We all look forward to continue our learning when we return on
Monday 7 October

Students in 56A had a great maths experience this week. They made plans of a mini golf course including an area of a certain number of cm2 which included five rectangles. The class had to measure the perimeter and area of each rectangle. Students talked about scale and how 1cm=1m as well as looked at the size of 1m2 using masking tape. To represent these plans students constructed their own mini golf lanes with tubes, inclines and obstacles and had lots of fun trying to get a hole-in-one (or two or three!).

A hundred people gathered in the Early Years Building to celebrate the wonderful achievements of many of our students who are learning instruments this year. Some are enjoying the recorder while others the piano with Fiona and Katie, our instrumental teachers.

All who attended our annual soiree left amazed at the confidence, ability and simple pleasure on show. Thanks again goes to Fiona, Katie and Christine who run the program and to all those students who performed.

On Wednesday students from Years 3-6 gathered into their year levels and explored several themes of cyber safety.

Survey Group
Students completed an online survey about their use of technology and their activities online. It raised questions about bullying and safe behaviour when on the internet. We look forward to seeing some of the data collected.

The Covert and Overt Bullying Group
This group created a poster on what covert bullying was and another on how to stand up to bullying and stop it. Covert bullying is much more sneaky and many think it is more damaging than bullying in the playground. The truth is both are hurtful and we all need to act to make sure we are safe.

Online Reputations Group
We learned lots about how to  build a reputation online. We can use our actions and what we say to show people what we believe about how to treat people. We discussed the importance of keeping our identities secure and safe by using fake names or avatars and not to share personal information.

Code of Conduct Group
We looked at the current Terms of Use about online behaviour and responsibilities as well as what happens when those rules and expectations are violated. We also suggested some changes that will go to School Council on Monday!

These workshops are an important shaping influence making sure our learning community is safe wherever they are. It links very clearly into the eSmart whole school strategies that we are currently implementing at our school.

Students from 34O and 34J

Discoveries were made on the weekend as dark corners of the school were brightened and cleared. A number of pennants celebrating Pender's performance at past athletics carnivals were found. Some teachers thought we might again compete in the Girls' Marching events and do better than the school in 1965 when they achieved third place!

Time has moved on and students from Years 3 to 6 are preparing to participate in the Regional Sports Carnival on Friday. Parents and students are encouraged to return their permission notes so that teams can be finalised.

As there are not enough events to ensure everyone competes please note that some students will be remaining at school.

A special thanks to all those who participated in the Election Day Car Boot Sale yesterday. To those who gathered the lists, structured the timetables in the office, to those who promoted and those who help setup and sold, a sincere thankyou for all your hard work that contributed to a very festive day indeed.

Some say you can't judge a book by it's cover. That might be true but open the cover and look at the inside page and you'll find some great parents and grandparents, teachers and support staff as well as a very large friendly white dog named Raf who tell a wonderful story of who makes up our school.

A group of thirty or more gathered last Saturday to trim, weed, carry, move and even smile as they cleaned up and cleared out our school. This week, many have remarked on the improvements and still more on the cleanliness of the playground. Saturday's effort was a wonderful story of the collaboration that beats at the heart of life in the Pender's Grove community.

Thanks for Mark and Andrea for all their hard work in putting the day together. Make sure you don't miss out on the bits and pieces that will be sold at the coming Car Boot Sale this weekend.

Today students from Years 3 to 6 were the audience in the performance of the Thornbury High School Concert Band. A range of pieces were played and different instruments were demonstrated. We listened to the trumpets, the percussion group and the wind instruments. Jacob was able to play the trumpet in front of all the gathered classes. He did a great job in holding a note for about eight seconds. We enjoyed the ensemble that included a bass guitar, clarinet, guitar and a piano accordion. Thanks to all those who performed and shared their great talent with us.

Thoughts by Jeff, Tayha and Billy (34J).