HEAD OF DEPARTMENT - CURRICULUM - Elise Debenham
Math Mastermind Competition
Last Friday, 17 October, some of our young mathematicians came together for the annual Math Mastermind Competition. It was a day full of puzzles, problem-solving, teamwork, and plenty of excitement!
Schools from across the area joined in, including Wynnum West, Manly, Wondall Heights, Whites Hill, Lota, and Seven Hills. The competition was fierce but friendly, as teams tackled a range of challenging math rounds, from tricky number puzzles and team problem-solving events to relays and a creative mathematical modelling challenge that really got everyone thinking outside the box.
The atmosphere buzzed with energy as students collaborated, strategised, and cheered each other on. It was fantastic to see so many bright ideas, quick calculations, and smiles all around!
A huge Congratulations to our winning teams:
1st Place – Wynnum West State School
2nd Place – Manly State School
3rd Place – Tingalpa State School
A big well done to all participants for showing great teamwork, enthusiasm, and mathematical talent. We cannot wait to see what next year’s Math Mastermind brings.
Today, our excited Year 2 students stepped back in time with a visit to Newstead House, Brisbane’s oldest surviving residence. The excursion was part of the “Connect with Heritage” program, where students became history detectives for the day, exploring what life was like in the 1800s and discovering how our community has changed over time.
The day began with a stroll through the beautiful Newstead Park grounds, where students compared maps and discussed how the area has transformed since Brisbane’s early days. They then enjoyed a hands-on session called “Washday Wonders”, learning how families once did their washing using old-fashioned equipment, no electricity required!
Students explored fascinating artefacts from the past, discovering how everyday objects and technology have changed. They also took part in “Step Back in Time,” learning about manners and etiquette expected of children long ago. After lunch, the fun continued with colonial games on the green and a sensory activity exploring the plants and their uses in early Brisbane gardens.
The highlight for many was the guided tour of Newstead House, where students compared the rooms and furniture to their own homes and imagined what it might have been like to live there over 150 years ago.
It was a fantastic day of curiosity, learning, and laughter and our Year 2 students returned to school with a newfound appreciation for Brisbane’s history and heritage.
Art in Prep B
Our little artists in Prep B have been learning about famous artists and their techniques. Over the past Semester, they have looked at the following artists:
- Wassily Kandinsky who is well known for his abstract paintings using shapes, lines and colours.
- Vincent Van Gogh who is known for his beauty, emotion and colour throughout his art.
- Pablo Picasso for his cubism movement, a revolutionary style of modern art in response to the rapidly changing modern world.
As you can see in their photos below, we have some budding artists who have done an incredible job with their art pieces.
