Our picnic at Government House.

Today we had the pleasure of visiting the grounds of Government House to share in a picnic together. The whole of the Junior School was there and it was beautiful and sunny.

We discovered some beautiful flowers.

We also rolled down hills!

Lots of girls found cicada skins.

We enjoyed our lunch beneath the shade of a tall tree...

And chased each other around the beautiful grounds.

Can you spot the Foundation Class girls? 

 Here we are!

We were all very exhausted by the time we got back to school, but we sure had a lovely time!

Emma's wondering.

Yesterday afternoon Emma offered up a question, "I wonder" she shared, "are our hearts inside of us shaped like a love heart?"

We shared Emma's wondering with the group during morning meeting and here is our conversation:

"Yes, because hearts are hearts." - Paige

"I think they're the shape of a V." - Emily

"Maybe it's the shape of a pony." - Emma

"No, I think it's just the shape of a love heart." - Paige

(Emma thought carefully for a moment.)

"If it's called a 'heart' of course it must be shaped as a heart, well surely?" - Emma

The conversation seemed to be coming to a close so we offered a new provocation.

"What do you think a heart is made of?"

"I think our heart is made of glass." - Alice

"It might be of skin?" - Emily

"I think it's made of RED." - Sophie

"How about blood?" - Zara

"Yes, because our heart is, it has blood all around." - Paige

"Maybe it's made of flower petals?" - Emma

"It's made of love hearts and LOVE." - Georgia

Grandparents' Day.

It was Grandparents' Day on Friday, and we had such a nice time welcoming our loved ones into the school. We proudly showed them around, shared our work with them and enjoyed a picnic lunch together. Emma's Nana even got in the sandpit with her! 

This was a beautiful occasion which we all enjoyed very much. We are looking forward to the next Grandparents' Day. 

"What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humor, comfort, lessons in life. And, most importantly, cookies."

 - Rudolph Giuliani

Our Library.

Every Monday we visit our school library. This is a wonderful place filled with beautiful books about all different kinds of things. We found a yucky book once, about a man who made cakes out of worms and dirt and toe nails! Can you believe it!

Our library even has cupcake cushions, donut cushions and a beanbag. It is a warm place, a cosy place, where we can read and share stories together. We marvel at the pictures in the books and we giggle during the funny parts. 

We love going to the library.

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. 

- Chinese Proverb

Beautiful compositions.

We've also been making thoughtful patterns with our shells, as we work to create compositions.

"My painting is the same on each side!" - Zara

...Painting symmetrical patterns. 

Zara painted a beautiful picture this morning and excitedly called to me, "Look, my painting is the same on each side." It has been interesting to observe the girls noticing and creating patterns throughout the day here at school. Just like with our shadow inquiry, it is almost as if patterns are always in the back of the girls minds.

Discovering patterns in nature.

Today during our trip to Mt St John, the girls were invited to search for patterns in nature. This was a wonderful extension of the patterning work which the girls have been busy engaging with in class this term, and it was lovely to observe the girls eagerness to search for patterns at the mountain. 

The girls made many discoveries, of both linear and symmetrical patterns, and enjoyed photographing these and sharing them with the group. Here are some of the patterns which we found:

 

 

Mufti-Day fun.

Today we had our first Mufti Day of the year. We each brought a gold coin donation along and in exchange for this we were able to wear our home clothes, instead of our uniform. The money which we raised today is going towards Habitat for Humanity, which is such a great cause. 

Don't we look great!

Mrs Bayes thought that it would be a good idea to wear her pajamas to school on Mufti Day. This made us all giggle. Doesn't she look lovely too!