Illalong Newsletter - 21 March 2025 | A.B. Paterson College

Science: Growing Minds, Shaping Solutions

Science is not just a subject to be studied within the walls of a classroom, but a way of thinking and engaging with the world around us. It teaches students how to ask questions, test ideas, and understand the world on a deeper level. Across the Junior School, students are encouraged to think and work like scientists, developing the mindset and skills they need to understand and solve real-world problems. The Science curriculum covers a wide range of Generative Topics that help students connect what they learn to their everyday lives. By working like scientists, students become more engaged with the world and its challenges. They learn that Science is not just something to be learnt in a classroom but a tool to solve real-life problems. Whether they are observing the sky, designing an insulated lunchbox, or learning how to measure heat, our students are developing skills and understanding for life.

Students explore various real-world contexts that demonstrate the power of scientific thinking. For example, in our Prep classrooms this term, students learn about the importance of selecting the correct clothing and activities for the appropriate weather, an exploration that connects the learning area of Science with daily decision-making. Through this, students begin to understand the relationship between temperature, activities and protection, helping them make informed choices when it comes to staying comfortable and safe in different environments. An engaging way we bring Science to life within our Year 2 classrooms is through hands-on learning experiences, such as plant-growing projects, where students not only observe the natural world but also engage in the scientific process themselves. By growing plants and investigating what makes them thrive, students gain a deeper understanding of biological processes as well as key observational recording skills.

Another area of investigation within our Year 5 Science classrooms this term involves understanding light and how it travels. Students explore the nature of light, how it behaves, and the scientific principles behind its movement including reflection and refraction. Learning about light and materials prepares students to think critically about energy and sustainability in the world around them. A similar application of acquired knowledge occurs within our Year 3 Science classrooms where students engage in practical activities, such as designing a solar oven to harness the sun’s energy. Not only does this inspire creativity but it also encourages problem-solving and teamwork as students think about how to capture and utilise light and heat energy effectively.

The Year 4 Science curriculum delves into the properties of materials, teaching students how to select the correct materials for creating insulated lunchboxes that maintain temperature. Students experiment with various materials to understand why some are better insulators than others, helping them make connections between Science and everyday products. In addition, Year 6 students investigate reversible and irreversible changes in states of matter by observing how substances can change form under different conditions, an exploration that sparks their understanding of physical and chemical reactions. The Science journey in Year 1 involves students making observations of the sky, learning about weather patterns and changing seasons. This fosters student curiosity about the natural world and the Science that explains its phenomena. Through these experiences, students develop a deep understanding of the natural processes that influence our planet.

Whether they are designing sustainable solutions, observing plant growth, or exploring the nature of light, students are constantly learning to engage with the world scientifically. Through these experiences, they realise that Science is not just about memorising facts; it is a way of thinking critically and creatively to solve problems and understand the world. By embracing Science, students not only learn about the world but develop a lifelong curiosity and problem-solving mindset. The continued nurturing of this sense of wonder and discovery is evident across the College where our students are not just learning Science, they are living it.

Georgie Burrows | Director of Teaching And Learning – Prep to Year 6

News from our Year 6 Classrooms!

Prep Buddies

Building positive relationships with their Prep buddies is a highlight for our Year 6 students each year. All Year 6 and Prep classes have now had their initial pairings and look forward to seeing their buddies regularly. Year 6 students have already demonstrated effective leadership skills through their admirable examples. They have enjoyed sharing their knowledge with their Prep buddies, helping them with reading, writing, and numeracy, and showing patience in their interactions. We also joined the Prep classes for their annual Teddy Bear's Picnic in week 4! We hope the Year 6 cohort will continue to develop these relationships throughout the year and beyond.

Reflections from students:

We have so much fun with our Prep buddies. We do various activities with them like showing them around May Gibbs, doing activities on the iPads, and playing in the Prep playground. We also read books to them. Everyone has a lot of fun together, and our Prep buddies don’t want us to leave.

Having Prep buddies is a wonderful experience. We get to read books, play in the playground, and have a really fun time. It’s about learning and having fun. Having an older person look out for you, play with you, and pay attention to you makes you feel so special as a Prep student. It makes the first year of school, or as my little buddy says, “big school”, so much easier. When I was in Prep, I had an amazing Year 6 buddy (she is in Year 12 now), and I still say hi to her when I see her at school. It’s such an incredible program for both the Preps and the Year 6 group, and I can’t wait to see my Prep buddy eventually grow into a Year 6 buddy.

Having a Prep buddy is an amazing experience. You get to play with the youngest students at the College, and the Preps get someone to look up to. It’s an activity that all Year 6s and Preps look forward to and cherish. Seeing my Year 6 buddy every week when I was in Prep was always the highlight of my week. I still see my Year 6 buddy, who is now in Year 12, and I still say hi to her if I see her. I look forward to seeing my Prep buddy grow up into a Year 6 buddy herself.

Food Technology

Year 6 students have had the exciting opportunity to step into the world of food technology as we have explored the culinary wonders of the kitchen on Friday afternoons. The highlight has been our hands-on experience crafting mouthwatering meatball subs, showcasing both our newfound cooking skills and appreciation for diverse flavours. Beyond the delicious results, these sessions have been invaluable in teaching us the importance of safety and responsibility in a kitchen environment, instilling valuable life skills. The combination of learning and enjoyment has made our Friday afternoons a delightful way to cap off the school week, creating lasting memories and fostering a love for both the art of cooking and the joy of shared meals.

Tiffany Henry, Alyssa Arenson, Diane Harris and Dean West | Year 6 Teachers

Check On Your Wellbeing During Exam Block

During exam season, it’s easy to get caught up in studying and forget to take care of yourself, but prioritising mental health is just as important as preparing for your tests. Stress and anxiety can build up quickly, making it harder to concentrate and perform well. It’s also important to talk to someone if you’re feeling stressed, whether it’s a friend, family member, or teacher.

Remember, exams are important, but they don’t define your worth. Looking after your mental health will not only help you do your best but also make the whole experience a lot more manageable. And please feel free to reach out to any member of the College community if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your exams, including our lovely Wellbeing Committee. Good luck, everyone, you’ve got this!!

Here are some tips for taking care of your mental health through exams:

Go for a walk
- As cliche as it sounds, it has been proven that walking outside boosts the serotonin in your brain, which can help with motivation, stress and anxiety.
Listen to music
- Research has shown that music triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, which is essential for motivation, especially around studying.
- Purposefully choose your genre! Calming music with less lyrics, such as classical or lo-fi, leave you more likely to retain information, rather than overstimulating genres, like rock or hyperpop.

Sleep
- Although you can't always just take a nap in the middle of the day, getting a good sleep the night before an exam, or studying, is really important, because it supports brain development, and consolidating memories and learning.
- The body goes through "waves" of winding down through the day. When you feel really tired and notice that you start yawning, you find it harder to concentrate, and you find yourself zoning out, your body is ready to go to sleep. These waves of tiredness come every 2-3 hours, so if you skip one, it may be another few hours before another wave comes. This means that when you are trying to get to sleep, you may find it more difficult, leading to it being harder to focus the next day. Listen to your body!

Teya Morgan and Tilly Brown | Wellbeing Committee Representatives

Dennis House Sleepout and Lawson House Talent Show -16 May

Once again in 2025 the four Houses will collaborate to run events to bring students together in fun activities and raise money for our charity partners. The funds raised from these events will be combined and then distributed between three charities: Orange Sky Laundry, The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, and Young Care.

On Friday 16 May, Dennis House and Lawson House will combine to host the Dennis House Sleepout and Lawson House Talent Show. The evening will consist of three components that students can elect to attend. Event fees on Parent Lounge will cover the cost of the event and raise funds for our charity partners.

This event is an opportunity for students to give back to the community and to raise awareness of the importance of helping those members of our community less fortunate than ourselves, including those people living in care, below the poverty line or on the streets of the Gold Coast.

This year, to simplify the sign-up and payment process we are running a flat fee sign-up through Parent Lounge.

Year 7-12: $30

Year 4-6 - $20 – For the Games in the MPC and Pizza Dinner option, this will commence at 4.00pm and all Year 4-6 students will need to be collected from the MPC at 7.00pm

For Year 7-12, students will have the option of being collected at:

7.00pm after the games and pizza from the MPC
10.00pm at the conclusion of the Lawson Talent show in the LPAC
8.00am on Saturday 17 May at the conclusion of the Dennis Sleepout in the Winton Centre

Year 7-12 students who sign up will be asked to nominate the time they are being collected via a form that is being sent out after Friday 2 May.

To give permission for your child to attend, please click here to go to Parent Lounge and accept the terms and conditions for this excursion no later than Friday 2 May.

The event format is available to view in A.B. Connect.

For Years 7-12 Students

In the interest of safety, please be advised:

Students will not be permitted to leave the College grounds inside of these hours.
Parents/Guardians are required to be available to collect their child/ren throughout the night should there be a medical concern or behavioural issue.
All students must be picked up by a parent/guardian on Saturday morning at 8:00am; they will not be allowed to walk home or to take public transport.
Year 12 students who have their own car may drive themselves and any siblings home. Student drivers will not be permitted to take a group of students home.
There will be College staff and additional security overnight at the event.
Male and female students will be in different areas for sleeping with access to different amenities.

For Years 4-6 Students:

In the interest of safety, please be advised:

Students will not be permitted to leave the College grounds inside of these hours.
Parents/Guardians are required to be available to collect their child/ren throughout the night should there be a medical concern or behavioural issue.
All students must be picked up by a parent/guardian by 7.00pm at the MPC.

Please contact the relevant supervising teacher with any inquiries regarding this event: