Students
Student News and Showcase
Whole School Curriculum
Teachers work together to plan and program activities that are linked to an overarching whole school theme. Because the learning is linked across the curriculum, it is more meaningful, subjects are not isolated pockets of unrelated learning and we are able to provide engaging, relevant and rich learning for all of our students. We use the Science Connections program to provide the theme for each term and develop a ‘Curriculum Map’ that links the other Australian Curriculum areas to this wherever possible. In 2016 the theme for Term 1 related to Biological Sciences, with JP students focusing on ‘Watch it Grow’ and the Year 4-7s learning about ‘Desert Survivors’. Geography lessons integrated very easily and Word Walls were produced incorporating spelling related to the topics. Enterprise Education is a new venture for 2016 and this has also linked perfectly to the theme. The students have planted succulents and herbs, as well as making garden ornaments ready to sell at local markets. And, to link Maths to the theme, money transactions, learning about profit, loss and percentages have been incorporated into lessons.
Young Environmental Leaders Program
In 2015 Keyneton Primary School joined the Young Environmental Leaders program for the first time. This is run by Natural Resources Education and aims to ensure our young people have a connection with nature and their local environment so they can appreciate it into the future. Four Upper Primary students attend one forum per term then return to school and share what they have learned with peers, teachers and the wider school community. It is also a great way to encourage students to get involved and take action within their local community and at home.
The Term 1 forum was run at Riverglade Wetlands at Murray Bridge and focused on ‘Local Places’. Back at school the students researched some of the local walking trails ready to produce a brochure to share with the community.
Community Artwork
The devastating Eden Valley bushfires in January 2014 affected many of our families, however, in the true spirit of community, students, staff and family members came together to produce a felted artwork depicting before, during and after the fires. The Mid Murray Council organised grants for projects that would bring communities together after the fires and Foundation Barossa supported us with $1000. We called on the expertise of local artist, Yvonne Dalton, who conducted felting workshops on the weekend and during school hours. 52 artists took approximately 160 hours to complete the over 8 metre long project, which now has pride of place in our multipurpose room.
School Aid’s Kids Helping Kids Sustainability Award Winners!
The winner of this award demonstrates a commitment to genuine long-term social change and illustrates that these values are firmly embedded in the school community. In 2011 Keyneton Primary School was selected as the inaugural Sustainability Award winner from three other finalists, all much larger schools, from all over Australia.
Keyneton Primary School has an amazing culture of philanthropy. All students are members of the school’s Student Representative Council with Upper Primary students holding executive positions. Students receive suggestions for charitable fundraising and we hold a different fundraiser every term, each with a different focus. In the past we have supported the Haitian Earthquake and Queensland Flood Appeals, we have adopted zoo animals, raised money for the Cancer Council and Foundation Barossa, collected books for indigenous children and shoes for Soles for Souls. Every year we prepare Shoe Boxes of Love for Samaritan’s Purse. Our current fundraiser is collecting 5 cent coins to support the Change for Change charity.
