Hello Everyone,

We are currently considering some planning changes for 2022 with a strong focus on Literacy and communication, and potentially the first hour of every day being devoted to this core learning area in the first hour available of teaching and learning time. We are engaging a Speech and Language therapist at Karonga for 2 days a week as a consultant and advisor. By initiating this program we hope to maximise learning opportunities in an area that is of fundamental value to our students and impacts their whole life. Check out future newsletters for what this will look like, going forward.

John our 85-year-old volunteer is finally set to retire. I am sure you join me in thanking him for 15 years of loyal volunteer work- painting toys, varnishing outdoor seats and helping our General Assistant Jim, with small tasks around the school. We will have a farewell morning tea for him on Friday December 10^th, which is, coincidentally, his 85^th birthday.

Clubs have proved a huge success over the school year. We have noticed that there have been NO incidents during clubs and a significant decrease in incident reporting on playgrounds where attendance at clubs have impacted our numbers. The range of clubs have included

They have been run during the long lunchtime break, and we are pleased to report that only 1 student could not be accommodated (his own choice). We are hopeful that he can be accommodated in 2022 with a club of interest engaging his attention.

Warm regards

Ruth Rogers

Principal

The return to school after lockdown has been positive for most of the students in Room 1.  It took a while to coax some into the classroom after so many weeks at home, but finally we are pleased to report that Kugan, Sadev, Om, Raj, and Tomo are settling in well and are back into class routines this term.  We miss Tiimmie and continue to await his return to school.

This term the class have worked on a variety of themes, including Halloween, Diwali, Remembrance Day and Christmas. We have also continued working on the class’ English, Math, Science, PDHPE, History and Geography and Work Education. The students’ favourite activities continue to be Visual Arts, cooking, sensory play and music therapy with Jack.  As additional activities, the class cooked toast, used an air-fryer to cook chips and learned about kites.

An important focus for the class this term has been on transitions. The students are learning to follow instructions to move between the classroom, liberty swing area, sensory room, Pembroke (playground), the Therapy suite, the Seach (bike track), Maxis and the Art suite.

We are currently working on special gifts to prepare and send home for Christmas. We hope you have a restful break.

Wishing you – Happy holidays!

Sabrina, Mary and Hyma

Semester 2 has been a challenging time for everyone at Karonga and Room 6 is no exception. However, our wonderful students have continued to take strides in their personal development and proved that no obstacle is too large! 

During a long period of learning from home, Room 6 students were able to take advantage of this unique time to engage in academic and independent living tasks. Gordon worked hard on mathematics and his handwriting, which has continued to see improvement throughout the year. Bavan engaged in regular walks in his local area and made excellent use of the available exercise equipment. 

A return to regular schooling has been happily welcomed by all of us in Room 6. Omar has enjoyed getting involved in hands-on tasks around the school, such as watering the gardens and tending to our chickens. He is so careful and gentle with them! 

Hannah’s positive approach to all areas of her learning has seen wonderful development, especially in communication and transitioning.

Felicia is constantly building confidence in vocalising to communicate with others. She’s very proud of herself and so are we!

Sami is consistently developing his social skills with his peers and regularly engages in lovely self-initiated interactions. 

We’re very proud of everyone’s efforts this year and are looking forward to what 2022 brings! 

From Liam and Craig 

Room 7 has been lucky enough to welcome three new students into our classroom. They have made our class very exciting and have allowed new friendships to form. We have been looking at books, learning through play, learning to sit for morning circle and turn taking. We have enjoying exploring the school environment, especially Pembroke, (the big playground) and the sensory room

Introducing.....

Hello, my name is Jedi. I am 6 years old.
I enjoy using the ipad and looking at books.
I like to sit back and observe my friends before I decide what I want to do.
Climbing is a fun pastime but I also like to go on the trampoline in the playground.
Jedi is using the keyboard for a cause and effect program, playing with the frogs and strumming the guitar. 

Hello, my name is Mason and I am 4.
I like to read, play on the ipad and count everything.
I also like watching ABC Cocomelon and Alphablocks.
I like to talk to and play with my new friends in room 7. 
Mason is drawing on the IWB, matching colours and playing on the playground.

Hello, my name is Zayef and I am 4.
I enjoy playing on the trampoline, use sensory objects and playing with cars.
I like to play on the gross motor equipment in our classroom, especially the big tunnel.
I am still learning about class routines but I enjoy doing the activity once I have started.
Zayef is spending time on the trampoline, putting blocks together and doing some artwork.

Some new faces have joined Band Club this term, and that means new interests, new approaches to music, new dynamics but the fun hasn’t gone anywhere!

Our students have loved engaging in a variety of instruments while our music therapist, Jack, is a brilliant facilitator of all abilities and interests. 

Students have enjoyed playing with Mobile and Duplo in clubs on Tuesdays.

We have explored changing shapes by connecting pieces together to make longer, taller shapes.

We have attached wheels to make vehicles too.

During our drumming lunch group, Chris, Dakotah, Elijah, Farhan, George and Haley experience different musical instruments. They especially like to hit the drum kit with sticks, make a loud sound with the big gong and play other instruments (guitar, piano and chimes) to accompany the music.

Lowenna, Foozieh and Jack