Term 1, Week 8 2025
Message from the Principal
Werte Bradshaw Community,
Another big couple of weeks. Weeks 7 and 8 have been particularly busy for our year 3 and 5 students who have been taking part in the NAPLAN assessments. I have been particularly proud of the effort everyone has put into these tests. As a school, our students take pride in ensuring that they do their best in every circumstance – this has certainly been the case over the last few weeks.
This week we celebrated Harmony Week. It was great to see so many families down at the preschool on Wednesday evening celebrating each other’s culture. We also had a great special Harmony Day assembly today. Looking out across the school we are extremely fortunate to have so many different cultures represented. One of Bradshaw’s great strengths is how we CARE for one another regardless of differences and how we SHARE our differences – understanding that we have more in common then we have different.
A couple of quick reminders to all families. Please ensure you are sending your children to school in proper footwear that allows them to participate in HPE and games at recess and lunch. This means wearing runners or supportive buckle up sandals. Please avoid sending your children to school with crocs, slides or thongs. We also ask that children do not wear make-up, colourful hair extensions, fake nails, and excessive jewellery. These are not practical for participating in learning and events across the school day and are a cause of lots of distractions.
Please enjoy your weekend.
Looking forward to seeing you all back on Monday.
Journey of Discovery - 4 Parrilla
This term in English, we embarked on an extraordinary journey that took our students deep into the heart of Australia’s history and culture. Through two powerful texts—Grim Crims and Convicts by Jackie French and The Unlikely Story of Bennelong and Phillip by Michael Sedunary—our students explored the profound and often painful encounters between the early European settlers and the Indigenous peoples of Australia. With a focus on the Eora and Arrernte cultures, students examined how these stories—through both written and visual elements—represented the lives, beliefs, and resilience of these communities at the time of the First Fleet’s arrival.
As we read, students gained a deeper understanding of history, one that revealed how the past is shaped by the perspectives of those who lived it. They uncovered the richness of Eora and Arrernte cultures, while also reflecting on the tragic losses these communities endured. This exploration helped our students understand that behind every historical event was a deeply human story, filled with heartache, resilience, and courage.
Throughout this journey, students learned to evaluate and interpret texts, developing the skill of crafting compound sentences that conveyed complex ideas. They engaged with figurative language to add emotional depth to their analysis, carefully selecting evidence to support their reflections. By doing so, they not only enhanced their critical thinking but also refined their ability to express their thoughts clearly and creatively.
One of the most enriching and imaginative aspects of this unit was when students stepped into the past themselves. They wrote diary entries from the perspective of a settler or an Indigenous person of the time, allowing them to explore the emotional experiences of both the Eora and Arrernte peoples. This exercise helped them connect with the overwhelming changes that were occurring when the First Fleet arrived, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of those who shaped our nation’s history.
This term has been an emotional and intellectually enriching experience, where students not only learned about history but also developed a profound connection to the cultures, stories, and people that have helped shape Australia. It’s been a journey of discovery that will leave a lasting impact.
Learning Journey with Grade 6
I am happy to join Bradshaw Primary School. The past 7 weeks has been very exciting to see discovery, growth, and adventure as our students embark on a journey of learning and exploration. The students have participated in various activities designed to enhance their skills, knowledge, and critical thinking across all key learning areas.
The students have been focusing on developing their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Spelling Mastery, silent reading and borrowing books from library targets literacy efficiency. We are studying the Novel “Tiger Daughter” by Rebecca Lim which relates learning in History about migration to Australia. Students are learning to write more complex sentence structures and literary devices. They are learning to use the structure of paragraph writing to analyse a character from the novel.
The students are working well upgrading their skills of calculations, solving problems and analysing information. They are exploring different strategies of solving problems. Diving into history has been very enriching since they have learnt about few migrants and their contributions in Australia. Participation in special lessons such as P.E, Arts, Science, IT and Arrernte build more enthusiasm towards their learning.
3 McGregor- Buzzing with activity!
3M – term 1
Our Grade 3 class has been buzzing with activity and learning! In English, we've been expanding our sentences and crafting single paragraphs while exploring how places change over time using the beautiful storybook My Place by Donna Rawlins, as well as our local Telegraph Station. This has sparked thoughtful discussions and creative writing.
In Math, the students have been tackling multiplication rules with enthusiasm, building their confidence with patterns and problem-solving. They've also embraced the power of a growth mindset, practicing daily positive affirmations to help them stay resilient and motivated.
Recently, the class completed their NAPLAN testing, giving it their absolute best effort. We’re so proud of their determination and positivity during this challenging time. Well done, Grade 3!
You are superstars 3L!
What a fantastic 8 weeks we have had! Students have been doing so much learning across all their subjects and have also completed their NAPLAN tests.
In Literacy, we have been reading the book ‘My place’ and looking at how places have changed over time whilst relating this to the different cultures that we have in wonderful Australia. We have also been looking into the history of the Telegraph station and how this has changed over time. The children have delved deep into the local history of Alice Springs and have produced some fantastic pieces of writing, chronological timelines, and creative projects to show off their learning and skills.
In Maths, we have been learning about place value, multiplication and division and representing numbers on a number line. The children have completed problem solving tasks, group work and hands on activities to showcase the skills we have been learning about. The way the children have worked together so well and independently is something to be really proud of!
NAPLAN! The children have really shown that they care, share and shine when it comes to their learning over the past two weeks. They all put in their best effort, and it was amazing to see so well done 3L!
Important Notices
Back to School Vouchers: By the end of Term 1, Week 10
Please come see our front office staff between 8.00am-4.00pm to redeem your voucher. You can use the money towards a range of things including school uniforms and extra-curricular activities.
Important Uniform and Appearance Reminders
As we near the end of the term, please remember the following expectations:
- Keep Nails Natural – Acrylic and glue-on nails are not suitable for school.
- Simple Jewellery – Minimal, non-distracting pieces are best.
- Wear Supportive Footwear – Runners or well-fitted sandals are recommended.
- Bring Only Essentials – Toys and extra keyrings should stay at home.
- Follow the Uniform Policy – Ensure students wear the correct school uniform, including proper shoes, a Bradshaw shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Thank you for supporting a positive school environment!
Sports Day: Term 2, Week 5 Friday, 16th May 2025
Community Events & Activities
