Griffith East Public School
GEPS began their new school year on Monday, January 30. We have a student population of exactly 502 students with 20 classrooms. Cody is in Year 6, Kent in Year 5, Colt in Year 2 and Khye is in Kindergarten. I am teaching Year 1 along with 3 other ladies. I have 20 students in my class. Like all Australian students, the boys wear uniforms to school: grey shorts and a blue button up shirt. On the days when they have "sport" (PE/gym), they wear their sport uniforms: black shorts and a blue golf shirt.
Awards & Assemblies - Check here often!!!
Swim Carnival - February 14, 2012
The school swim carnival was held on Valentine's Day. The boys entered several events from 25 to 200m. They dressed in team colours to cheer for Arunta. Great thing Arunta means "RED". Because Cody is the captain of Arunta, he had to enter ALL of the races! Both he and Kent were exhausted at the end of the day. The carnival was like a beehive....super busy but very organized. Thanks for a great day GEPS!
First School Disco
April 3, 2012
Tonight was the 1st school disco of the year. The theme was Under the Sea. We dropped the boys off at 6:30 and picked them up at 8:00 pm. The music was loud, the friends were abundant and they were too busy dancing to even stop to buy treats! They both thought it was an excellent night and the only complaint was that it was too short! Another great GEPS event! :)
Tonight was the 1st school disco of the year. The theme was Under the Sea. We dropped the boys off at 6:30 and picked them up at 8:00 pm. The music was loud, the friends were abundant and they were too busy dancing to even stop to buy treats! They both thought it was an excellent night and the only complaint was that it was too short! Another great GEPS event! :)
The Grandparent Easter Hat Parade
Wednesday, April 4, was our Grandparent Assembly. The hall was packed with not even standing room available! Each class painted pictures of their grandparents, created Easter hats and prepared an Easter or grandparent song. At the end of the assembly, the Easter bunny made an appearance! It was a "feel good" kind of day!
In preparation for the Grandparent Assembly, Khye's teacher, Mrs. Mulholland, told the kids they could call their grandparents that live far away and invite them to the assembly. Khye told me this one morning on the way to town and he was serious so I was a little teary about that. Cody said, "It's too far for our Grandmas and Bopa to come." Khye's reply, "It only takes one day....." Life is so easy when you're 5! We'll just have to settle for pictures and videos. The boys invited Cass' Mom and Dad to be their Grams & Bopa for the assembly today. They accepted the invitation and were both there sitting behind me. A kid can never have too many grandparents!
In preparation for the Grandparent Assembly, Khye's teacher, Mrs. Mulholland, told the kids they could call their grandparents that live far away and invite them to the assembly. Khye told me this one morning on the way to town and he was serious so I was a little teary about that. Cody said, "It's too far for our Grandmas and Bopa to come." Khye's reply, "It only takes one day....." Life is so easy when you're 5! We'll just have to settle for pictures and videos. The boys invited Cass' Mom and Dad to be their Grams & Bopa for the assembly today. They accepted the invitation and were both there sitting behind me. A kid can never have too many grandparents!
Easter in 1J - Decorating Easter Eggs and Jellybean Math
GEPS Environmental Club
Colt is a member of our school's environment club. They look after the plants, trees and flowers around the school. In Term 1, they planted a vegetable garden behind Khye's classroom. Today (April 26) was the first day that they picked their produce. Colt and a Year 5 boy came around to our classrooms with a basket of fresh produce for teachers to buy. Tonight we had a yummy salad including the lettuce and cucumber that Colt helped grow. Great job, son!
Random Snaps Around School
Cross Country Running - May 4, 2012
Our school cross country competition was held at the Oval across the road from the school. Each student wore their school sport uniform or the colours of their house team. The Jackson 4 boys belong to Arunta (red). Kindergarten had to run 350m, Year 2 ran 700m, and the older students ran 3km. Colt and Khye raced against 40 or so boys in their grades and Kent and Cody raced 30 or so boys the same age as them. At times it was difficult to tell the boys' positions because there were 2 or 3 races running at the same time. In the end, Khye placed 3rd, Colt placed 3rd, Kent placed 5th and Cody placed 3rd! The Arunta team earned the house trophy for the first time since 2004! Cody and Kent will move on to Districts in the near future.
Lake Wyangen Cross Country Running - May 25, 2012
The top 8 runners from each category at our GEPS cross country running day went on to compete at Lake Wyangen on May 25. Cody and Kent were both able to compete. The Lake Wyangen competition would be comparable to our Hwy 16 competitions. Anyway, the week leading up to the the big race was warm and clear. Beautiful fall weather. Unfortunately, when we woke on Friday, it was wet and cool with a high of 10C. We made sure the boys were "rugged up" and had lots of food and out we headed.
Now, much to MY surprise, there was a replacement teacher waiting for me in my classroom. Turns out, I was to be one of the supervising teachers for the running team at Lake Wyangen but they forgot to tell me!!! Luckily, I had enough warm clothes because I have two duties (supervisions) on Fridays. I made a scrambled plan for the sub and then hopped in my own van because I had already missed the bus!
The day was very cool and rainy. We tried to hide under umbrellas and our school tent but our teeth were chattering and the bodies were shaking. The kids in Years 3-6 ran excellent races. Kent competed against 45 U11 boys and finished in a strong 13th place. He also finished with mud all over his face and claimed that he fell during the run. (I'm still confused because his clothes and hands were all clean?!?!) Anyway, Cody competed against 57 U13 boys and finished 8th! He had an excellent run.
At the end of the day, in the drizzle and cold, GEPS was awarded the 1st place trophy for the big schools! Cody proudly accepted the trophy for us. The top 4 runners in each division will move on to the Riverina final in a couple of weeks but Cody and Kent will not be among them. (Whew...we would have to miss it anyway because we'll be at Ayers Rock!) It was a cold, surprising day and another great school event from GEPS.
Now, much to MY surprise, there was a replacement teacher waiting for me in my classroom. Turns out, I was to be one of the supervising teachers for the running team at Lake Wyangen but they forgot to tell me!!! Luckily, I had enough warm clothes because I have two duties (supervisions) on Fridays. I made a scrambled plan for the sub and then hopped in my own van because I had already missed the bus!
The day was very cool and rainy. We tried to hide under umbrellas and our school tent but our teeth were chattering and the bodies were shaking. The kids in Years 3-6 ran excellent races. Kent competed against 45 U11 boys and finished in a strong 13th place. He also finished with mud all over his face and claimed that he fell during the run. (I'm still confused because his clothes and hands were all clean?!?!) Anyway, Cody competed against 57 U13 boys and finished 8th! He had an excellent run.
At the end of the day, in the drizzle and cold, GEPS was awarded the 1st place trophy for the big schools! Cody proudly accepted the trophy for us. The top 4 runners in each division will move on to the Riverina final in a couple of weeks but Cody and Kent will not be among them. (Whew...we would have to miss it anyway because we'll be at Ayers Rock!) It was a cold, surprising day and another great school event from GEPS.
Crazy Day - May 31, 2012
The school crazy day was a fun, casual day. Everyone participating was to give a gold coin donation to a charity. Cody, Kent, Colt and I all wore clothes from the Conlan dress up boxes. Khye chose to wear his new Spiderman pyjamas. I only took the one photo all day (too busy and forgot!) but this one is a keeper! Uate is also new to our school and is a teacher's aide for several of our young boys. He is happy, upbeat and fun to be with! Love this picture! (P.S. Uate is bald and always wears the red band!)
AFL Gala Day - June 1, 2012
The school has try outs for all of the sports teams and Kent was able to make the AFL(Aussie rules football) team! Their Gala Day was held at the Exies oval across the road from the school. They played 5 - 20 minute games and they won the first 4! They lost the last game by 2 points...a heartbreaker! Even with all those wins, they don't get to move on to the next round and they are out after only one day. I was able to run back and forth all day and caught parts of 4 of Kent's games. We're very proud of you, Bubby!
Athletics Carnival - June 14, 2012
The school athletics carnival was held on Thursday. The entire 500 students were bussed to the west end oval. The K-2 classes competed in running and novelty races (sack race, three legged race, bean bag race and egg in spoon race). The 3-6 classes competed in track and field events. At the end of the day, Arunta finished in 2nd place, losing by only 5 points!
Scavenger Hunt - June 15, 2012
The teachers at GEPS try to get together once each term. In term one, we enjoyed supper and a band on St. Patrick's Day. This term, it was a scavenger hunt around Griffith! Five teams of five decorated themselves and some of the vehicles before racing around town gathering pictures and treasures. After 50 minutes, the first two teams screeched into the parking lot at the same moment and literally crashed through the door trying to claim 1st place. The rest of the evening was spent with good food and great friends. We shared pictures and laughs and created memories. It was an excellent night!
5R Assembly - June 21, 2012
Kent's class performed a rap of the Three Little Pigs. Kent had a little speaking part and pracitised each day. Well done boys!
Soccer Gala Day - June 28, 2012
Cody tried out and made the school soccer team! Their Gala day was today...one day after Cody's birthday and the same day as the disco! Could we possibly pack any more fun into this week?
The Gala was held at an oval several blocks from the school so I wasn't able to watch any action but did get updates via text! They won their first 2 games and then lost the 3rd by one goal....another heartbreaker to Beelbangra...the same team that beat them in cricket and AFL.
The Gala was held at an oval several blocks from the school so I wasn't able to watch any action but did get updates via text! They won their first 2 games and then lost the 3rd by one goal....another heartbreaker to Beelbangra...the same team that beat them in cricket and AFL.
Term 2 Disco - June 28, 2012
The big boys were excited for yet another great disco night at the school hall. Kent went home after school with Dean and Jesse and Lucas came home with us. After a quick play and supper, we all met back at the hall for 1.5 hours of loud, kid-pleasing music and dancing. I stuck around to catch a few pictures and "help supervise". I don't think I was much help really but it was fun to watch the boys with their mates!
1J Assembly - June 29, 2012
My class performed our second assembly item on the last day of Term 2. Because we are in the middle of winter, we decided to perform a winter song! My Year 1s dressed in hockey unitforms, Canadian shirts, toques and mittens. We had flags and mini sticks too and we performed Stompin' Tom's "Good Old Hockey Game"! In the background, we ran a slideshow of hockey pictures from home. The kids were very lively and Colt and Khye's friends liked to see their hockey pictures. It was a fun way to end the term.
The Olympic Opening Ceremonies - 2G Assembly - July 27, 2012
Education Week Assembly - August 1, 2012
Wednesday was a full on day celebrating Education Week. Our classrooms were open to the public from 10:30-11:15 am, we had morning tea in the library for parents and teachers and then a K-6 assembly was held in the hall. There were around 750 people in the hall watching the performances. Khye's class sang a song about syllables and Cody's boy band, "Wrong Direction", made an encore performance. This time they sang Payphone. It was a high energy day!
Sherene's Retirement Party - August 4, 2012
My sweet friend, Sherene, officially retired at the end of Term 2. Luckily, she will continue teaching at GEPS until the end of the year. The party honouring Sherene was a black and white affair. We are a classy looking bunch!
Book Week Assemby and Street Parade - August 21 -22, 2012
Term 3, Week 6 was Book Week. Half of our classes performed assembly items on Tuesday. Kent, Colt and 1J were all stars this week! On Wednesday, the K-3 classes participated in a town assembly. We dressed as super heros and paraded down the street. The library staff then treated us all to a sausage sizzle. 1J also started our author study of Robert Munsch this week. Read On!
Red Faces - September 5, 2012
Red Faces was a television program on Australian TV. Griffith East Public School has run a Red Faces day as a school event for the past 14 years. Children spend weeks (on their own time) preparing a song/skit/dance, etc to present in front of the entire school body and, more importantly, three tough judges. At the end of this loud, harsh, 2.5 hour contest, a large trophy is presented to the winning group.
This year, there were 27 acts! Mrs. Oates, Mr. Cook and Miss Gilbert were the judges. They could be bribed with chocolates and lollies but it didn't seem to help...2/3s of their comments were harsh/cruel. (Apparently this is the name of the game and is to be expected! Most kids seemed to love it.....others, not so much!)
Our boys did enter the contest with the Bennet boys and the Paton kids. That makes 8 boys and 1 girl. (Mia is very brave!) They sang an adapted version of the Australian national anthem. The words of the anthem are put to a classic Aussie rock song, Workin Class Man. Cody and Dean were the lead singers and the other 7 were the choir. The kids practiced for many hours and were very ready. Unfortunately, technology let them down. Cody's microphone died at the beginning of the song, the music was turned up and down by teachers trying to fix the situation and then the microphone let out a loud screech! The kids kept on singing as best they could but were deflated. I was sad for them. It's only a fun contest but they had worked so hard and didn't even get a fair shake. Luckily, the judges weren't too cruel to them so they were still smiling when they left the stage. Their score.....15 out of a possible 30.
This year's contest was a race to the finish. Two large Year 6 groups battled it out to the finish and came 1st and 2nd! They were both very deserving! It was a sensory overload type of day that I was glad to see once but am glad I don't have to repeat!
This year, there were 27 acts! Mrs. Oates, Mr. Cook and Miss Gilbert were the judges. They could be bribed with chocolates and lollies but it didn't seem to help...2/3s of their comments were harsh/cruel. (Apparently this is the name of the game and is to be expected! Most kids seemed to love it.....others, not so much!)
Our boys did enter the contest with the Bennet boys and the Paton kids. That makes 8 boys and 1 girl. (Mia is very brave!) They sang an adapted version of the Australian national anthem. The words of the anthem are put to a classic Aussie rock song, Workin Class Man. Cody and Dean were the lead singers and the other 7 were the choir. The kids practiced for many hours and were very ready. Unfortunately, technology let them down. Cody's microphone died at the beginning of the song, the music was turned up and down by teachers trying to fix the situation and then the microphone let out a loud screech! The kids kept on singing as best they could but were deflated. I was sad for them. It's only a fun contest but they had worked so hard and didn't even get a fair shake. Luckily, the judges weren't too cruel to them so they were still smiling when they left the stage. Their score.....15 out of a possible 30.
This year's contest was a race to the finish. Two large Year 6 groups battled it out to the finish and came 1st and 2nd! They were both very deserving! It was a sensory overload type of day that I was glad to see once but am glad I don't have to repeat!
August Aussie of the Month - September 7, 2012
Each month, one student from each of our K-2 classrooms is nominated for Aussie of the Month. These students demonstrate outstanding performance or behaviour in the classroom or on the playground. From the nominations, one student from each Year is chosen as the Aussie of the Month. August's nominations were a little out of the ordinary as there was an "honorary Aussie" in the group! Khye's certificate reads, "This certificate is presented to Khye Jackson for being an enthusiastic and cheerful member of the class. He is polite and a fantastic friend to everyone."
KM's Term 3 Assembly - September 14, 2012
Khye's class performed their assembly item today. It was a catchy little song called "Hand in Hand". Khye knew all the words and actions and his grin was priceless as he sang, flexed and jumped his way through the song! Khye also filled the speaking role of a classmate who was away. He helped Mr. Pryor hand out Merit Awards and shook everyone's hand. At the end, Mr. Pryor presented Khye with his own Merit Award!
Kent's Excursion to Canberra - September 11-14, 2012
(Kent is talking and Mom is typing....)
We left school on Tuesday at 6:30am. It took 5 hours to get to Canberra. For three days, we toured government offices, zoos and aquariums, a science place called Questacon and we also went mini golfing. We stayed at Canberra Motor Village. I shared a room with Dean and Julian. The teachers were Miss Carter, Mrs. Dance, and Mr. Grandi. My favorite activity was Questacon. There was a 6.7m free fall. You go up the stairs and there is a ledge and then you hang on to a bar and you hang down. Then you let go and it's almost like a giant slide. Lots of kids were sick on the excursion. They were spewing everywhere! We came home on Friday at 5:00pm. We were all tired.
We left school on Tuesday at 6:30am. It took 5 hours to get to Canberra. For three days, we toured government offices, zoos and aquariums, a science place called Questacon and we also went mini golfing. We stayed at Canberra Motor Village. I shared a room with Dean and Julian. The teachers were Miss Carter, Mrs. Dance, and Mr. Grandi. My favorite activity was Questacon. There was a 6.7m free fall. You go up the stairs and there is a ledge and then you hang on to a bar and you hang down. Then you let go and it's almost like a giant slide. Lots of kids were sick on the excursion. They were spewing everywhere! We came home on Friday at 5:00pm. We were all tired.
Cody's Excursion to Ballarat and Melbourne - September 17-20, 2012
Disco #3 - October 25, 2012
Disco #3 as another success! The theme was 'Rainbow". I think the night will be best remembered for the teachers dancing 'Gangnam Style' and for the 10 year old boys getting themselves 10 year old girlfriends.....and so it begins!
October Aussie of the Month - October 26, 2012
Those little Jackson boys are on a role! Today, Colt had the honour of being nominated for Aussie of the Month! His nomination reads: Colt Jackson is nominated for Aussie of the Month because he is a responsible class member and he approaches all aspects of school life in a positive way. Colt's friend, Geniveve, won the Year 2 Aussie of the Month pin for October and Colt was very polite to clap for her. We are SO proud of you, Colt, because you are a kind, generous, responsible little boy! We love you, bud!
Happy Halloween 1J! - October 31, 2012
We had a little celebration in our classroom. The students were allowed to dress casual in Halloween colours (I had to tell them what they were!). We carved Cody's leftover pumpkin and played a few of my favorite Canadian Halloween games. They all went home with little Halloween treat bags too. Happy Halloween!
Melbourne Cup - November 6, 2012
The Melbourne Cup is a famous horse race held annually in Melbourne but the celebrations extend far beyond that! Staff and students dressed in their finest and competed in Fashions on the Field and, later, horse races in the school yard. There may have been a little betting going on throughout the day too but I have no bragging rights here....I only donated to the cause! (Have I mentioned that I LOVE this school?!)
Mini Fete - November 14, 2012
Mini fete is the school carnival. Several stations are organized, advertised and run by the Year 6 students. For two hours, the 450 little people (and some big ones!) ran around the school yard spending money, sharing laughs and consuming as much sugar as they could manage! All money raised will go towards the Year 6 Farewell celebration that will be held next month. The Mini Fete was one of our favorite school days so far!
Years 3-6 Presentation Day - November 30, 2012
The end of the year is near and all students have been working hard creating a huge production for family and friends. The theme for the 3-6 Presentation Day was 'Heros'. All teachers with children performing were given time off class to enjoy the performance at the Regional Theatre. Cody's class performed several short skits and songs. He featured in several of them. Kent's class performed one skit debating who are our real heros. The entire two hour performance was excellent! Watching the slide show, I was amazed that we've been able to accomplish so much in one year and I'm grateful that our boys were able to be a part of it.
Years K-2 Presentation Day - December 4, 2012
The second Presentation Day performance was today. Our little people sang and danced much to the delight of the parents and grandparents. Khye was a cool hip hop dude and he's got the moves! Colt bopped along to a 60's song. He makes a great jive partner. I was soooo proud of 1J and 1M who performed an International Dance Off. I have no pictures to prove it but they were so adorable! In addition, Colt and Khye were each presented with special class awards. You are both amazing little boys and Dad and I are so very proud of you and of the effort that you gave to your school work this year! xx
GEPS Jackson Family Farewell - December 9, 2012
As much as I hate to admit it, our time at GEPS is quickly coming to a close. (I keep telling them I'm not leaving but they won't believe me!) Careri hosted our family farewell at her inlaws BEAUTIFUL gardens where we visited, fished and enjoyed a BBQ. There are 7 days of school left (9 for teachers) and our Christmas party but this one afternoon was just for us. Thanks for a stunning, relaxing afternoon everyone!
1J Christmas - December, 2012 ***Updated December 19***
As you can tell from the garden photos above, it's been very difficult to get into the Christmas spirit! I decided we might have a bit of a winter wonderland in our 1J classroom. That's given the kids a bit of a taste of my Christmas....no beaches or BBQs. They are all very excited about the "snow" in our room!
The 1J parents and carers surprised me with a farewell party on the afternoon of Friday, December 14. They all brought snacks and had a great scrapbook that the parents and children had made for me. It is the most thoughtful and special keepsake. I love it!
Our class end of year party was on Tuesday, December 18. We celebrated by having a cold, Canadian snow day. The air conditioner was set on high (16C) and the furniture was moved around to allow for the snow drifts. The kids brought toques/beanies, mittens, jumpers/sweaters and socks (snowballs). We had the most tremendous snowball fight and Mr Pryor walked by just in time to witness it! Later, we warmed up with hot chocolate and marshmallows. We made snowmen out of marshmallows, ate snack foods and, lastly, watched a Snow Buddies movie. For the last session of the day, we enjoyed the K-2 disco and then Santa arrived with ice blocks/freezies for everyone! What a "cool" day we had!
The 1J parents and carers surprised me with a farewell party on the afternoon of Friday, December 14. They all brought snacks and had a great scrapbook that the parents and children had made for me. It is the most thoughtful and special keepsake. I love it!
Our class end of year party was on Tuesday, December 18. We celebrated by having a cold, Canadian snow day. The air conditioner was set on high (16C) and the furniture was moved around to allow for the snow drifts. The kids brought toques/beanies, mittens, jumpers/sweaters and socks (snowballs). We had the most tremendous snowball fight and Mr Pryor walked by just in time to witness it! Later, we warmed up with hot chocolate and marshmallows. We made snowmen out of marshmallows, ate snack foods and, lastly, watched a Snow Buddies movie. For the last session of the day, we enjoyed the K-2 disco and then Santa arrived with ice blocks/freezies for everyone! What a "cool" day we had!
Year 6 Farewell - December 13, 2012
At the end of each year, GEPS holds a celebration for the Year 6 students and their parents. We enjoyed a short program, Year 6 entertainment and then some dancing. It was a great night to say goodbye to the Year 6s as they move onto highschool.
End of Year Staff Party - December 14, 2012
The GEPS staff know how to have a good time and our end of year party did not disappoint! It was an evening of visiting, dancing, games and laughter. There was even an adventurous match of late night tennis. Working with this staff has been entertaining everyday and they were a huge part of our successful year in Australia. I'm going to miss you all.... xx
Last Day of School - December 19, 2012
The last day of school was an emotional day. The boys said goodbye to their friends, the teachers had a Secret Santa gift exchange at noon (more great laughs!), and then the Year 6s made their farewell exit through the school yard. By the end of the day, we were all emotional saying goodbye to our students, classmates and friends. GEPS has been a most amazing experience for all five of us and we have LOVED the opportunity.