We have moved!

The new blog address for 2013 is www.34phps.blogspot.com.au. See you there!

Expert letters and emails

During our research inquiry, many students have found and contacted experts to ask specific questions that will help them with their research story. Some students have written an email or a letter with questions. The focus for these students have been to write in a purposeful manner and with clarity. Students have learned that not all experts will reply (as experts are often busy) but if we are polite and clear about our enquiry, we have a better chance. Many of the emails have been put on display on the writing area wall in the neighbourhood and we invite our parents to come in and have a look at them.

Singing Sessions

Following from the success of our students at the PHPS Bazaar Talent Quest, David (who is with us on Tuesdays and Thursdays) has kindly taken on a leading role for the singing sessions every Tuesdays. Today was the very first session, and although some students were shy and tentative about singing publicly, everyone joined in and had a wonderful time. Here are a couple of photos I'd like to share with you of today's session.

Research Inquiry Updates

The research inquiry developing very nicely in our neighbourhood. Every student has conferenced with teachers on refining and planning of their research story. While some students are still in the process planning, others are well on their way following different research pathways.

The puppies with their dog handlers answer the students' questions.

Ella and Andrea, who have come up with the research story "How puppies become trained as police dogs" organised the dog handlers of the Victorian Police Department to visit our neighbourhood. They brought with them two 13 week old alsatian puppies Hakka and Hamma to answer questions formulated by the students.

The students with Lynn, who was a parent at PHPS during 1980's.

Meanwhile, Tilly, Eliza, Rosie, Mara, Mia and Asha organised an interview with a former parent of Princes Hill Primary School.  She kindly came in to reveal some wonderful and touching stories of the school, including the story behind the plaques on the benches.

There are many stories like these and we are hoping for many more to come as the inquiry progresses.

One-to-one Macbook in Beijing

We would like to thank David Meiklejohn for sending us an email with the link to the One-to-One Computing programme implemented in Beijing. It's a wonderful example of how programmes such as these can transform learning within our schools.

http://images.apple.com/education/profiles/rdfz/#video-rdfz

State Library Excursion

During week 4, the Year-34s went to an excursion to the Gusto! exhibition at the State Library. This was part of our research inquiry, allowing students the opportunity to experience museums and exhibitions as a way of exploring the concept of research and research tools.

We were welcomed by the staff of the library and treated to an extensive tour that included the La Trobe Reading Rooms and the Cowen Gallery. We looked at some very old tins of Vegemite and crackers in the Gusto! exhibition, had a go at some games and searched the library catalogues.

 As always, we would not be able to bring these rich experiences without the help of parents and we thanks those who came along to share the experience with us.

 Here are some photos for you to enjoy.

Cupcake day

The students have written their explanation of the cupcake day held today. We will write a follow-up blog to report on how this went at a later date.

RSPCA Cupcake Day Blog Post[1]