Primary eNews – Oct 28th, 2022
Grade 4 Debates: celebrating our learning
One way to promote positive communication and social skills in the classroom is through active discussion.
As part of their previous unit of inquiry, Sharing the Planet unit assessment, Grade 4 students presented debates on four varied self-selected topics. A key concept of this unit is perspective, sharing points of view while valuing others and acknowledging that the viewpoints of others may differ from our own and that is ok.
With the support of Mr. Marshall and the library, Grade 4 began the involved process of delivering an argument. They began with identifying the differences between fact and opinion using a range of visual prompts. Next, they developed skills in research, becoming familiar with child-friendly search engines, keywords, and advanced search strategies to locate relevant information. Following this, they explored the relevance of information, asking “how can this information support my opinion?”
In their writing, students explored powerful words and persuasive language and followed the writing process to brainstorm ideas and suggest possible key arguments.
Students used graphic organisers to guide their research and checked in with peers and teachers regularly for feedback, before publishing and practicing their final presentations.
Here are the links to the student debate transcripts.
Topic 1: Medical and health care (insurance) should be free for everyone.
PRO
CON
Topic 2: Students that are falling behind need to attend school on Saturdays.
PRO
CON
Topic 3: Resources and money should only be used on Earth to save this planet and NOT to explore others as new habitats.
PRO
CON
Topic 4: Students should not be required to wear uniforms to school.
PRO
CON
All students were confident risk-takers presenting their arguments to their audience. Grade 4 learned so much during the debate process and are extremely keen to continue developing our skills in communication and presentation, so stay tuned for more debates.
Way to go Grade 4, a fantastic display and celebration of your learning!
Thank you Mr. Marshall and parents for all your support and encouragements.
Primary Spirit Week 2022
After 2 years of having virtual Spirit Week for our primary students, finally this year we have the chance to celebrate this special week on site. This week, the students had chances to express themselves and their creativity through the dress they are wearing. This event allowed the community; the students, the parents, and teachers to develop the spirit of togetherness and the excitement of school. Spirit week was not only about dressing up but also about being a risk taker in joining some of the activities that they might never have done before. Every day during spirit week, the students could join some competitions during lunch time. The competitions were; balloon race, tied leg race, art and craft making, face painting, lomba makan krupuk, and water sip competition.
On Friday, our Primary STUCO members did the trick or treating to all the classes in primary school. They handed out treats like; tattoo, jelly, popcorn and fruit icy poles. It’s been wonderful to see the students having lots of fun and being really enthusiastic while still being responsible.
We ended our spirit week by having Primary Halloween Disco Party in the MPR. The students were wearing their costumes, dancing, singing, playing games and having announcements for the best costume of each day and the winner of each competition. All the photos for the activities will be in the slideshow below.
Nationality Monday
Twin Tuesday
Wacky Wednesday
Thirsty Thursday
Frightening Friday
We would like to thank all the students and parents for participating and supporting your child/children. Thanks to the teachers for participating and encouraging your students to join in the festivities. We are looking forward to spirit week next school year. Please drop any suggestions to help us improve for next year. Thank you! – Primary StuCo Team