We wish you a safe and restful Easter holiday. We look forward to return to the thrill of learning next term. There is already lots of planning underway with the PGPS Writer's Festival, swimming lessons and guest storytellers arranged. Thanks for your part in making such a vibrant learning community at Pender's Grove. 

If you are looking for ways to encourage literacy and numeracy experiences with your child then you might consider visiting this DEECD site where you can print off a handy tips guide to literacy and numeracy.

The 201 literacy and maths tips to help your child booklet provides handy hints and way you can help your child develop literacy and maths skills. It provides practical activities for you do with your child at home and questions you can ask your child to help them learn.

The booklet is divided into age groups Before School, Year 2 and Year 3 to Year 6. For some learning activities that will entertain and engage students during some long car trips or moments shopping. Go to the sections appropriate to your child’s level and look at the tips and handy hints.

For those who attended the assembly this afternoon they would have had to step around a number of bikes parked in the foyer of the hall. Ride2School day proved so popular that the bike shed was declared 'full' before school and the foyer was used as an overflow bike park! They even sparkled with happiness when a photo was snapped this afternoon! 

Glendy announced at assembly that "We have been visited by members of Bike Victoria and they have declared that this has been the most successful year yet!" It seems if we continue to take the healthy option of riding to school then we just might have need for an extension to our bike shed!

Students from Years 5 and 6 created some amazing drawings as they studied the faces of older people. The artists are Mia (top left), Zach (top right), Jacob (bottom left) and Maya (bottom right). Their work demonstrated not only their fine motor drawing skills but highlighted their keen observational skills. Who knows what creative works we'll all be seeing in the Art Exhibition this year!

Here's a chance to help save our energy costs and discover a healthier place. You might like to consider using  ...

a scooter,
a bike,
your feet,
some skates,
a pram,
a paper plane,
a lego car,
a unicycle
a billycart,
a horse or a
a tricycle!

Come and enjoy the fun!

Parents, teachers and especially students amazed each other at what can be achieved with some energy and passion to care for others.

This afternoon after school, students clammered to purchase the tasty treats that parents and teachers had prepared for a unique Easter food stall. Marshmellow teacups, honey snacks, cup cakes as well as chocolate balls widened eyes and filled mouths as money was raised for the Good Friday Easter Appeal.

Donations have also been flowing in from the envelopes circulated on Thursday last week. It's not too late to contribute so see the office or ask a teacher if you would like to contribute.

A special thanks to the student organising team as well as those generous enough to share there time and talents by preparing something speical for the stall.

Today's school playground was deserted as the whole school took off to explore Italian culture at the Furlan Club for 'Italiano Festa'! 

The day began with a quick flight to Rome with the help of 'Spectaculo Spectaculo' who hosted our dramatic visit. A Vespa arrived and we travelled to the Trevino fountain, the Pantheon, enjoying many experiences along the way. Everyone enjoyed participating in the songs and actions as they sang their way through Rome.

Groups moved onto learn the skills and the difficulties of playing bocce. Teams laughed and tossed their way through numerous games in mixed teams.Soccer proved popular on the soccer pitch and was hosted by Melbourne Heart. Everyone enjoyed a relaxed game, developed their skills and laugh at themselves as they played. It was great to see everyne playing together so well.

Here's a little of what they students in 34J thought as they returned from the day;

"Today we enjoyed the bocce because we bowled the balls and enjoyed knocking the jack and scoring points.” Victor

"I found the cooking activity fascinating because we learned how to cook crostilli and it tasted delicious.” Hannah

"I liked the show in the morning especially when we were throwing giant coins into the Trevi Fountain. When she was on the Vespa bubbles and smoke came out!" Harmany

”My favorite part was the soccer. It was not only fun playing the matheson because it wasn't about winning it was about having an awesome time with Melbourne Heart players.” Tess

"I liked the gelati because I have never tasted an ice cream like that and it was an Italian ice cream.” Anu

"The pasta, bread and butter we had for lunch tasted really better than my sister's.” Amal

A very special thanks to Miss Leeann and 'her family' who shared their skills and passions with us. Wihout their hard work and generous spirit the day would never have happened.

Don't miss out on subscribing to the next online newsletter with even more photos! 

Due to time restraints last Friday the maths awards were held over for a week and will be presented at Friday's 22 March assembly. Sorry for any inconvienience but the 56A presentation and the sports reports proved to be a celebration and a half!

World Maths Day proved a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the importance of number in our lives and encourge each other to continue to achieve in maths by participating in maths challenges with students from across the world.
 
A massive 26 266 correct answers were entered by students at Pender's Grove Primary over the day! Well done to all those children who today will recieve awards for participating.

A special mention should me made of all those students who successfully completed 50 challenges over five levels during the day. Today they will be presented with a special Distinction Award by Glendy. They are; Tara, Brandon, Tygue, Ellison, Abbey, Isabella, Seb, Vihanaga, Anu, Samantha, Joseph, Rylie, Mohmmad, Andrew, Tess, Parneet, Billy and VIctor.

Students in Years 3 and 4 joined with the Multiage class to introduce philosophical circles. Craig, a student of philosophy, volunteered his time to share with students why questioning and wondering was so important to him. It seems students were listening as they drafted their own wondering questions.