The Presentation Evening was a great success. The band played really well and so did Henry on the Piano, I can’t believe Henry is already on his 8th Grade AMEB.

Congratulations to:

Emily for earning the Academic Achievement Award
James for earning the Mathematic Achievement Award
Nathan for earning the Class and the K-2 Citizen Award

There are many students in 2R who have worked really hard this year and were unfortunate as only three students can be chosen for these awards. Even though you didn’t receive a medal you are still

FANTASTIC!!

The Coastal Environment Centre’s ‘Our Coast’  Excursion was fantastic. We were able to experience and explore a range of habitats including headlands, rock platforms, beaches and lagoons. All students seemed to have a fantastic time, though some found it difficult to stay on task with everything going on around them.

1.What did you find when beach combing?

2.Who was the Banksia named after?

3.What creatures did you spot on ther rock platform?

4.What was the best part about the excursion?

Thank you class helpers

We have had a fantastic year this year and I thought I would do something special for all of you. I have created a professionally published book called ’2R 2008′ and filled it with photos and text of activities we have done this year. The book size is 17.8cm x 17.8cm square.

The first 15 pages of the book can be previewed by clicking on the picture on the right, then click Preview. You can then purchase the book (US$14.95 + US$13 shipping) on the same web page by just adding the quantity (1 or more) into your cart. Then click checkout and register your details.

Note: Cheaper shipping is available if I purchase in bulk, AU$6 express per book.

Total costs including bulk shipping:
AU$29 per book with premium paper 

If you send your child in with the money (prefer cash or ask for bank details) by Monday 8th December,  I will then place a bulk order on Tuesday 9th December.

These books will most likely be available after the school holidays.

The photos were taken with my iPhone (1.3 mega pixels) and may not always be the best. My DSLR camera would have taken much better pictures though the iPhone is just so much more convenient.

Spiny leaf (Extatosoma Tiaratum) insects belong to the group called phasmids. Phasmids are insects that eat leaves and resemble leaves or sticks.

Feeding

We need to give them fresh eucalyptus leaves (broad leaf varieties) every 2-3 days, they can be placed in a vase of water in their enclosure. If fed rose bush or wattle tree leaves they will become a bright green. However, if you feed them eucalyptus they generally turn a shade of brown.

Daily Care

Spiny leaf insects come from a humid habitat. Leaves in the enclosure need to be sprayed with fresh water each morning and afternoon.

The sand substrate needs to be sifted each week to remove all waste.

Handling (Be Gentle)

Spiny leaf insects are delicate. They are easy to handle, though ripping them roughly off leaves or your hands may result in legs falling off. We must let them gently walk from one hand to the other.

What interesting fact can you find about Spiny Leaf Insects?

Do some research and find an interesting fact and then type it in the comments.

Build a Fish by choosing a body, mouth, and colour/pattern, then release it into the reef! You can drive your fish around the reef in search of food and to evade predators.

Was your fish successful at finding enough food without being eaten?

What designs helped your fish be successful in this reef environment?

Click Here

In Week 7 we will begin our speeches on a particular animal and it’s habitat.
For example: Killer Whales (not just whales)

Your speech will be marked out of 20 and I will be looking at 4 different areas, each area is worth 5 marks.

The four areas are:

• Eye Contact – To be able to look at the audience and not just read.
• Clarity – How clearly you speak.
• Topic - How well you have researched your topic.
• Structure –
  *  Introduction – Usually a welcome message followed by a brief definition.
  *  Description – Detailed facts about your topic.
  *  Conclusion – Your personal opinion about the topic.

Websites to use for your speech:

Learning your spelling words is easy with SpellingCity. Type in your spelling list and then practice, play and test.  Click here

LookyBook is a great website that will let you look at and read K-2 type books, great for your younger brother or sister. They are also great books to help you with your writing, like Bad Kitty, look for words you can add to your Word Bank.

Task

Read a few books then choose one and write in the comments:

• Book Title
• List some of the interesting words that you could add to your word bank.

The School Swimming Scheme has had a fantastic start with everyone tested and put into appropriate groups (Gold Fish, Sea Horses, Dolphins and Marlin). We are enjoying being out of the classroom and in the pool, especially with the perfect weather conditions.

Could I just remind everyone to make sure that they are wearing sunscreen and to make sure you keep all your belongings in your bag. The bus leaves at 8:45am so make sure you are sitting in the Amphitheatre ready to have your name marked off before we leave.

Everyone one has been terrific with their gear as we have only lost a pair of goggles and one sock.

more photos in the Gallery

Some students have asked if I could post instructions for creating ‘Ocean in a Bottle’, a simple display representing a ocean biome.

What You’ll Need:

• Funnel
• Clear plastic bottle
• Water
• baby oil (clear) or cooking oil (yellow)
• Blue food colouring
• Glitter (optional)

Step 1: Using a funnel, pour the water so that it fills about half the bottle and then fill the rest of the bottle with oil. Fill the bottle as close to the top as possible.

Step 2: Add a few drops of food colouring and some glitter, and watch what the food colouring does.

Step 3: Put the top back on tightly, and gently tilt the bottle back and forth to create an ocean wave effect.

You can also add objects like little plastic fish or sea shells to your bottle.

Facts to remember:

Oil is Hydrophobic, it fears water. Food Colouring is Hydrophilic, it loves water.

Hydro = Water

Phobic = Fear

Philic = Love