Dear 3B Parents & Caregivers,
Welcome to Term 3! This term is sure to be yet another busy term with many events including the Mystery Trip for the seniors, Multicultural Day, Cross Country and a Cycle 3 Arts Festival to name but a few. Provided at the end of this newsletter is a list of events for the term so be sure to add them to add to your calendar!
Curriculum
This term we will be studying human migration – looking at the paths human have travelled over time to develop civilisations around the world and especially considering the impacts that migrants have on contemporary society.
We’ll also be looking at how Earth changes over time with a focus on natural disasters. If you have any books or items that would help with our cultural/science studies we would love to borrow them. Please make sure they are named so we can ensure they make it back to you.
In technology, students will be using Lego Wedo and a Rover Control activity to experiment with coding. Here are some videos of work they have completed already.
They’ll also be practicing digital composition skills using Word, PowerPoint and Publisher. In the lead up to the end of term, we’ll be preparing a variety of arts performances including visual and performing arts that the students will be excited to present to you as part of a cycle 3 Arts Festival.
There continues to be a focus on grace and courtesy and we are working as a class community on being respectful learners.
Homework
Weekly spelling number facts practice, along with the matrix work will commence later in the term, after students have settled in and adapted to changes within the classroom.
Gratitude
Thank you to the Keddie & Wedd families for your care of Dodo over the holidays and to all the 3B families that came in to make sure our CMS chooks were looked after.
Events Calendar
There are many events happening this term. The inaugural Cycle 3 Arts Festival will be an event not to be missed! Please make sure you add this date, along with others to your calendar
Week
Number |
Date | Event |
2 | 20/07/21 | Matinee performance of Mary Poppins @ St Columban’s College |
21/07/21 – 23/07/21 | Senior Mystery Trip | |
3 | 27/07/21 | School Photo Day |
4 | 04/08/21 | PEO online incursion – (Middles & Seniors) |
5 | 09/08/21 | Ekka Public Holiday |
11/08/21 | CMS Open Morning (9am-12:30pm) | |
6 | 20/08/21 – 21/08/21 | Journey & Discovery |
7 | 26/08/21 | Cross Country (in PE lesson) |
8 | 02/09/21 | Maria Montessori’ Birthday Celebrations
Italian Assembly (1pm) Alumni Forum (4-5pm) Father’s Day Stall |
03/09/21 | Pupil Free Day | |
9 | 10/09/21 | Multicultural Day |
10 | 16/09/21 | Cycle 3 Arts Festival (3:30pm – 5pm) |
17/09/21 | Last Day of Term
P&F Colour Run (TBC) Assembly 10am |
We look forward to working with you and your child this semester,
Tanya & Jody
Otters' Newsletter - Term 2, 2021
Dear Otters’ Parents & Caregivers,
Welcome to term 2! We trust that you and your family have all had a relaxing break and are refreshed and ready for a new term of discovery.
This term, the Otters will hear the Montessori Story of ‘The Great River’ which introduces the systems of the human body and their relationships to each other. The story will lead to explorations of the anatomy and physiology of the human body where students will investigate the structure and function of each of the body’s organs and how they work and interact with each other.
This concept will carry through to art, where we will explore proportions of the human form through line, form and shape. Students will have an opportunity to express what they have learnt about the human body through the creation of a three-dimensional wire sculpture.
To develop comprehension skills, the students will start the term listening to Roald Dahl’s ‘Boy’ and creating a map of Mrs. Pratchett’s Sweet Shop based on the text they hear. Following this, students will explore deductive reasoning and solve puzzles and riddles. Seniors will be involved in solving a Sherlock Holmes mystery using deductive reasoning.
As part of our cultural studies each term, the Otters are provided with a different continent study box. This term, the students will have an opportunity to explore the continent of Africa. Our weekly art and music appreciation experiences further support these studies as the students examine the work of African artists and listen to the music of African composers.
Also this term, students will be exploring the Turing Tumble equipment to better understand how computers work and the use of binary within computer systems. Senior students will investigate the computer system used during the Apollo 11 landing and will be involved in a simulation that requires them to demonstrate collaboration and basic computer functions.
Parent Rep
For those of you who are not aware, Krystle Hutchinson (Isaac’s mum) is our 3B parent rep. We thank Krystle for volunteering to support our community by acting as a liaison between the 3B teaching staff, the 3B parents, and the wider CMS community. Krystle will be in touch in instances when we require some type of support, such as help with planned activities or when we are in need of donations of specific items for special projects (plastic bags, glass jars, wood offcuts, costumes, etc.).
Thank You
We want to say a HUGE thank you to those families who took care of Dodo (the class budgie) over the break. We trust her antics kept you well entertained!
Date Claimers
As you can see from the list below, we have a busy term planned at CMS. One of the major events happening this term is the 3B Parent Showcase on Tuesday 9th of June from 1:30pm – 2:45pm. Be sure to add this not-to-be-missed event to your diary!
Date | Event |
April 30 (Fri) | Parent Forum: NAPLAN online (from 8:30am) |
May 3 (Mon) | Labour Day public holiday |
May 4 (Tue) | Book Review due |
May 7 (Fri) | Free Dress Day (gold coin donation to the Starlight Foundation)
Mother’s Day stall |
May 11 – May 18 (weekdays only) | NAPLAN online testing |
May 15 (Sat) | CMS Open Day (9am – 12pm) |
May 19 (Wed) | 11am Simultaneous Storytime |
May 21 Fri) | Book Fair starts |
May 27 (Thurs) | Book Fair ends (am session only) |
May 28 (Fri) | Parent Forum: An Adolescent Program (from 8:30am) |
June 4 (Fri) | Taiko Drumming Workshop incursion |
June 8 (Tue) | 3B Showcase Afternoon (1:30 – 2:45pm) |
June 14 (Mon) | Pupil Free – Parent Teacher Conferences |
June 17 (Thurs) | Sports Day |
June 18 (Fri) | Last Day of Term 2 10:30am Assembly |
Uniforms
It is not unusual as the year progresses to witness a steady decline in conformance to the school uniform and the prevalence of non-uniform items such as jewellery, nail polish, coloured socks, shoes and hair accessories tends to increase. As the weather cools down, more and more colourful jumpers, beanies and scarves begin to appear. As such, we would like to invite you to read through the CMS uniform policy that both you and your child agreed to abide by on enrolment at CMS.
It is particularly important that Cycle 3 students, being the students that many of the younger students look up to, set an appropriate example and we appreciate your support in ensuring your child is compliant. Parents that reinforce school rules, help their child understand the value of working in a community and respecting rules of that community. We appreciate your assistance in helping us develop responsibility and pride of belonging to CMS.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent teacher meetings timeslots will be available for your access though the TASS parent portal to place your bookings later in the term. Parent teacher meetings will be held throughout the Pupil-Free day from 7am to 6pm on Monday the 14th of June.
The 3B teaching team firmly believe that the education of your child is a venture shared with you, the parents. Our email addresses are provided below, if there is anything you need to make us aware of anything of or, if you wish to request a meeting to address any questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to working with you and your child.
From Leah, Jai & Jody (3B Teaching Team)
Email addresses
Leah: leah.lobley@cms.qld.edu.au Jai: jai.bishop@cms.qld.edu.au Jody: jody.thornely@cms.qld.edu.au
Otter's Newsletter Term 1 2021
Dear Wonderful Parents & Caregivers of Otters’ students,
Welcome to term 1! It is sure to be an exciting year for the Otter class with 9 new juniors joining us! We would like to welcome Amitha, Chase, Dallas, Ella, Frances, Jye, Keeley, Savannah and Riley. We are all looking forward to getting to know you better and sharing our learning journey with you.
We want to say a HUGE thank you to those families who came in to school over the holidays to make sure the chickens were taken care of. There are many in the CMS community who adore the chickens and we appreciate your assistance during the holidays. Did you know that if all cycle 3 families offer to care for the chicken for just one week of the holidays for the entire time your child is in cycle 3, the chickens are always looked after during the breaks? We also want to express our gratitude to those families who took care of Dodo (the class budgie) over the break. We trust her antics kept you entertained.
In the Classroom
This term, the Otters are studying human evolution through the Montessori story: The Coming of Man. Students will explore how the process of evolution occurs, where and when humans first evolved and how they spread across the Earth. There will be a particular focus on inventions and toolmaking with much interdisciplinary work. More specific information about what the students are covering this term will be available in the term overview (coming soon) but read on to find out some of the things that the students will be exploring.
Design Technology
As a part of our exploration of The Coming of Man, students will explore tools and the progression of technology to make tools more effective. Students will begin with an investigation into tools used to make fire and create timelines for the evolution of fire-making tools. Following this, students will research the history of a particular tool type and present this to the class later in the term.
Writing & Comprehension
Each term, students explore a variety of creative comprehension activities. We always strive to come up with activities that go beyond just writing and reading. To start this term, we will be combining mathematics and Euler Paths with literacy and interactive narratives.
Digital Technology
Juniors and middles will be using the Turing Tumble equipment. Turing Tumble is a mechanical computer that replicates how a computer works. Senior students will be involved in a simulation that re-enacts the moon landing and explore how the on-board computer executed several functions during the landing.
Cooking
We have had a lot of interest in students wanting to do cooking. We have a single-serve ice cream making activity to our class materials and intend to make additional activities available throughout this semester. Please ensure the office has up-to-date allergy information for your child.
Dance Fever
Every year in term 1, the cycle 3 students partake in dance fever lessons. The students have already started learning some funky new dance moves and lots of fun is being had! Students will be taught a range of different dances from different cultures and sub-cultures. Dances taught will include solo, paired and group dances. In addition, the Otters will engage in a variety of fun games and challenges to explore the elements of dance and movement.
Relationships & Sexuality
All cycle 3 students will participate in two ‘TRUE’ sessions in week 3 (Tuesday, Feb 9 & Thursday, Feb 11). The Otters’ Students will be divided into two groups, with the juniors forming one group and the middles and seniors forming the other. TRUE aims to provide children with factual, age-appropriate and relevant information from a reliable source about personal development. Children who receive comprehensive education benefit – they develop a positive attitude towards sexuality, have information about taking care of their bodies and they develop skills to make safe and healthy decisions now and in the future.
Camp
The cycle 3s will head off to camp in week 8. This year’s destination is YMCA Camp at Old Petrie Town. Camp forms are due in week 2 (Wednesday, February 3). Once this camp is uploaded to TASS, parents will also need to provide consent by logging onto the Parent Portal and accepting the terms and conditions. You will receive an email as soon as this is available.
Homework
Homework is due each THURSDAY. All students will be recording weekly spelling words and times tables to practise in their homework books. In addition, juniors and middles will be continuing with the homework matrix that was introduced a few years ago and will be expected to choose & complete 2 tasks each week. Senior students, including Otters, will be provided with a weekly TEDx homework task. Establishing a good homework routine now is timely preparation for high school. Please support your child in remembering to complete and return their homework to class.
Book Review
Book reviews provide the opportunity for students to critically reflect on what they have read. All 3B students are expected to complete a book review each semester. Please note that students are able to complete their review on a non-fiction book they have read in the past or a non-fiction book that they are able to read and reflect on before the book review is due. This semester’s book review will be due on Tuesday the 4th of May (week 3 of term 2). Details on the format and what is expected to be included in the review will be sent home shortly.
Healthy Lunchboxes
At CMS, we have a healthy eating policy (this can be found in the Parents Handbook) and we encourage the students to be packing their own healthy lunch for school. Lunch boxes should not contain items high in sugar and preservatives or those with little nutritional value, such as 2-minute noodles, potato chips or muesli bars containing chocolate. Please be aware that students may be asked to save things like this for after school. CMS is once again a nut-free school due to severe allergies within the school.
Water Bottles
Our bodies and brains require water to function efficiently. We have filtered water available in the new building and students are encouraged to bring a named water bottle to school. Students require a water bottle so they have access to water throughout the day. It is particularly important that they have a water bottle they can take to play, PE lessons and Dance Fever sessions. It is especially important that they have a water bottle at the moment as the bubblers are not currently available to students at playtime due to COVID restrictions.
Senior Leadership Program
This term, the cycle three seniors, including Otters, will take part in Leadership Day and commence responsibility for organising school assemblies. Seniors will also meet with the Principal fortnightly to discuss ways of enhancing leadership skills.
Date Claimers
Date | Event |
Feb 2 (Tue) | 3B Class Meeting (3:15pm) |
Feb 9 (Tue) | TRUE – Relationships & Sexuality Session I (in class time) New Parent Afternoon (4pm) |
Feb 11 (Thurs) | TRUE – Relationships & Sexuality Session II (in class time) |
Feb 15 (Mon) | Leadership Day (seniors only) |
Feb 18 (Thurs) | Candle Ceremony (2pm start)
Senior Parent Meeting & Afternoon Tea (3pm) |
Feb 20 (Sat) | CMS Open Day (9am – 12pm) |
Mar 12-13 (Fri – Sat) | Journey & Discovery |
Mar 17-19 (Wed – Fri) | Cycle 3 Camp @ YMCA Old Petrie Town |
Mar 23 (Tues) | School Photos |
Apr 1 (Thurs) | Multicultural Day |
Apr 2 (Fri) | Last Day of Term 1
|
We are looking forward to working with you and your child this year. Please remember to come us see or email to request a meeting us if you have any questions or concerns. Our email addresses are provided below.
From Leah, Jai & Jody (3B – Otters’ Teaching Team)
Email addresses
Leah: leah.lobley@cms.qld.edu.au
Otter's Book Reviews Term 4 2020
The Semester 2 Book Review task for 3B was to identify an important scene from a chosen book and to recreate the scene in a diorama. In presenting their reviews, students had to read the passage from their chosen book to the class and explain why the scene they had created was significant part of their book. We have been astounded by the creativity displayed by our students and are proud to share them with you over the coming weeks.
Otters Newsletter Term 4 2020
Dear 3B Parents & Caregivers,
It is difficult to believe we are in the final term of the year already! We hope that you have had a relaxing holiday and feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Thank you to the OSHC students and the Mellon, Brandis & Gillon families for helping out with our CMS chooks over the holidays and thanks also to the Groundwaters and the Bishops for caring for Dodo. We really appreciate your dedication and generosity in ensuring we can continue to provide the learning opportunities offered to the students by the practice of keeping live animals.
The final term of the year brings great excitement and students will be engaged in several small projects and activities. There have been many stories of amazing adventures had at the recent cycle 2/3 camp with all students expected to write a ‘postcard from camp’ to either Leah or Jody on their return to class. Recently, the Otters have brought in their book review dioramas and will have the opportunity to present them in the coming weeks. We are witnessing some incredible creativity and inspiring work. Keep your eye out on the Otter page on the CMS website (www.cms.qld.edu.au) as we plan to share the students’ amazing book review work with you shortly. This term is the final term for our seniors with their graduation fast approaching. This is an emotional and bittersweet time where we get ready to farewell our leaders as they prepare to embark on the next stage of their learning journey and the middles prepare to take on additional responsibilities as the new leaders of the school.
What’s happening in the classroom?
Students will continue with all of their regular weekly literacy and numeracy work this term. They will be continue to be presented many new concepts this term; however, the main focus of this term is repetition and consolidation. In addition to literacy and numeracy work, students will become zoologist as we delve into the study of all things animal. After hearing the second great Montessori story: The Coming of Life, the Otters will embark on an exploration of animal evolution, natural selection and adaptation, classification and diversity. We are excited to be borrowing many of the Queensland Museum loan kits and can’t wait to investigate their contents as new kits arrive each week.
As part of this study, each student will be given the task of creating and presenting a brand-new animal specimen specifically designed to suit a particular biome. Students will need to consider the anatomical and behavioural adaptations of their created creature and explain how these features assist the survival of their specimen. To extend this work, the Otters will be involved in 3D sculptural activities using plasticine. They will experiment with a variety of sculpting techniques to create various anatomical parts of animals, including parts of skeletons, such as skulls.
Within art the students will be finalising their Celtic knot work, culminating in a final assessment piece in order to express their knowledge, skill and creativity of this traditional decorative art form. Students will also be using paint on canvas to complete their self-portraits, practising scientific and nature drawing and be offered opportunities to experiment with various media to recreate the skin coverings of a variety of creatures as part of a class collaborative artwork.
Entrepreneurship & Work Experience
All of the seniors have now selected to participate in work experience or the entrepreneurship program. Many of them are already well on their way to becoming successful entrepreneurs with creative ideas being tested and refined with the help of their mentors. Market Day, the culminating event of the entrepreneurship program, is scheduled for Friday, November 13 and is shaping up to be a fabulous experience.
Secret Squirrel
Once again, the Otters have requested we run a secret squirrel in celebration of the end of the school year. All students will need to bring in a gift to the value of $10 for the person they selected. The gift needs to be wrapped, labelled with the recipient’s name and brought into class by the end of week 8. Please let us know if you have any concerns or questions regarding this.
Homework
Homework is due every Thursday. This is an opportunity for students to develop practical life skills, review concepts and practice their number facts and spelling, as well as being timely preparation for high school. Homework books go home every Thursday. Please support your child by checking they are bringing their work home and completing it. We will be advising you if your child is regularly not bringing or completing their homework.
There are many important events happening this term. Please add the dates provided below to your calendar.
Date | Event |
Wed 11th Nov | Remembrance Day Assembly (10:30am – 11:15am) |
Fri 13th Nov | Senior Entrepreneurship Market Day! |
Mon 4th Nov | Parent Forum: Choice – relevance & importance (8.45am – 10.00am) |
Fri 20th Nov | Graduation Dinner (4:30pm for photos; 6pm for dinner) |
Fri 27th Nov | Secret Squirrel gifts due |
Mon 30th Nov | Pupil Free – Parent/Teacher Conferences |
Thu 3rd Dec | 1:15pm – Parents of middles meeting with Yvonne
2pm – Graduation Assembly – note only parents of middles are invited to attend |
Fri 4th Dec | End of Term Assembly (TBC)
Shared Morning Tea (TBC) |
Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your trust in letting us care and support your precious children in their growth and development. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us. Our emails are provided below.
Kind regards, Leah, Jai and Jody
Otters learn about Layers of the Earth
The Otters are exploring all things science this term. Part of this work is learning about the layers of our Earth. The students can be seen here engaging in a lesson to learn the names of the layers of the Earth.
Some comments from the students at the beginning of the presentation regarding things that have layers were:
“Onions have layers.”
“Ogres have layers.”
“The Earth has layers.”
The First Great Lesson
The 3B Otters class participated in ‘The First Great Lesson’ last week. It is part of the Montessori Cosmic Curriculum, the story of the coming of the universe.
The students spent the whole afternoon working their way through experiments that explored temperature, states of matter and how volcanoes work.
Quotes from the students:-
“It was satisfying and amazing” Dean
“I put my hand in freezing cold ice. It was awesome” Hunter
“Can we keep the classroom like this?” Jalyn
Poetry During Covid-19 Times
The Otters have been reflecting on the impact of COVID19 through exploring poetry.
Otters learn about Food from the Past
Recently, the Otters were treated to a delicious traditional Ancient Egyptian recipe. 3B students have been researching how ancient civilisations met their fundamental needs. Lily Pilly researched Ancient Egypt and decided to bake a honey cake for the Otters to try as this is something that the ancient Egyptians may have enjoyed. She was surprised at just how much honey was in the recipe and how difficult it was to get the honey out of the jar. Lily said that it was fun to cook and a little bit tricky. The recipe had a honey icing glaze that was drizzled over the cake when it was still warm.
Some of the adjectives used to describe the Egyptian Honey Cake were: delicious, sticky, rich, honeyful, honeyish and sweet. One student said it tasted like honeyjoys.
Here is copy of the recipe in case you want to try it at your place:
Honey cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 170g clear honey
- 140g butter
- 85g light muscovado sugar
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 200g self-raising flour, sieved
- water
For the icing
- 55g icing sugar
- 1 tbsp clear honey
- hot water
Method
- Preheat oven to 180oC.
- Grease and line the bottom of an 18cm cake tin.
- Place the honey, butter and sugar in a large pan.
- Add a tablespoon of water and heat gently until melted.
- Remove from the heat and mix in the beaten eggs and sifted flour.
- Spoon into the cake tin and bake for 40-45 minutes until the cake is springy to the touch and shrinking slightly from the sides of the tin.
- Cool slightly in the tin before turning out onto a wire rack.
- While the cake is still warm, make the icing by mixing the sugar and honey together with 2-3 teaspoons of hot water. Trickle over the cake in whatever design takes your fancy.
Enjoy!