Reddam House Primary School Newsletter Vol 23 Issue 7

Reddam House Woollahra

17 March 2023

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

It is hard to believe but there are only three weeks left of the first term. It has certainly been a term packed with all sorts of activities and opportunities and it has been good to see the students throwing themselves wholeheartedly into these, whether in their classes, or out on the sports fields, or in the many creative outlets on offer here at Reddam.

The creative and performing arts play a vital role in a primary school environment, and it is an aspect of our school which has been a cornerstone right from the outset. The arts provide children with a creative outlet, help them develop important life skills, and enhance their academic performance. Whether in painting a beautiful artwork, or in mastering a delicate ballet move, or joining in with the majestic whole-school drama performance at the end of the year, there are many avenues for our students to let their creative abilities soar.

The creative and performing arts provide children with an opportunity to express themselves in a unique way. Through the arts, children can explore their creativity and imagination. They can develop their own ideas and concepts, and bring them to life through art, music, dance, or drama. The arts encourage children to think outside of the box, challenge traditional ideas, and find new solutions to problems.

Perhaps most importantly, the arts provide children with a platform to explore their emotions and to develop social interactions. Children learn to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and develop empathy for others. The arts promote a sense of community and belonging, as children learn to respect and appreciate one another's unique talents and perspectives.

Research has shown that children who participate in the arts tend to perform better academically. The arts stimulate the brain, improve memory, and enhance cognitive function. Children who participate in the arts are more likely to develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning.

The creative and performing arts provide children with a sense of accomplishment and pride. When children create something or perform in front of an audience, they develop a sense of self-worth and confidence. The arts encourage children to take risks, step outside of their comfort zone, and believe in themselves. Over the years, we have seen such incredible growth in our students and many have gone on to make some aspect of the arts a career. We really do hope that all of our students embrace the many opportunities on offer to let their creativity and imagination fly.

Some of this creativity was on show on Monday, as we all enjoyed an orange-themed Mufti Day, to take a stand against bullying. The energetic routines of ‘Backflips Against Bullying’ reminded our students of the importance of making our school a space of tolerance and understanding, rather than one in which anyone feels ostracised. We know that interpersonal relationships can have many challenges, but we really do trust that each person at Reddam will do his or her bit to ensure that ours is a bully-free space. Next Monday will be another Mufti Day to enjoy – this time as we all turn out in red, to support the Salvation Army.

Last weekend, Eli Levin competed in the NSW State Championships for Karate. It was a tough competition for Eli, as he is only nine but had to compete in the 10-11 years for Kata and U12 years for Kumite for selection. Regardless of the challenge, he won a Bronze medal for the Kumite, and then as a cherry on the top he was selected as a member of the NSW Karate Federation State Team to compete at the Australian Karate Federation National Championships which will be held in Perth later this year. Congratulations and all the best, Eli.

Then, Eva Herson, Mimi Tolnay, Willem Stewart, Dion Kalofonos, and Duke Laurie all attended the U12s Big Orange Festival in Orange over the weekend. Mimi’s team claimed gold in the girls division, and all the Reddam students were outstanding.

The Reddam Boomers were overjoyed after their first victory of the season! After a slow start to the season, the Boomers finally managed to break through and get the win 18 to 16. It was a hard-fought battle, but the team never gave up and showed true resilience. It was a proud day for the Reddam Boomers and a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Well done, Boomers!

And finally, congratulations to Aiden Balafas, who has been selected for the ASISSA Primary Boys Soccer Team Aiden will compete at the CIS Primary Championships on Friday 31st of March and we wish him everything of the best for this competition.

The Year 3 and 5 students showed plenty of resolve and focus during the writing of their NAPLAN tests from Wednesday until today. We have no doubt that they gave a good showing of their academic abilities and that they showed off all that they have learned. Well done to all of these students and thank you to their teachers who helped to prepare them and gave them the confidence to tackle the tests without any concerns.

Congratulations to those swimmers who took part in yesterday’s ASSISA Swimming Carnival. While the competition was fierce, our swimmers gave a good account of themselves and kept the Reddam flag flying high through their excellent sportsmanship and never-say-die attitude.

Tillie Muhlmann has started playing AFL with the Moore Park Tigers, and last week she had an exciting moment when the Swannies rocked up to her training and kicked the Sherrin around with the starstruck young players. What a great experience, Tillie!

Enjoy your weekend!

Dee Pitcairn Principal

1 - Eli Levin in the NSW State Championships for Karate.

2 - Eva Herson, Mimi Tolnay, Willem Stewart, Dion Kalofonos, Duke Laurie all attended the U12s Big Orange Festival in Orange over the weekend

Principal Awards

Ethan Webb

Willem Stewart

3 - Lucy Hartmann's 'Mr Pufferfish', finalist in the Litterarty Art Prize

Tyler Cuthbertson

Alexa Kirby

Principal Honour Awards

Rafaella Shipman

Holly Holmes

Freya Mackay

Eve Kalan

Happy Birthday

Reddam House would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to

Adam Macabe

Robert Hamilton

Oscar He

Aamir Bhagat

Ryan Lee

Hugo Mullins

Adeline Shen

Robert Trew

Oscar Petersen

Celine Glass

Summer Palermo

Michael Rodov

Sport Fixtures

18th March 2023

Friday - Comets 17th March - Comets | Perry Park | Alexandria - 53 Maddox St Girls

U16s SPARKS vs BYE

U16s MYSTICS vs BYE

U18s SUNS vs SGHS Beef Pide 5:15pm Ct 2

U18s DIAMONDS vs Inner City Ravens 4:30pm Ct 2

Saturday 18th March - Comets/Perry Park | Alexandria - 53 Maddox St Girls

U10s BOOMERS vs Sydney HoopStars Tigers 8am Perry Ct 2

U16s

U18s

vs BYE

REDDAM

U18s MAGIC vs Inner City Magpies 6:45pm PCYC Ct 2

Water Polo

BOYS

Opens v Newington, Newington Pool 9:30am

16s v Newington, Newington Pool 8:00am

13s v Newington, Newington Pool 11:50am

Primary v St Aloys, Scots Pool 8:30am

GIRLS

Opens v Pymble, Pymble Pool, 9:15am

Reddam 1 v KRB, UNSW Pool 8:30am

Reddam 2 v SACS, UNSW Pool 10:00am

Reddam 3 v KRB, UNSW Pool 10:45am

Reddam 4 v KRB, UNSW Pool 11:15am

Cricket

Reddam Rabbits (4) V SMJCC Mixed Taipans (3) 8.00am Lower Cooper 2

Reddam Roos (1) V RJCC Strikers (2) 8.00am Lower Cooper 1 West

Reddam Rhinos (3) V Easts Beasts (4) 3.00pm Lough Park North

Touch Football

Girls:

Reddam 1 (play off) v Loreto 3, Queens Park No. 13 (Darley Road), 12:05 pm

Reddam 2 (semi final) v Loreto 5, Queens Park No. 11 (Darley Road), 8:00 am

Reddam 3 (semi final) v Kambala 9, Queens Park No. 7 (Darley Road), 10:20 am

Reddam 4 (semi final) v Sceggs 12, Queens Park No. 15 (Darley Road), 9:10 am

Reddam 5 (play off) v Kambala 12, Queens Park No. 13 (Darley Road),11:30 am

Tennis

Reddam 1 v Redlands, Cammeray Tennis Club 10.00am

Reddam 2 v Redlands, Neutral Bay Lawn Tennis Club 10.00am

Reddam 3 v Cammeraygal, Roseville Park 10.00am

Reddam 4 v Redlands, Lane Cove Tennis Club 10.00am

Reddam 5 v Redlands, Lane Cove Tennis Club 10.00am

Reddam 6 v Cammeraygal, Roseville Park 8.00am

Reddam 7 v Redlands, Lane Cove Tennis Club 8.00am

Reddam 8 v St Pius, Talus Street Courts 8.00am

Sport Results

Sports results 11th March 2023

Basketball Girls

U16s SPARKS vs Inner City Falcons 30 - 56

U16s MYSTICS vs Newtown Storm 14 - 19

U18s SUNS vs Reggae Rockers 16 - 53

U18s DIAMONDS vs Inner City Fire 24 - 26

U10s BOOMERS vs Inner City Angels 18 - 16

U12s STORM vs St Spyridon College 10 - 20

U14s TIMBERWOLVES vs BYE

U14 FLAMES vs BYE Boys

U10s LAKERS vs Sydney HoopStars Copperheads 14 - 10

U12s BUCKS vs Newtown Thunder 18 - 7

U12s RAPTORS vs Sydney HoopStars Adders 20 - 20

U12s CAVALIERS vs Newtown Swans 22 - 7

U12s HORNETS vs Inner City Hurricanes 30 - 24

U14s BULLS vs Raptors 26 - 19

U14s MAVERICKS vs Maccabi Warriors 35 - 50

U14s PACERS vs Newtown Raptors 36 - 24

U14s NUGGETS vs Sydney HoopStars Anacondas 27 - 14

U16s WARRIORS vs Bullets 31 - 45

U16s NETS vs Big Dream 64 - 52

U18s HEAT vs Big Dream 44 - 24

U16s JAZZ vs Newtown Force 13 - 35

U16s ROCKETS vs Sydney HoopStars Desperados 45 - 14

U16s THUNDER vs Newtown Tigers 35 - 7

U18s GRIZZLIES vs MPB 18 55 - 22

U18s MAGIC vs Inner City Heat 59 - 43

Water Polo

BOYS

Opens v Syd Boys, 4-2

16s v Syd Boys, 4-4

13s v SACS, 20-2

GIRLS

Opens v Pymble, 10-1

Reddam 1 v SGHS, 6-3

Reddam 2 v SGHS, 4-3

Reddam 3 v Reddam 4, 7-2

Reddam 4 v Reddam 3, 2-7

Cricket

Reddam Rabbits145 RJCC Strikers 162

Reddam Roos BYE

Reddam Rhinos 164 RJCC Daredevils 116

Touch Football

Boys:

Reddam 1 (Year 10/11) v Reddam 2, 4 - 3

Reddam 2 (Year 10/11) v Reddam 1, 3 - 4

Reddam 3 (Year 9) v Trinity 1, 10 - 1

Reddam 4 (Year 8) v Waverley 1, 1 -10

Reddam 5 (Year 7) v Waverley 1, 4 - 4

Girls:

Reddam 1 v St Caths 2, 3 - 4

Reddam 2 v St Caths 3, 6 - 1

Reddam 3 v KRB 11, 9 - 1

Reddam 4 v KRB 14, 4 - 1

Reddam 5 v SVC 15, 5 - 2

Tennis

Reddam 1 v Redlands, 1 - 2

Reddam 2 v Redlands, 1 - 2

Reddam 3 v Reddam 4, 2 - 1

Reddam 4 v Reddam 3, 0 - 3

Reddam 5 v St Pius, 3 - 0

Reddam 6 v St Pius, 2 - 1

Reddam 7 v Reddam 8,2 - 1

Reddam 8 v Reddam 7, 1 - 2

Kindergarten

We kicked off Week 7 with an entertaining and insightful performance on Monday morning by Backflips Against Bullying. We laughed and learned so much about how to treat one another, and that we can all be heroes!

In English over the past two weeks, we have had a wonderful time hearing each student in Kindergarten present their ‘Show and Tell’ items for the first time. Our topic was ‘a box of memories’ and we have heard such beautiful stories and memories from everyone. We are so proud of every student for getting up to speak in front of a group for the first time. A big milestone!

We introduced addition this week in Mathematics, consolidating our knowledge of numbers 1-20 and applying this knowledge to a range of hands-on addition activities. We used ladybugs to visualise two groups and then counted how many we had in total, and we also used lots of songs and games to understand this big new concept.

During our Personal Development and Health lessons we used our collaboration skills to consolidate our understanding of different foods and tastes to create a classroom food rainbow. We talked about our favourite foods to eat, what we love to shop for at the farmers market, and dishes we love to cook at home.

Year 1

In English this week we continued our Author Study work by studying the book, ‘The Tunnel’ by Anthony Browne. This fascinating text took us on a journey (literally) of sibling rivalry and adventure. We paused mid-way through the book and predicted what we thought may happen next. Creating a freeze frame and imagining we were the characters deepened the students understanding and in turn lifted the quality of their writing.

In Mathematics, we continued our working on measurement. We learnt that one of the first things that happens to us when we are born is that we are measured. This week’s focus was formal standardised measurement. The students learnt that measuring objects using cm, m and km is an accurate, formalised way of knowing how long, tall, short, wide or far something is. We also used our addition and subtraction knowledge to work out the differences between the length of our feet and hands and legs! The classroom was buzzing with mathematical language such as bigger, smaller, longer and equal to during the investigative process. Students recognised that if a measuring tape, a ruler, or metre stick was used accurately to measure an object their answer wouldn’t vary, unlike last week when different shoe sizes, hand spans and blocks were utilised to measure the same thing.

In Science, we learned about how sound is measured. We discussed symbols related to volume and discussed where we had seen them in real life, such as on the tv, phone and computer. We listened to different sounds and organised them in order, depending on volume. The students were fascinated to learn that some sounds are so loud that they hurt our ears and some sounds are so soft we can hardly hear them.

1E presented an item in the K-2 Assembly. They enjoyed the opportunity to share information about the excursion to Taronga Zoo, sing a song about the zoo and showcase some photos of their day in the form of a slideshow. Speaking in front of a large audience can be daunting but each student took it in their stride. Thanks to all the parents and caregivers who came to see it!

Year 2

It was another wonderful week for the Year 2 students. We commenced with Mufti and the 'Backflips Against Bullying' presentation. This is linked to concepts explored in our PDH lessons. The children enjoyed the engaging session, which provided them with the tools for managing a range of various social interactions. The feedback from the cohort was very positive.

Mathematics consistently ignites a spark in our students. This week, we investigated and represented three-dimensional objects as well as comparing and ordering the durations of events. We also had opportunities to read half and quarter hour time in both digital and analogue format. Multiplication problems and strategies were further consolidated through hands-on activities. The students had a fun time gathering and organising data for tables and graphs. We are also focusing on developing skills to reason about the representations of data as well as describing and interpreting the results. Many of the concepts explored in Mathematics have been linked to a unit of study in Science this week.

This week our Science lessons involved the students using their knowledge and understanding of threedimensional objects to construct houses by utilising different materials. It was so creative, to interact and collaborate with our peers. Some students demonstrated the importance of planning and designing before the construction process. This was an invaluable experience for our students, who particularly enjoyed interacting with their peers and taking on different roles within a group.

In Year 2 HSIE we have continued to be fascinated by the progress of technology and the impact this has on our daily lives. The presentations on communication continue to be outstanding. It is such a pleasure to observe the sense of pride and achievement when our students are presenting their work to their peers.

Throughout our HSIE lessons, links are continuous as we make comparisons and connections to our literature unit of study, ‘Lost! A True Tale from the Bush’. Our students appreciate the comforts of living now compared to the past. When questioned about an item of technology that would be difficult to live without, the teachers were impressed by the students' responses. Computers, telephones and game consoles definitely rated high, however, careful consideration was given to necessary household items such as refrigerators, ovens and electricity. Good thinking Year 2!

Year 3

Congratulations Year 3 on a wonderful week!

This week started off with a bang with a one-hour, high energy anti-bullying incursion. The Year 3s were wowed and entertained by the ‘Backflips against Bullying’ team who taught them some handy tips and hints when faced with bullies. This was intertwined with an unbelievable gymnastics routine which acted out different scenarios that the students could potentially come across through their lifetime. To top off the day, the students wore their best orange mufti to celebrate Harmony Day. Harmony Day is a chance for us to celebrate our cultural differences, showing cultural respect to everyone who calls Australia home. All in all, a fantastic start to the week.

On Wednesday, all of the Year 3 students sat their first NAPLAN assessment: Writing. They were given the topic of ‘The Key’ and had to compose an imaginative text to entertain their reader. The key in their story may have locked or unlocked something, or it may have been an important piece of information that solved a problem. It really was a pleasure to hear all of their wonderful ideas after the session had ended, and we hope that the NAPLAN markers enjoy reading their creative pieces as much as their teachers enjoyed hearing about them.

Following this, the students sat their next three NAPLAN tests on the computer. These included reading comprehension, language conventions and mathematics. Each online test gave a series of multiple choice style questions to assess their literacy and numeracy skills. All of our Year 3 students are congratulated for their effort and diligence during these sessions.

Well done, Year 3! You continue to do yourself and Reddam proud!

Year 4

There was a continued focus on learning both inside and outside of the classroom this week. The Year 4 students began the week by being treated to an amazing incursion – Backflips Against Bullying. This equipped students with the skills on how to become a good ‘upstander’ as opposed to being a passive ‘bystander’. After all of the theatrics, flips and trills, Year 4 can now confidently tell those bullies that “Bullying Doesn’t Make You Tough!”

To coincide with Reddam’s Antibullying Policy, students also participated in a workshop run by our psychologist – Jillian Shapiro. At the workshop, Jillian discussed the different forms that bullying may take. She also had the students work together to have open and honest conversations about how to be the best friend they could be. This was one session from a two-part workshop that Jillian will showcase to all Year 4 students this term, and we are very fortunate and grateful for this experience.

Inside the classroom, students explored the final sections of their PDH topics – The Systems of the Body. Our bodies are a lot like machines, which are made up of lots of different systems that help them to move. It is important that we get our bodies moving, to get the most out of each day. Students studied a range of interactive ways to look at the digestive, circulatory, skeletal, muscular, and respiratory systems. Ultimately, students learnt that if we look after these systems, we are more likely to live healthier and happier lives.

Year 5 & 6 English

Year 5

This week, the Year 5 students participated in readiness activities, giving them the opportunity to become familiar with the NAPLAN Online test platform. They worked assiduously in preparation for the NAPLAN writing, reading comprehension and language conventions tests. It was a busy week for the Year 5 cohort.

Year 6

This week, Year 6 continued to develop their narrative writing skills by studying acclaimed authors’ works. Henry Lawson’s ‘That There Dog of Mine’ was this week’s fiction of choice. The students analysed the importance of flashback in developing a storyline. Additionally, they used this fiction to revise language conventions, especially idioms. Students were also given encouragement to pen their own narratives. Sometimes, they devalue their work by thinking it does not matter or that it isn’t good enough. Year 6 students were reminded that their ideas are valid. Well done, Year 6, for your perseverance and patience.

Here is an excerpt from Bally Napthali's narrative entitled ‘Found’. After starting in the present where he identifies his strategies for survival, he uses flashback to orient his readers about his realisation of becoming stranded, after which he returns to his present condition. Well done, Bally.

" ... I have become a man, I do so by hoarding pirates away with my traps and skills. Now, I spend my days meandering through the island looking for ways off this island.

I woke up stranded here, on an island. I heard a scary noise and ran into the jungle, hoping to escape it. I got lost and climbed a rock to get a feel of my surroundings, from where I saw pirate ships in the distance.

Now, I sit on the sands of the pristine, litter-free beach and watch for the sun to set. To this day I still wonder if I will ever be found and return to humanity."

Year 5 & 6 Science

This week in Science, Year 5 students explored the separation techniques of chromatography and filtration. Chromatography is a method used to separate mixtures. It works when substances in a mixture are soluble in the same solvent. During this lesson, students carried out a practical activity and discovered that some felt tip pens are made from many colours. Students were able to observe a felt tip's colour separating when the ink from the felt tip was dipped in water – this indicated that there was a mixture of colours within the felt tip. During students’ filtration lessons they discovered that filtration is used to separate a fluid or gas from a solid by passing it through a filter medium. Again, students were lucky enough to carry out a practical activity to explore the concept of filtration.

This week in Science, Year 6 students studied elements, compounds and mixtures in more detail. Many students are now confidently using the correct terminology when describing compounds, elements, mixture, atoms and molecules. Students were also shown exam-style questions so that they could relate the material taught to how it could be asked in an exam.

In Science Club, students carried out a heart dissection. A demonstration was conducted where students were shown the different chambers and valves within a heart. Students then made their own incisions on their own lamb’s heart and explored the different sections of this organ.

Year 5 & 6 Maths

Year 5s began their study of integers this week. They were introduced to the concept that numbers can be positive or negative, but zero is neither.

Students plotted integers on number lines to compare, order and visualise the relationship between them. Furthermore, number lines were also used to develop an understanding of the addition and subtraction of these numbers and how to locate integers between two given values.

Mathematicians were encouraged to think of examples of how integers are used in real-life situations. We discussed how they are used in banking, for example, to represent deposits and withdrawals. We also talked about how integers are used in sports, such as golf and football, where positive and negative integers are used to represent points earned and points lost. Another important skill that we focused on was reading thermometers.

Year 6 intensified their learning of directed numbers. One crucial element which was highlighted was that when adding two or more negative numbers, the result will always be negative. We reinforced this idea with multiple examples and reasoned that when adding two negative numbers, we essentially combine two debts or losses. This notion may have been challenging for some to grasp initially, but with consistent practise and reinforcement, we saw a remarkable improvement in our students' understanding.

To celebrate Pi Day and to recognise the mathematical constant Pi, students used their scientific calculators to divide circumference by diameter. They soon realised that no matter how large or small the circle, circumference divided by diameter was always Pi. For a little extra fun, Year 6 had an exciting finger binary counting showdown and engaged in a card game involving the addition and subtraction of integers, the aim of which was to strategize and count to collect a higher total than their opponent.

Music Performance

All students are encouraged to take the term and school holidays to work on the piece of their choice for this year's Instrumental Competition, and submit an entry into this online event. All students receive written feedback, as well as RHAP points for Years 3-6. We look forward to watching and celebrating our students' work, and you can enter as well as read more at this link: https://forms.gle/rir7giJ9QjazkUcFA

There are separate categories for Piano, Wind & Brass, Percussion, and Strings.

Year 3-4 String Ensemble

The Year 3-4 String Ensemble students have had a great start to the year, having already learnt Pickin' n' Peckin' by Stephen Chin (focusing on the important extended technique pizzicato), as well as the wellknown song Swing Low Sweet Chariot, arranged for string orchestra. This year the group will be working on more advanced string ensemble playing, involving four to five voice pieces, extended techniques, as well as exploring more complex rhythms and harmonies. The ensemble will be working on various pieces throughout the year by well-known string composers such as Stephen Chin, Sheila Neson and Helen Butterworth, led by their excellent section leaders. We are very excited to be preparing for the upcoming assembly performances this year, and are looking forward to a fun and exciting year of music making!

Year 5-6 Wind Band

The Year 5-6 Wind Band students have had an exciting start to 2023. The Wind Band is made up of Year 5 and 6 students who have been playing their instruments for one or two years, plus a couple of brand new players too! The group has been working on a new piece this term called 'Volcano'. Volcano requires many different articulation techniques, and the Wind Band has been working hard on producing the different sounds that accents, staccatos and slurs make on their instruments. The band will be starting a new piece later this term, and will be working on incorporating dynamics and changing tempos into their band pieces.

Music

Year 1 had an outstanding week in Music. After spending a few weeks learning to sing, notate and play the song ‘Blue bells’, the students learned how to create their own rhythmic composition using the same structure. The students created two different 4 beat rhythms using Ta (crotchets), Titi (quavers) and Za(crotchet rests) and arranged their rhythms into the structure A B A B which is the same as ‘Blue bells’. After creating their compositions, the students learned to play their rhythms and performed them for the class using percussion instruments. Great composing, Year 1!

Library

“

Instilling a love of reading in our children as early as we find the first bright star on a clear evening sky establishes a foundation for the child to empower them to find the magic tools in life to conquer their world” – (Christina Aloisio, Reddam Teacher Librarian)

It has been a delightful week in the library with many students borrowing books to take home and to read. Students are encouraged to follow our schedule and to visit the library on their year group’s dedicated day during student break times.

Congratulations to Kindergarten who visited the library as a class group for the first time. The library was filled with big smiles, happy hearts and an infectious eagerness to find just the right book to take home for the week.

Reddam House Art Competitions