Mel Norman 

Faces of New Farm Art Show

The ‘Faces of New Farm Art Show’ is back. This time our year 5 and 6 students are presenting their artwork in the last week of term 3 (Monday 13th September – Thursday 16^th September 8:15–8:45am, 3:00–3:15pm and Friday 8:15-8:45am only) in the hall. We welcome an optional gold coin donation upon entry to help support the purchase of our new art display boards.    

Ms Davis has been exploring visual conventions such as line, shade, colour, proportion and texture and creating self-portraits using a diverse range of mediums. The historical context of portraiture is being explored, along with how portraits not only capture the image of a person, but also convey feelings and emotions, identity, culture and a sense of community.

Over the next couple of weeks students will begin using our 3D printers (thanks to the P&C for their support last year in the purchase of 5 brand new 3D printers!) to create three-dimensional objects through a layering method. This involves layering plastic materials to create a name tag as a keepsake. Keep up the great work everyone and we hope to see you at the Faces of New Farm Art Show to check out their fabulous display!

 Early Years Network Community Connections - update

Free tickets are still available, but be quick as places are very limited. Covid safe measures in place at this event. Register via the QR code on the flyer. Flyers are also displayed at the school office. Hope to see you there!

Bump up Walls

This term our teachers have been busy getting creative with ‘Bump Up Walls’ to support student writing. Bump Up Walls provide a visual display designed to help our NFSS students know how to improve, or 'bump up' their writing to the next level of achievement. These displays include levelled exemplars or examples of work aimed at empowering students to take charge of their own learning, as their writing goes from ‘good’ writing, to ‘super’ writing!

1H have used a Pokemon theme to ‘bump up’ their writing on their wall. Matilda and Patrick were really excited to show me how their pokemon’s evolve as their achievement levels move up. Go 1H!

1D are aiming for the stars for their Bump Up Wall. Well done to the entire year 1 teacher team as they help to inspire our students to be the best writers they can be! Keep up the great work.

How do I support my child’s writing at home?

Here’s 5 Top Writing Tips:

1. Provide a comfortable place for your child to write.

This should be a quiet space that is well lit with ample supplies of paper, pens and pencils. You can also decorate with family photos and inspiring pictures to be used as story starters.

2. Read, read, read!

Reading to your child and/or your child reading to themselves is the single most productive activity to improve your child’s writing. Reading promotes general and content-specific vocabulary and also exposes your child to a variety of authors’ techniques to engage the reader.

3. Encourage your child to keep a reflective journal

Journaling about what is happening at school, home or on a special trip. This is a wonderful outlet for independent expression of feelings that develops the “senses” in your child’s writing. Provide intentional experiences in the community e.g. a trip to the museum, a walk by the Brisbane river that can provoke their interest in the world around them.

4. Provide real-life opportunities for your child

 Writing a thank you note, a shopping list or party invitation is a great way to increase your child’s interest in writing. A good old fashioned pen pal can nurture friendships too and who doesn’t enjoy receiving a letter in the mailbox with your name on it?

5. Role model writing for your child

Ensure your child sees you as a writer. Spend time discussing authentic writing you see around you such as letters in newspapers, written advertisements and billboards as you drive past. Encourage your child to think critically and discuss the purpose of the writing and the audience it is trying to reach.

Mel Norman

Head of Department (Curriculum)