Primary
@ Reddam
IN THIS ISSUE:

Book Week

News from Classrooms

Sport Fixtures and Results
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
The writer Marcel Proust said that, ‘There are perhaps no days of our childhood we lived
so fully as those we spent with a favourite book.’ This week we had the opportunity to
indulge in the written word, and to explore the world of imagination, in our very own
Book Week. Students throughout the school were encouraged to read through a variety
of activities on offer and on several occasions to open a book.
Book Week activities kicked off last Friday with an incursion for the Year K-2 students,
during which they were able to watch an adaptation of the CBCA picture book, Mr Huff,
by Anna Walker. This book was shortlisted by the Children’s Book Council of Australia as
one of the picture books of the year for 2016, and the presentation by Meerkat
Productions had the students completely engaged. Our thanks to them for bringing the
story alive in such a special way!
The Book Week activities culminated in today’s ‘Room to Read’ Dress-up Day. All manner
of interesting and colourful characters arrived at school this morning, and there was
much laughter coming from the classrooms as the students explained who they were – in
those cases where it was not immediately evident! My thanks to all those involved in Book
Week, especially our librarian Claudia Perez, and also to all the teachers and students
who threw themselves headfirst into the activities and into the time spent reading.
Hopefully the sparks of imagination kindled during this week will be set aflame, so that
reading becomes a lifelong passion.
Book Week also provided an avenue to support a worthwhile cause, and in this case it
was for the Room to Read Organisation, a non-profit organisation which aims to improve
literacy and gender equality in education in the developing world by funding libraries in
Cambodia, Nepal, and eight other countries. My thanks for the gold coin donations
towards this worthy cause.
Tuesday morning saw the eagerly anticipated Portfolio Day for Years K-2. There is always
great excitement when this day approaches, as it is a real highlight for the children to
show their work to their parents, relatives and special guests. It is the culmination of much
hard work, and I thank the teachers for all their efforts as they assisted the students to
present their work as beautifully as possible. I thank all those adults who made the time to
join their children for the morning. I am sure that it was time well spent, and I just know
that you made your child’s day by being there and by celebrating their creativity and
achievements with them.
On the sporting front, a whole host of young people have achieved excellence this past
week and we congratulate them all. Nikki Collins and Frankie Nicklin won their water
polo grand finals over the weekend, while representing UNSW Wests Water Polo club.
The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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Frankie’s abilities in the goals and Nikki’s rock solid defence make the two of them
formidable opponents, and they are certainly key members of their team.
The Under 9 Netball team competed in a gala day on Saturday, during which they played
seven games. They played some great netball and we are really proud of their fighting spirit.
A big congratulations to the Under 12 Netball team who have qualified for the Grand Final.
The girls have had an excellent season and will be looking to finish it off with one final win
next weekend. These players have demonstrated great skills and team work over the course
of the season and have represented Reddam with pride. We wish them all the best for their
grand final. The players in the team are: Jade Zelinger, Brighton Stokes, Aaliyah Ibrahim,
Sienna Opit, Nikki Collins, Ariane Varnava, Talia Shapiro, Amira Shields, Sofia Weidler, Xiao
Cao Neal and Zoe Littler.
Egor Grachev, in Year 1, competed in the 2016 Hunter Spring Judo Championship on Sunday.
He was also placed 1st in the Lake Macquarie Games Novice Teams Event and 2nd in the
Hunter Region Open Competition. Congratulations, Egor!
Brooklyn Berry took part in the CIS Rugby League Trials on Monday, where he won the Player
of the Day award. He was presented with Penrith Panthers balls and shorts, and this
presentation came from Kevin Kingston, a former NRL player and now a member of the
Penrith Panthers coaching staff. What an incredible achievement and honour, Brooklyn!
Tyson Bartholomew and Hugo Karpes received a Participation and Sportsmanship trophy
from the Under 6 East Sydney Football competition. We all share in the thrill of these
wonderful achievements, boys. Well done! The Under 10 boys and girls and the 12R Boys
Basketball teams are playing in the Grand final this weekend we wish them the best of luck.
On Thursday 25 August the ASISSA athletics carnival was held at ES Marks where 52 students
qualified and proudly represented Reddam House. Firstly, I would like to congratulate
every student who participated. It is a massive achievement to have such a large group of
talented athletes. Special mentions go to Talia Shapiro, Jade Zelinger and Tommy Malki, who
all won Age Champion for the age group.
Rehearsals for The Sound of Music are progressing really well and, as is to be expected, there
is great excitement among all those involved. Tickets are now available on Ticketek. Mr
Hattingh also announced the K-2 Production at assembly today and the students were
delighted to find out finally that the musical will be Shrek. What a highlight of the year these
two productions will be!
This coming Sunday, another eagerly anticipated event takes place – the Tournament of
Minds, to be held at Sydney Girls High School. Over recent years, several of our students have
excelled at the highest level, and we are confident that another batch of creative thinkers
are about to make us proud. Best of luck to Alyana Kondilios, Tom Littler, Mark Ward, Marlon
Rayson Harwood, Zoe Littler, Haines Sayer, Brighton Stokes, Oscar Ryan, Zayne Gladsden,
Guinevere Giddings, Miles Yuen, Alex Law, Yasha Ivanets and my thanks to Anthony
Shepherd for coaching our students.
On Monday, the Year K-2 students will again be treated with a fun-filled incursion, as the
production of Hansel and Gretel comes to Adelaide Hall, while the Year 1s have an excursion to
the Botanical Gardens to look forward to. I know that both groups will enjoy these experiences.
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Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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Then, may I remind you of the Fathers and Special Friends Stall, which takes place next
Friday, in anticipation of Father’s Day. This commences at 9:00am and students will be able
to purchase gifts for their fathers and important male figures in their lives. It is always really
exciting for the students to be able to choose their own gift and take it home already
wrapped, in preparation for a big surprise at home. A reminder that students who would like
to take part should hand their money in to Leeara Creet by Tuesday 30 August.
As we move past the halfway mark of this term, may you and your family have an enjoyable,
fun-filled weekend!
Dee Pitcairn
Principal
The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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REDDAM HOUSE
would like to wish a very happy birthday to
Joseph Westwood, Maxwell Giddings, Natasha Green, Joshua Kusnadi,
Hamish Hiller, Leo Chatonsky and Benjamin Saul.
who celebrated their special day this week!
We hope you had a fabulous day!
SOUND OF MUSIC REHEARSALS
3:30pm to 6:00pm
All Townsfolk, The Choir of
Nonnberg Abbey, Father Abbess,
Maria, Sister Berthe, Sister Sophia,
Sister Margarretta.
Drama Room
Tuesday 30 August
3:30pm to 6:00pm
All Yodelers, Franz, Frau Schmidt,
Maria, Liesel, Rolf, All von Trapp
children. Song “The lonely goat
herd”
Drama Room
Wednesday 31
August
3:30pm to 6:00pm
Scene 9 – All von Trapp children,
Captain, Maria, Max.
Drama Room
Thursday 1 September
3:30pm to 6:00pm
Scene 10 – All von Trap children,
Max, Franz, Maria, Captain,
Zeller, Schreiber
Drama Room
Friday 2 September
2:30pm to 5:00pm
Full cast Rehearsal.
Adelaide Hall
Monday 5 September
3:30pm to 6:00pm
Isolde Rydge, Amira Shields, Saffron Masterman, Jacob Gerber,
Harry Boye-Moller, Sebastian
Canturi, Thomas Carlisle.
Von Trap children, Captain
Drama Room
Tuesday 6 September
3:30pm to 6:00pm
Wednesday 7
September
3:30pm to 6:00pm
Thursday 8 September
3:30pm to 6:00pm
Friday 9 September
2:30pm to 5:00pm
Monday 29 August
The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Scene 10 - Von Trap children,
Max, Franz, Maria, Captain,
Schreiber, Zeller
Father Abbess, , Sister Berthe, Sister Sophia, Sister Margarretta,
Maria, All Townsfolk.
All Yodelers, The Choir of
Nonnberg Abbey, Von Trapp
children, Maria.
Full Cast Rehearsal
Volume 16 Issue 25
Drama Room
Drama Room
Drama Room
Adelaide Hall
Friday 26 August 2016
Page 4
SPORT RESULTS
SPORTING RESULTS 20TH AUGUST 2016
Basketball- Semi Finals
Girls
10R (Div1) (Jaimee) V Sapphires 9 - 3
14 E Div 2 (Luke) V Bronte 15 - 39
18 R Div 2 (Jaimee) V Maccabi 32 - 18
16E Div 2 (Jaimee) V Bandits 31 - 30
Boys
10 R Div 1 ( Marcel) V All Blacks 10 - 9
12 R Div 2 (Marcel) V Newtown 53 - 16
12 D Div 3 (Marcel) V Maccabi 14 - 22
Soccer
11R Boys V Waverley Old Boys 5 - 4
11E Boys V Maroubra 3 - 3
10s Boys V Maroubra 1 - 4
9s Boys V Maroubra 1 - 1
Netball – Semi Finals
Reddam 1 ( Intermediate) V Randwick
Rugby 17 - 15
Reddam 3 (14 Years) V St Catherines 22 - 15
Reddam 7 (12 Years ) V Mascot 25 – 18
The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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SPORT FIXTURES
SPORTING FIXTURES 20TH AUGUST 2016
Basketball- Grand Finals
Girls
10R (Div1) (Jaimee) V All Blacks 9.20am
Alexandria Basketball Stadium Saturday.
18 R Div 2 (Jaimee) V Wildcats 5.30pm
Alexandria Basketball Stadium Friday. The
bus will leave the sports office at Woollahra
at 3.30pm
16E Div 2 (Jaimee) V Newtown
4.30pmAlexandria Basketball Stadium Friday.
The bus will leave the sports office at
Woollahra at 3.00pm
Boys
10 R Div 1 ( Marcel) V Newtown
9.20amAlexandria Basketball Stadium
Saturday.
12 R Div 2 (Marcel) V Saints 8.30am
Alexandria Basketball Stadium Saturday.
Please check sydneybasketball.com.au to
ensure there have not been any late
changes to the draw.
Netball –Finals
Reddam 1 ( Intermediate) V Rose Bay
Heffron Netball Courts No. 20, 3.15pm
Saturday
Reddam 3 (14 Years) V Saints Heffron
Netball Court No. 16, 12.20pm Saturday
Reddam 7 (12 Years ) V Straight through to
Grand Final
The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten had a very exciting Olympics week in school. We learned all about the
Paralympics and the children found it fascinating to learn about just how amazing and
talented the athletes are. On Thursday, Kindy had a fun excursion to Cooper Park where we
held our very own Olympic Games. The children competed in the sack race, egg and spoon
race and a relay race. We were so impressed with the athletes and how everyone cheered
their friends on! It was great to see such good teamwork.
It was so special to open our classrooms on Tuesday and the children all enjoyed showcasing
you their amazing work.
The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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MUSIC— KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten have been learning how to be Composers!
They have been gathering inspiration from the ocean to write a rhythmic composition about
a sea creature.
The students experimented with coloured rhythm bars and then used their understanding of
the rhythms 'ta' and 'ti-ti' to write and perform their composition.
YEAR 1
This week in Year 1 we revisited division. We did this practically and soon noticed the number
patterns and the relationship between division and multiplication!
In Science, we have been describing the characteristics of animals and categorising living
things into classes - mammals, reptiles, marsupials, birds, insects, amphibians and plants.
We also had Book Week at school this week and we thoroughly enjoyed coming to school
today and spending the day as one of our favourite story characters!
The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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YEAR 1
The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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YEAR 2
Year 2 students had an amazing day on Tuesday, proudly showing their wonderful work
samples on Portfolio Day. It was exciting to see the students confidently reporting on their
progress as they reflected on the activities they had completed.
In Science we are enjoying experimenting with ‘Forces’ and formulating scientific questions.
English lessons have focused on our novel study of ‘Charlotte’s Web’. The students have
been completely engaged and listening attentively to each chapter as it is read aloud. The
students
colourful descriptive writing reflects their enthusiasm
for
this
novel. The
characters Fern, Wilbur, Templeton and Charlotte also appeared at our ‘Book Week’ dress
up day on Friday.
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Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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YEAR 3
This term during PDH lessons the students of Year 3 have been learning about the world
around them. Students have been discovering the many different countries, values and
cultures the world has to offer. Did you know that there are around 195 different countries?
Year 3 have also been discovering why it is necessary to look after our planet, so that we can
preserve the world we live in and its many environments. If we are to survive, then we need
to take a pro-active approach in looking after the world around us. Students have revisited
the need to 'Reduce, Reuse and Recycle' in their everyday lives so that they can limit the
impact on the planet.
The students are eager to become ‘eco-warriors’ and put into practice what they have
learnt to protect the planet for the future.
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Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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YEAR 4
We are all faced with so many decisions and choices in our lives, and this term, Year 4
students are learning about making decisions in PDH. Students have explored how to make
the right choices when faced with daily decisions, to help them remain safe in unsafe
situations. Strategies revolve around the ‘No, Go, Tell’ approach. Students have learnt how to
be assertive and to communicate their feelings clearly. They have identified support networks
and who they can trust and turn to for help.
In English, the students continue to develop their skills and strategies in reading. Students
explore techniques on how to think more creatively and use their inferential understanding
when interpreting information and responding to a text. As reading is an integral part of their
English development, students are always encouraged to maintain a consistent approach to
reading, and read as often and as widely as possible. This week is ‘Book Week’ and the
theme is ‘Australia! Story, Country’. This is a wonderful way for the students to integrate their
learning about our history and culture, and we enjoyed seeing our students dressing up on
Friday to celebrate this special week.
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Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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YEAR 5 ENGLISH
This term, Year 5 have been reading ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ by Katherine Paterson. As a class,
we have been focussing on descriptive language used in the novel. Students have explored
the importance of figurative language, such as similes and metaphors, and how their use
enhances the story for the reader and aids in creating an image. As a class, we wrote a
description for the ‘not so nice’ teacher, Mrs Myers. Students were then to continue the
description on Miss Edmunds, the teacher who won the heart of the students.
Ethan Nguyen - Mrs Myers and Miss Edmunds character description
Mrs Myers, the year 5 teacher, was something else altogether. Her famous first day smile was
as rare as an eclipse, something that only occurred every few years. Commonly known as
Monster-Mouth Myers, her sharp voice cut through her pupils, shattering their daydreams and
awakening from her slumber. Her mouth, in all its glory, resembled a balloon being slowly
blown up as her face became redder and redder. Slowly, like a pot reaching boiling point,
steam would come spewing out and suddenly, flames would explode like a dragon,
capturing its prey.
Her body marched through the school, stomping on the ground like the Incredible Hulk. Her
face bubbled like a melted cheese and her puffy eyes were as red as blood. The smell of her
resembled a dead skunk, freshly caught. Her rage and anger was a powerful storm raging
down on all who crossed her. Her hands were like a powerful wind and they were very cruel
like a tornado. Her anger was like a demon, easily unleashed. Yes, it was hopeless to be
caught by her and try to run away.
Miss Edmunds was the light that powered the school and her beauty was a fire in the darkest
place in the world. Her smile was a permanent fixture to her face and the perfume she wore
surrounded her making her smell like a meadow. Her kindness was flowing and people
breathed it in like air. Her eyes shone like diamonds and she only sent out good thoughts. She
might be quite poor but, to those who knew her, everything about her was special.
The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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YEAR 6 ENGLISH
This week, Year 6 students have been busy learning how to integrate quotes into their
analytical responses. As we have been reading the novel, ‘Number the Stars’ and analysing
key characters and themes, it is important for students to support their analysis with quotes.
Below are some examples of the students’ work. They were to answer the question which is
given below and to integrate relevant quotes:
In times of war, people rely on friendship to support them and help them survive difficult
situations. Discuss the theme of friendship in the novel, ‘Number the Stars’.
Sienna Opit
Firstly, one important friendship throughout the novel that was strengthened due to the war
was the friendship between Annemarie and Ellen. For instance, Annemarie and Ellen’s
friendship was extremely evident to the reader when Annemarie showed support to Ellen
when she was experiencing tough times due to the Nazis. One clear example that
highlighted this was when, ‘Annemarie leaned over and hugged her’ (page 42) proving just
how strong their bond is. This clearly proves that Annemarie and Ellen have a strong bond
and are always there for each other. Therefore, this shows just how important friendship is
during difficult times like war.
Amira Shields
Another character that is used to explore the theme of friendship is Peter. This character is
another representation of the theme friendship as he delivers the illegal newspaper ‘Free the
Danes’ to the Danish people after curfew so they are aware of what is happening in the war.
A valid example from the text that demonstrates this is, ‘Copenhagen had a curfew…it was
dangerous for Peter to visit at this time’ (page 22). This ultimately proves that Peter is
someone who is a friend to all because he is risking his life to make sure the Johansen family
are safe and aware. Therefore, it is clear that the character of Peter is an excellent example
of friendship.
The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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YEAR 5 & 6 MATHEMATICS
This week in Mathematics, students have focused heavily on problem solving strategies and
in doing so applying their knowledge of fractions. A growth mind-set has been encouraged
whereby students were provided with a variety of complex and challenging problems and
were encouraged to work independently or collaboratively to solve the problems. The
students experimented with learned strategies, tried new strategies, and sought input from
their peers. Students were encouraged to take risks, learn from their errors and setbacks and
see their learning as a process. The key message was not to feel defeated or crushed when
challenged.
Many of the Year 6 students reflected on their development from last year and were greatly
satisfied by their deeper understanding and ability to solve problems.
VISUAL ARTS
My AI Robot will fight for peace & justice until the battle
is won …
Artificial intelligence is advanced technology
Intelligence is the key to reach other dimensions
Racing robot has speed, strength and agility
Obedient robot overcomes humongous obstacles
Brave and bold robot rises to the challenge
Outstanding robot revolutionises human society
Tough, terrific robot can smash tough terrain
By Coco Batu-Sampson
The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 25
Friday 26 August 2016
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BOOK WEEK PICTURE WEEK PERFORMANCE
As part of Book Week, last Friday morning, the students from Years K-2 joyfully watched an
adaptation of the picture book Mr Huff. The story and characters were interpreted
beautifully!! We laughed and clapped with the children! (And cried, when seeing Mr Huff's
paper tears!).
Thanks to Debbie and Luke from Meerkat Productions for a touching, funny and high-energy
stage performance.
YEAR 5 & 6 SCIENCE
This week in Science, Year 6 designed and made their own weather vanes. We used thin
wooden dowels, some straws and attached a cardboard tail fin to catch the wind. The
pointer aligns with the compass directions below it to show which direction the wind is
blowing. We look forward to testing out our designs!
One of the earliest forms of weather vanes were banners flown from medieval towers. These
were to show archers the direction of the wind. In days gone by, a weather vane was used
to help farmers predict the weather or to see from which direction storm fronts were coming.
The word ‘vane’ comes from the Old English word ‘fana’ meaning flag.
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Friday 26 August 2016
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MEDIA ART
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Friday 26 August 2016
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PORTFOLIO DAY
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BOOK WEEK
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BOOK WEEK
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BOOK WEEK
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The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 24
Friday 19 August 2016
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The Reddam House Primary School Newsletter
Volume 16 Issue 24
Friday 19 August 2016
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