Connections

Hi Everyone,

The Junior Crew have gone PowerPoint crazy! Over the past two weeks we have learned how to copy and paste pictures, type in text, create special effects and even insert sound files. I am amazed at how quickly the kids have developed their skills using this program and how well they have made connections and transferred these skills to other applications.

I was also pleased to discover that our Friends in Siberia have received the package of books and music that we sent to them a few weeks ago. One of the best things about blogging is how it helps us to connect with new Friends from all around the world. If you would like to read their post about our package click on the hyperlink or on the puzzle pieces.

This week I received an email from Jim Spiralis from the Department of Education and Children's service, Special Education Resource Unit in South Australia. Jim wanted to let us know that our network of blogs has been cited as a special education resource for teachers in that state. Jim also invited me to present at the Special Education EXPO in Hindmarsh South Australia in July next year. I am so excited!

As most of you know, this year I have been completing post graduate studies in Autism Spectrum Disorder. My last lecture was on Saturday. I have made some very special connections with lecturers and teachers who have shared the journey with me which I hope will continue for years to come.

The course has meant that I have had to spend a considerable time away from The Junior Crew this year while I have been completing practicum placements and visiting other schools to provide mentoring and coaching services. While I have been away the children have been learning how to connect with some amazing casual relief teachers and learning how to cope with change. I am so grateful to this group of talented and caring people who have treated my class as if they were their own.

Bakers in the Making

Hi Everyone,
On Friday The Crew spent the morning at a local bakery that has a kids cooking program. We made bread and shortbread in the industrial kitchen with the help of the bakery staff. While the bread was cooking we played in a local park and fed some ducks. The food was delicious and there was plenty to bring home so our families could sample what we had made.
Quite a few of The Crew have decided that they now want to be bakers when they grow up. What would you like to be?
What did you want to be when you were their age?

From Russia with Love

Hi Everyone,

The Junior Crew were very excited to receive a package from our buddies from the 'Friends ' blog in Siberia. They sent us some postcards, badges , flag and a safety poster that was written in Russian. The Crew didn't have to be able to read Russian to understand it because the pictures carried a very strong message and we were able to figure out all of the rules.

Our class has sent some Australian songs on a CD and some picture story books by Australian authors. to our Friends in Russia. We hope they like them.

On the Mend

Hi Everyone,

I have been away from school for most of this week helping my husband as he recovers from surgery. Michelle has been doing a great job of looking after the Junior Crew in my absence. Thanks Michelle!

I will be back at school on Monday and I am looking forward to finding out what The Crew have been up to while I was away.

Congratulations Paula & Kerry

Paula and Kerry got married on Friday. The Junior Crew wishes them happiness for their future together.

We're Back!

Hi Everyone,

This week has been full of events to celebrate. Tim turned 10, Eleanor turned 9 and I turned 44! We have been eating lots of birthday cake this week but nobody is complaining.

Nicole joined us to replace Paula at the end of the week because our other big news is that Paula got married on Friday! We had a great time choosing a present and card for her when we went shopping on Friday. We had a present wrapping 101 session with Sarah because I am not known for my gift wrapping skills and spent lots of time thinking of just the right thing to write in the gift card. Sarah left early to attend the service and she has promised to take lots of photo's at the wedding so that we can see how beautiful Paula looked. We are really looking forward to seeing them.

We also began our new theme 'The Dreaming '. This term we will be exploring Aboriginal Dreaming stories through story telling, drama , music and art works. If you would like to know 'Why the Crocodile Rolls' follow the link to the Student Blogging area, in the left margin to watch a video of the story.

In art sessions, Neville has been teaching the children the meaning of some of the symbols that painters from some of the Aboriginal Nations use to tell stories in their art and the kids will be having a go at painting their own Dreaming stories.

This week I will be sharing my love of Sally Morgan's beautiful art works and we will be searching the Internet for other contemporary indigenous artists and looking at their art works.