Hello everyone,

Week 1 at school, whilst brief, was action packed with activities and settling back into the rhythm of school life.

Wednesday- Day 1 found students excited to be back- many sporting new haircuts and new shoes.

Thursday – Day 2 found us starting the day with an acknowledgement of Anzac Day. We trialed something new- instead of an assembly, we initiated a new tradition of an Anzac Day March through the school grounds ending at the Anzac Garden behind the multi-sport court. The 4 school leaders led the bagpiper through the school: Massa (Captain), Jayden (Vice-Captain), Murray and myself. All classrooms had their doors open and those who could stand did so as a mark of respect. Classroom staff made the decision on behalf of their students as to who would join the Piper on the March, and as we turned around at the Anzac Garden conclusion, we found that most classes (fully, or in part) had joined us, and enjoyed taking photographs with Bob the bagpiper just before the rain came.

Friday- Day 3 brought the School Photographers to visit again. They are a lovely group of people who are always very kind to our students. Take a look in the photo of how we get Tess to look at the camera! We even had 3 students who would not go into the PL room (possibly because that is where we offer vaccinations, so the association is too strong) so the photographers followed them around outside to capture a portrait shot! It always takes such a long time for them to return them to us, but we will forward then as soon as they arrive.

Week 2: the sun has finally shone, and everyone has enjoyed being outside and mixing in bigger groups than just class groupings.

On Monday we had the professional dog washer come to school, to keep Tess nice and clean for our students. 2 classes came up to watch and help which was nice.

Industrial Action was taken by 9 teachers on Wednesday, and we had around 19 students attend. We had Lissette and Jack (funded through the P&C) still offer music and art activities to those attending, and with the good weather we had some outdoor activities available with which to engage the students.

Department guidelines around SSP’s and COVID compliance state:

Additionally, close contacts of any student of staff member who reside with someone who presents with COVID, must self-isolate for 7 days, and have a clear Rapid Antigen Test before returning to school. We will be sending our more RAT tests shortly.

We currently have no students, staff or support people presenting with COVID, or living as close contacts with those who have COVID.

Welcome to Term 2.

Room 3 have been focusing on the book Harry Potter in English. Yeting, Brendan and Jayden dressed up as Harry Potter while Lachlan, Elijah and Amy found out what house they are in using the Sorting hat. We have also been making our own sentences by choosing pictures that we like.

In science we planted seeds and watched them grow, Amy and Elijah compared the growth of plants that were in the light and dark. We have used the Immersive classroom to access information around our programs.

We are looking forward to a busy and productive Term 2.

Lowenna and Barbara

Term 2 has started with a bang! Room 12’s busy timetable sees our youngest learners spending time outside the classroom, in the pool during weekly sessions, swim school, music therapy and the playground.

With our swim school and regular time in water, our students are steadily growing with confidence. Students are working on improving their kicking and floating techniques, as well as having fun with toys.

In the school's playground, students enjoy riding bikes, playing on the equipment, round-a-bout and jumping on the trampoline. We all eagerly anticipate playing with the large colourful parachute during our afternoon sessions. We love to move the parachute up and down, over our heads, and then run underneath it!

Back in the classroom, we have been studying about living things in science this semester. Our junior learners, walk around the school and look at all things from nature. Room 12 students have also been learning about transport in literacy by watching videos, creating artworks using painting, printing and sticking techniques. In numeracy, we are developing our counting, sorting and matching skills.

Last term we made colourful Easter bunny photo frames, did shaving cream painting and decorated Arrowroot biscuits with icing and sprinkles on top to make Easter eggs with our friends in rooms 11 and 13.

Andrea and myself, are incredibly proud of our young students, who have all been busy settling into their class routine, making friends and growing in confidence every day.

Well done, Room 12 students!

Meet Lissette - Art Therapist

Lissette joined Karonga in Term 4 of 2021. She carries out weekly art therapy for Karonga students on a classroom rotation basis. Last week, Lissette featured in Art Works, ABC’s weekly half hour arts show. She chose the Karonga aspect of her work to be featured. The P&C are proud to fund the Art Therapy program at Karonga. 

https://www.facebook.com/ABCARTS/videos/1022681161997718/

I also took the opportunity to get to know Lissette.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have worked in the creative arts industry for many years working in costume for both theatre and TV. I also used to be a school teacher for Spanish and History, which surprises a lot of people, but I have family in South America and Spain.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Creative, Passionate, Kind and Compassionate – I know, that’s four words!

What is your favourite or most rewarding part of working at Karonga?

I love it when I see a response and can see the student engagement. For me, it is not about the end product, but rather the process and the delight in watching their exploration such as when they have clay on their hands and they are curious about it. I love letting them be who they want to be.  

What to do you want to achieve with Art Therapy at Karonga?

I want the students to enjoy, explore, be curious and to try something new. I want them to share the joy of art making and discover their likes and dislikes, as well as celebrate every stage of the making.

What do you enjoy when you are not at work?

I have an appreciation for the creative arts. I enjoy going to see a film, visiting an art gallery, listening to music, watching a movement drama based performance etc. I also like to spend time gardening.

Yee-Foong Stone
President Karonga P&C

In the past we have been kindly gifted a hardcopy of Source Kids Magazine for each of the school's families from the Brisbane based group of parents who put the magazine together out of a need for information specific to children with special needs.  In keeping with the times and the will to conserve paper, they have forwarded a digital link of their magazine for distribution.  Enjoy.

https://sourcekids.com.au/source-kids-magazine-autumn-issue-2022/

Side By Side Advocacy is a community based, not-for-profit organisation and they are offering a free information session on planning for the future.  The session is free but registration is essential and will cover tools, strategies and legal considerations for families, friends and allies of people with intellectual disability.  Please refer to the attached digital leaflet for further information.