Circle Time

“Let’s circle up” is a phrase you’ll hear throughout the week at Bulimba, as it signals the beginning of Circle Time. Circle Time is one of our signature school practices and is aligned to our school’s Annual Implementation Plan. Staff and students all engage in Circle Time sessions as they foster connection, self-awareness, emotional intelligence and a positive culture.

I’ve had the pleasure of leading Circle Time in 5B, alongside Mrs Brayne. All students are respectful, courageous, compassionate and completely engaged right throughout our sessions. 

First, we begin by ‘meeting up’. This helps to bring the group together and provides a sense of fun and enjoyment. Students make silent statements with their body to show their agreement or connectedness to prompts such as, ‘Do you like pineapple on pizza?’ Have you visited the library today? ‘Are you playing sport on the Saturday?’

Following this, we use a speaking object that is passed around the circle and students are asked to respond to questions. One that 5B responded to was, ’What are you trying to get better at?’  In response, I heard many students refer to their desire to improve their sporting skills, be a kinder sister/brother, regulate their emotions, and reach their learning goals. These questions offer an opportunity to learn more about each other.

In another circle time session, 5B students tried very hard to get toothpaste back into the tube after it had been all squeezed out by Matilda. The toothpaste acted as an analogy to demonstrate and discuss how difficult it is to take back words once they have been said.

To close off circle time, students have the opportunity to give a heartfelt thanks to others in the circle.

Here are what some 5B learners think about Circle Time.

Pierre – “Circle Time is where we can share what’s on our mind. It’s a good place. It’s a safe space.”

Holly – “You get to share all your ideas with everyone. After Circle Time I feel like I have lots in common with everybody.”

Spencer R – “I like connecting with my classmates and hearing about what they are up to or thinking about.  I feel happy when I get to know more about my class.”

Liam – “Today I learnt that once words come out, they’re hard to get back in. They’re just out there, like with the toothpaste.”

Needless to say, I’m already looking forward to my next Circle Time session with 5B.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) is on again for another year. PRC is an annual statewide initiative which aims to improve literacy and encourage children to read for pleasure and learning. It is not a competition but a way to encourage students to develop a love of reading for life.

Children who complete the challenge will have their efforts recognised through the receipt of a Certificate of Achievement. 

To complete the Premier's Reading Challenge, students are to read or experience the number of books indicated below:

• Prep to Year 2—read or experience 20 books.
• Years 3 to 4—read 20 books.

This week, all students should have received a school reader record form. Please use this to record the books read during the challenge.  More forms will be available in the library, or can be printed directly from the Premier’s Reading Challenge website.

Thank you Mrs King Koi for being our wonderful PRC school coordinator.