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cameragalmontessoriin focus

CONTENTS

03-04 IMPORTANT DATES05-07 PRINCIPALS MESSAGE08-10 PRIMARY 6-911-12 PRIMARY 9-1213-15 TIDDALICKS16-18 MIMIS 19-21 PADEMELONS22 AFTER SCHOOL CARE23-24 PLAYROOM 0-325-28 NEWS

Student Term Dates 2020Term 1 starts Term 1 concludes

Wednesday January 29 2020 Tuesday April 7 2020

Term 2 starts Term 2 concludes

Term 4 starts Term 4 concludes

Term 3 starts Term 3 concludes

Wednesday April 29 2020 Wednesday July 01 2020

Wednesday July 22 2020 Wednesday September 23 2020

Wednesday October 14 2020 Wednesday December 16 2020

IMPORTANTDATES

Term ぎ ぐ0ぐ027 Feb

02 Mar

03 Mar

04 Mar

07 Mar

09-13 Mar

09 Mar

14 Mar

Parent Ed - Exploration of MathematicsPrimary Swimming ProgramLavender Bay/Primary TourNeutral Bay TourOpen DayBook FairPrimary Swimming ProgramBook Fair & Movie Night

IMPORTANTDATES Term ぎ - Parent Education

Dear Cameragal Community, Welcome to 2020! The year has been a whirlwind of activity already. 2020 is a year of growth for Cameragal with the opening of our 9-12 campus (Year 4 to 6). Therigorous process of registration for Year 5 is underway, and the building works imminent for 10Miller Street. None of this is possible without the dedication and hard work of the school board andstaff. Cameragal Staff and Board - 2020The School is comprised of extraordinary individuals who bring their unique sets of skills andtalents to the school to make it a rich environment for our students. We have consistent and stablestaff which means consistency and stability for the children. Staff of 2020

PRINCIPAL'SMESSAGEMarietta CourtneyPrincipal

Tiddalicks, 3-6 Lavender Bay

Mimis, 3-6 Neutral Bay

Pademelons, 3-6 Neutral Bay

Primary, 6-12 North Sydney

TeacherRobyn Reeve

AssistantsGloria TroncosoChicheng Chen

TeacherParrish Khalili AssistantsNadeesha MayadunneRohana Lohmann

TeacherHarriet Ireland AssistantsMaria UrgelAdriana OliveriKatie Tyne

Teacher 6-9Trish Terrey Teachers 9-12Fiona MackenzieAlexandraMihalarias AssistantBrendan Dixon

Cameragal School Board for 2020The School is governed by a board of directors following the robust requirements of NSWEducation Standards Authority. This remarkable group of people dedicate time and invaluableskills to the management of the School. Chair: Edward Swayne (father of Anna at Pademelon & Ethan, ex-Mimis)Treasurer: Ben McEvoy (father of Grace, Tiddalicks and Lily ex-Tiddalicks)Director: Anelida Pardini (mother of Leo, Tiddalicks)Director: Marinda Carlesen (mother of Beatrix, Leo & Henrik Primary, 6-9 & 9-12) Early Years Online safety for under 5sThe eSafety Commissioner has published a practical and sensible guide “Online Safety for under5s early years’ for parents and educators of young children. This guide is attached to thenewsletter email for you! Contemporary parenting is complex, and this simple guide gives practical tips to help you toeducate your child on managing personal information, being kind, asking for help and makinggood choices online. The foundation is setting up good habits, safe online behaviour, showingchildren how to be kind and respectful online, and how to use a device and share online is vital forall parents and children. Building this foundation from a young age will help you and your child when they grow anddevelop in a challenging online world! I hope you find it as helpful as I do. I can also recommend Dr Kristy Goodwin as a source of information for parents raising childrenand teenagers in a digital world: https://drkristygoodwin.com/

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Courtney WebsterKatie TyneChicheng ChenRuby KimMario Parra

PrincipalMarietta Courtney Enrolments &CommunityVicki Allison Business ManagerKristy Ahearn to March2020 & Janae Goodallfrom March 2020 Reception & AdminEmily Talty ITDamian Davis

TeacherPeta Gibson

Jasper DeirmendjianJasper Erken

After School CareLavender Bay

Administration Birth to 3 Casuals

Coronavirus UpdateOn Thursday 20 February, the Australian Government announced that existing travel restrictionsfor people travelling to Australia from mainland China will be extended for a further week to 29February 2020. For further health advice, please visit the Department of Health website. Please note that theDepartment of Health has consolidated their Information for Parents fact sheet into theCoronavirus (COVID-19) information for schools and early childhood education and care services,students and parents fact sheet. Have a wonderful week. Marietta Courtney

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

PRIMARY6-9Trish Terrey

The primary children have had a wonderful start to the year and the classroom is bustling with newfaces, new friendships and new presentations. Welcome to Aima, Ian, Ethan, Bethany, Bastian,Olivia and Sebastian this term. They have all settled in so well and feel like they have been part ofour community for much longer than four weeks! This term we are sharing our classroom space with our new 9-12 children, and teachers Fiona andAlex, so we also welcome our new 9-12 children and adults! We have found that the 6-12 classroomexperience has been incredibly positive for both younger and older children. The older children areaware of their responsibilities as role models and leaders, whilst the younger children look up to theirolder peers and observe the kind of work, conversations and interactions that they engage in. Someof our older 6-9 children are working together with the 9-12 children on various presentations andprojects. As the children become more independent with age and experience, they are better able toinitiate their own projects or ideas and follow them up with greater detail. There are some excitingGoing Out ideas that are currently works in progress. Hopefully I can report back on these in our nextnewsletter! Earlier in the term we have made some sketching trips down to Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden inLavender Bay, which the children enjoyed. We took a picnic lunch and then the children were free towander a section of the gardens and sketch. Sketches have included plants, insects and animals,boats, the harbour and, of course, each other!

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PRIMARY 6-9Swimming is another weekly excursion and the children have already shown great strength andstamina by walking from school, to North Sydney Pool, followed by a swimming lesson. The childrenhave been focusing on key skills such as kicking and breathing techniques, and drills for learningdifferent strokes (freestyle, backstroke and some – breaststroke, so far). We have another excursion to Stanton Library coming up very soon. The children will catch a busfrom North Sydney station to the library, where we will be taken on a tour by a librarian, to learnabout the various aspects, roles and functions of the library. The children will beborrowing book’s and many are already planning what kind of books they will be searching for, tosupport research projects they have begun in class. We will visit the library again in a few weeks,this term. Please feel free to support your children by taking your children to the library in your owntime too. Stanton is a wonderful library and has an extensive range of resources for both childrenand adults. Thank you for bringing your children to school on time each morning. It is one of the simplest andmost important things we can do as adults to support our children. Please also continue to supporttheir independence to make their own lunches at home and pack their bags at home. Even 6-year olds are capable of making their lunch, or part of it, or packing items into their lunchboxes.Preparing their things, the night before is much easier, than at the last minute before leaving in themorning. This will help children leave in the morning much more calmly and arrive ready to starttheir day in the classroom.

PRIMARY 6-9

PRIMARY 9-ぎぐFiona Mackenzie andAlexandra Mihalarias

What a great start to term 1! In addition to their work in the classroom, the 9-12 students are enjoying getting out and abouton excursions and in this process they are learning useful travelling tips such as how to navigatetrain connections, how to find the correct train and platform, staying together as a group andbeing considerate to others on public transport. The excursion to the State Library this week was to get the students acquainted with what isavailable to them there. One amazing fact we learned was that the State Library has 6.5 millionitems in its care. It also has many floors of storage underground. It’s not possible to take booksor items out as you can in most libraries, but you can go there to do research or to have a quietplace to work. Educator Prudence took us through the hall of early Sydney paintings as we have started ahistory study on significant people and events in our area. Montessori delivers many greatlessons and key lessons through the telling of stories. Recently I (Fiona) wrote and read tostudents the story of the Cameragal people in order to peak their interest in this topic. The statelibrary trip was interesting to gain an early European perspective, whilst also discussing theabsence of perspectives of aboriginal people. The existence of primary and secondary sourcesfor historical research was explained and we looked at the many languages spoken by aboriginalpeople and the differences in spellings due to translation into English. Did you know Cameragalhas four different spellings?

We also entered the quiet space of the Mitchell Library – the oldest library in Australiawith its wonderful wooden walls full of books and even spied a cat – not a real one – buta replica of the explorer Flinder’s cat sitting up high on a shelf. A couple of weeks ago we saw Cornelia Parker’s Sculpture exhibition at the MCA.There were so many interesting pieces made from found objects. Thirty Pieces of Silverfor example was pieces of silver firstly flattened by a steamroller and then suspended incircular groups. The students loved this idea and it expanded their knowledge of how artcan be made as well as thinking about and discovering the meaning behind a lot of theworks. The red room was a whole room made out of red paper sheets of the cut outs ofpoppies made to commemorate those lost in wars. The long sheets of paper were hungin the shape of a tent based on the tent the French and English Kings sat in at one timeto discuss peace. Alex and I are really enjoying getting to know the 9-12 class of five wonderful students –Kate, Vlada, Toby, Henrik and Austin. We are in full swing with many lessons given inthe classroom and whilst our numbers are small, looking to go out as much as we can.We are also loving being in the 6-12 class at the moment. It’s a chance for the olderchildren to show their difference, but also to take on some leadership in the room.

PRIMARY 9-ぎぐ

TIDDALICKS3-6Robyn Reeves

Welcome back everyone to 2020! The first few days of school are some of the most settled of all in our classroom. All of the returningchildren are just so glad to see their friends each day that everyone is skipping into class with aspring in their step and eager faces ready to get on with their day. The classroom is all set, readyand waiting. Everything is familiar but fresh and new again. The activities are being devoured byeager hands and minds! The new comfy chairs and floor rug for the book corner, that were kindly given to the class at theend of last year, are being enjoyed by the children. They can take a break from the work in theclass and spend time losing themselves in books either laying on the soft rug or sitting in thechairs.

TIDDALICKS 3-6

We have welcomed some new children and families to ourcommunity and look forward to getting to know them all.Maxime, Clancy, Paul and Livia and Etienne have all joined ourclass so far this term. We welcome you and your familieswarmly into our community and look forward to getting to knowyou and your families.

TIDDALICKS 3-6

At the end of last year we sent a letter to Sydney Water about what we should do if Playdoh goesinto the toilet. Over the break we got a lovely letter back detailing what we should do. We look forward to seeing those that can make it to the Mathematics Parent Education Night atForsyth park on Thursday night.

Welcome back. We hope you all had a relaxing and rejuvenating break. We have had a very pleasant andproductive start of the term in Mimis. Throughout most of history childhood has been seen merely as a phase to be grown throughin order to reach adulthood, and society was built up with adult needs and values projected onchildren. Dr Montessori recognised that cultivating the qualities of early childhood such asspontaneous concentration, active exploration and freedom in learning could revolutionisesociety and create a link to lifelong learning. That is why Montessori said: “her educationalmethod did not lead to a greater valuing of the child, it resulted from it”. Our children have a profound level of concentration, well developed independence and showspontaneous acts of kindness in Mimis. New StartersOur circle of friends grew as we welcomed Xavier, younger sibling of Isla, Maria, youngersibling of Sarah and Ralph to our Montessori family. Our new friends are settling in well and enjoying their time in Mimis.

MIMIS 3-6Parrish Khalili

Special ThanksWe would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm thank you to Radha and Janaine forpresenting a beautiful vase to Mimis. The beautiful artwork on the vas has inspired Mimis toinvestigate the style and techniques used by Vincent Van Gogh who was a Dutch post-impressionist painter. We are looking forward to the production of many beautiful artworks by the children. We would also like to extend a warm thank you to Saya and Jenelle for providing beautifulplants for our garden. Our children thoroughly enjoyed planting and looking after our garden. When children grow their own food, they learn about the fundamental principle: “what sustainslife on earth”. Gardening promotes both respect for the environment and a child’s ownresponsibility for good health.

MIMIS 3-6

Happy Chinese New YearThis term we are embracing Chinese New Year and are focusing our attention on exploring therelevant traditional customs celebrated during this auspicious occasion such as family dinner,red envelopes, firecrackers and fireworks, lion and dragon dance, and eating dumpling. Children thoroughly enjoyed making beautiful lanterns.

MIMIS 3-6Finally, we would like to thank all the parents who participated in the Woolworth fundraising.As a result of your generous support we were able to purchase beautiful gardening tools forMimis. We would also like to thank Natalya and Andrew for assembling Mimis wheelbarrow.

Welcome Back The children were excited to return to school and catch up with their friends after a long summerbreak, enjoying swapping holiday stories with their friends and teachers. Happy New Year to everyone and welcome back we hope you had a relaxing and refreshingholiday break. Chinese New YearWe started the term celebrating Chinese New Year 2020, the year of the Rat. The childrendecorated the Pademelon Room with their colourful hand made and painted Chinese Lanternsand Rats. They engaged in discovering their Chinese Zodiac animal signs according to the year of theirbirth and that ‘Red’ is a prevalent colour seen during Chinese New Year festivities,as red isbelieved to be an auspicious colour, a symbol of energy, good fortune and joy. Children of Chinese descent shared their experiences and knowledge of Chinese New Yearcelebrations explaining that it is a time for families to dine together sharing a variety of deliciousdishes, gifts are also exchanged and that sometimes money is placed in ‘red pockets’ and givento children. Other children shared their experience of attending the Lion Dancing celebrated in Chinatowndescribing it as very loud, cymbals clashed and firecrackers were thrown to frighten awayunlucky spirits. The children examined photographs of magnificent Lantern Festivals that mark the end of thetraditional Chinese New Year celebrations.Wishing everyone, Gong Xi Fa Cai.

PADEMELONS3-6

Harriet Ireland

Earn and Learn School Programme Thank you to everyone who participated in the Woolworths Earn and Learn SchoolProgramme. The children and teachers were delighted to receive new gardening equipmentconsisting of long handled spades and rakes, an outdoor broom, gardening gloves, trowels,small rakes a watering can and best of all a beautiful, shiny red wheelbarrow.Our special thanks go to Rory and Hamish Sutton for assembling the wheelbarrow. The children were thrilled to be able to use the new equipment to prepare the garden beds forthe autumn planting. They industriously weeded and replenished the beds with organically rich compost and garden soil and with gusto tilled and raked the soil. We are looking forward to planting the winter vegetables, carrots, radishes, spinach, onions, broad beans and of course, bulbs for a beautiful spring flower display.

PADEMELONS 3-6

Parent Liaison It is with great pleasure that I announce the Pademelon Parent Liaison's for 2020 are Eva Galfiand Alexandra Sands. Eva and Alexandra are long term members of the Cameragal Montessori community eachhaving had sons, Ethan and Oliver, who have completed the 3 to 6 Montessori programme. At present Eva’s daughter Anna and Alexandra’s daughter Mia are progressing into their third year of the 3 to 6 programme.These vivacious, warm, caring women have organised a number of community building outings for the Pademelon parents and children, as well as being involved in organising whole school events. I encourage everyone to support Eva’s and Alexandra’s initiatives as you and your children will undoubtedly have a great time, as well as supporting your school. Welcome We warmly welcome to the Pademelon Room, Archibald and his parents Joyce and Matthew.

PADEMELONS 3-6

AFTER SCHOOL CARE

We have now settled back into our afterschool routine. We have had an eventful few weeks with LunarNew Year activities, telling the time in Mandarin and a friendship week. In freindship week, we tracedBronte and made her a good friend by labelling what we think a good friend is and in Mandarin we havebeen learning to tell the time by playing Bingo. We were very excited to get some new board games which range from Operation, Jenga, Guess whoand more. Soon we will be participating in the Clean Up Australia School Initiative to help take care ofour environment. Here are some words from children at After School care: So we put the tables together and then the chairs go near the table. We count the children in AfterSchool Care. We put the food out and prepare the toast. We now have child sized gloves! Yay! Myfavourite part is making the toast. And by the way my favourite part of After school care is playing. Oneof my favourite games we play is kingdom. Written by Amos. I like playing games with Lucy. I like the new games. We have a board game called operation. Myfavourite thing was reading a book with Katie called the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe and I enjoyed it.Written by Sia.

"Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed " Maria Montessori How can we support the development of concentration and independence in your toddler duringclass in the playroom and at home? We can provide them with opportunities to concentrate - and then try not to interrupt - evenwhen we can see that they are making "mistakes". Slicing strawberries, washing dishes andmaking orange juice are best accomplished with what I like to call the 'full attention' of both youand your toddler.Purposeful activities like these foster concentration, eye-hand coordination andindependence. We are often our toddler's biggest obstacle. Next time you notice in class that your child has notlooked up from what they are doing in a while, take the opportunity to observe them and see howlong they remain engaged with their task. When your toddler needs your help or would like yourfeedback you can rest assured they will ask for it, I promise! These are often the momentswhen we 'help' too much and interrupt the flow of their concentration. Each visit to the playroom will give your toddler the opportunity to concentrate on purposefulwork they have chosen for themselves. Over time and with lots of repetition these simple taskswill build confidence and independence in your child. It will also give you the chance to find thesweet spot between observing and helping too much. This is a valuable parenting skill that canbe built up with support and practice during your time in the playroom. Start to think of small ways that you can provide your toddler with some of the opportunities forconcentration and purposeful work that they enjoy so much in the playroom at home. To helpwith this we have put together the Montessori Toddler Pack which includes a placemat, a glassand a copy of the highly recommended book The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies to getyou started. I would also suggest taking a look @bringingupbabe on Instagram. Let me know how you are going and I look forward to helping you bring the Montessori magichome as we work together this term.

PLAYROOM0-3Peta Gibson

PLAYROOM 0-3

Cameragal News

Cancer Council NSW is here to help you kick start the year easily, packing healthy lunchboxes your kids will enjoy. Developed by dietitians healthylunchbox.com.au is a one-stop shop for everything families need to know about packing a healthy lunch box.  Here’s what you will find:·        an interactive lunch box builder that helps parents and kids plan and pack ahealthy lunch with foods they like.·        The ability to filter recipes based on diets, easy to freeze and prep time·        Lots of quick and easy recipes and snack ideas·        Regular healthy eating blogs You can sign up to the Healthy Lunch Box e-newsletter for ideas, updates and recipesdelivered to your inbox throughout the year.

Healthy Lunch boxes

Cameragal News

Cameragal News

Cameragal News