Assistant Principal Pedagogy & Learning
APPL Weekly Newsletter
Science Week Fun!
Science Week took flight literally at Our Lady of Lourdes, as students from all grades embraced the wonders of experimentation and engineering during two lively lunchtime activities: the Paper Plane Challenge and Making Mixtures.
Paper Plane Challenge: Engineering in Action: The playground transformed into a runway as students tested their aeronautical designs in a thrilling competition to see whose paper plane could fly the farthest, stay airborne the longest, or perform the most loops. Budding engineers experimented with wing shapes, folds, and launch techniques, cheering each other on with infectious enthusiasm. Whether it was a sleek dart or a wide-winged glider, every plane told a story of curiosity and creativity.
Making Mixtures: Messy, Magical Science Inside the science lab, students donned their imaginary lab coats for a hands-on exploration of mixtures. From fizzy reactions to gooey concoctions, the activity invited students to combine everyday ingredients and observe surprising results. Laughter and wide-eyed wonder filled the room as students stirred, poured, and predicted outcomes—learning about solubility, texture, and chemical reactions in the most engaging way possible.
A Week of Wonder: These structured lunchtime activities were a hit across all year levels, offering a joyful blend of play and learning. Teachers praised the events for sparking scientific thinking and collaboration, while students left with sticky fingers, folded masterpieces, and a renewed excitement for discovery.
Science Week may be over, but the spirit of exploration is still flying high as our teachers begin to familiarise themselves this year with Version 9 Australian Curriculum Science, which will be embedded into our Our Lady of Lourdes Curriculum in 2026.
Why Reading Aloud Matters: Building Literacy and Connection Through Story Time
At Our Lady of Lourdes, we know that a love of reading begins long before children can read on their own. Sharing stories, songs, and conversations with your child is one of the most powerful ways to support their early literacy development and it’s also a wonderful way to bond.
Words, Sounds, and Wonder When you read aloud, your child learns how language works. They hear new words, explore rhythm and rhyme, and begin to understand how stories are structured. Sitting close and listening to your voice especially when you use expression, funny voices, or dramatic pauses helps them connect meaning with sound. They’ll also learn how to hold a book, turn pages gently, and follow the flow of a story.
Make Story Time Fun Reading doesn’t have to be serious! In fact, the sillier the better. Try changing the storyline, using goofy voices, or acting out parts of the book. This keeps your child engaged and shows them that reading is joyful. You can encourage participation by asking your child to choose the book, suggest ideas for the plot, or even decide how a character should sound.
Learning Through Stories Books are a safe way for children to explore emotions, understand real-life situations, and distinguish between reality and imagination. Stories about going to the dentist, starting school, or visiting the hospital can help children prepare for new experiences. Talking about what happens in the story and how characters feel builds empathy and emotional awareness.
Change the Scenery Reading in different locations can make story time feel fresh and exciting. Try reading outside, at the beach, or even in a cosy corner of the shopping centre. Books that reflect your child’s world familiar places, events, or people can spark meaningful conversations and deepen their understanding.
Before, During, and After Reading
- Before: Let your child choose the book. Sit side by side and talk about the cover and title.
- During: Read slowly, use humour, and point out details in the pictures. Ask questions and encourage your child to join in.
- After: Invite your child to revisit favourite pages, ask what they liked most, or imagine how they’d change the story.
It is important that each day, your child has the opportunity to read or be read to at home. This daily fluency practice reinforces the key learning that they are doing in the classroom and helps to build confidence, vocabulary, and a love of reading. Even just 10–15 minutes a day can make a big difference.
