Sleepover fun!

One of the favourite events on the calendar every year is the Lower Primary Sleepover. Along with the Pre-school and Grade 1 students, the Grade 2s spent an activity-filled evening at school. The students savoured all the moments of the sleepover, knowing that it was their last Lower Primary Sleepover. Next year, they will be Upper Primary students, and the sleepover events will become long-lasting, fond memories.

The students enjoyed their dinner under the stars, followed by Mr Brabant's star (and planet) gazing demonstration. In mixed groups, the students completed a scavenger hunt around the school. Their seeking and hiding skills were put to the test when we played hide-and-seek. 

The Grade 2s displayed great care and guardianship to the younger students during the different activities. They showed awesome responsibility when it came to getting ready for bed, tidying up and taking care of their belongings. They did all of this while enjoying each other's company, playing games and getting a decent amount of sleep. Their principled behaviour and the care that was shown were such a fitting way for them to sign off on their last Lower Primary Sleepover! Way to go, everyone!

Wishing you all a wonderful Golden Week! 

Ms Theona

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Mass extinctions

 This week, the students inquired into the five mass extinctions that have taken place in the history of Earth. The students stretched their research skills by skimming and scanning through printed articles and diagrams to find the necessary information about their group's specific extinction event. They also used books from our school library as resources. The information was presented as a puzzle timeline about the five mass extinctions.

During the field trip to Osaka Museum of Natural History last week, the students were tasked with taking photos of artefacts or displays that were particularly interesting to them and sparked questions in their minds. In groups, the students used these photos to have a little gallery walk; sharing their thoughts and ideas about the artefacts and displays in their photos.

In the coming week, the students will inquire into the causes of extinctions and complete our book about critically endangered and endangered animals.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Ms Theona

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Exploring Sharing the Planet

For our Sharing the Planet unit about extinction, the students spent time inquiring into the five mass extinctions in Earth's history. They also started doing research about their chosen critically endangered animal, as the class will be compiling a book to spread awareness about critically endangered animal species who are sadly approaching extinction. 

We were inspired by one of the students who came to school telling us about a big story currently in the news. A biotech company in the USA brought the dire wolf - who was last seen over 10,000 years ago - back to life. We turned this interesting occurrence into a case study about the concept of de-extinction. The students shared their valuable and thought-provoking ideas about this historical event. 

With great excitement, the students and some gracious volunteer parents boarded the school bus for our field trip to the Osaka Museum of Natural History. Using their teamwork skills, the students were tasked with finding numerous items on our museum scavenger hunt list. Not only did we enjoy the intriguing exhibits and the museum's interactive displays, but the students also enjoyed exploring the fauna and flora of the Nagai Botanical Garden, which surrounds the museum.

Thank you to our volunteer parents for accompanying us on our field trip. The students had a joyous time learning and exploring together!

Have a lovely weekend!

Ms Theona