Wonderwalls

I have always been amazed by the insightful and challenging questions that students ask during the course of a lesson.  I have also often been frustrated by not having enough time to explore in depth some of the issues and topics that arise as a result of these questions.  That's why I love the concept of wonderwalls - places where students can post their questions/thoughts/ideas/opinions and share them with their peers.  You can view the Grade 8 and Grade 9 SOSE wonderwalls here:

• Grade 8
• Grade 9

These wonderwalls will enable our class discussions to continue after class has finished and outside the four walls of the classroom.

Students Entering the Blogosphere

I am currently in the computer lab working with 8J students as they set up their individual Blogs. This will be a great experience for the students and a wonderful medium for them to reflect on and write about their experiences here at CAC.

As the students create their Blogs they will send me their URL - I will then place a link to each student's Blog on my Blog under the heading "Student Blogs". Please take some time to visit the student Blogs and see the great things that they are doing.

Happy Australia Day!

I hope you all have had a wonderful Australia Day and that you were able to spend some time with family friends reflecting on how great it is to live in Australia.

What a Great First Day!

It was wonderful to meet the students of 8J and 9P yesterday and the 8A students today. From the time we spent together I am excited about the year ahead.

We started our day yesterday with an assembly that honoured and inducted the College Student Leaders from the Primary Campus, the Junior Secondary and the Senior Secondary. This was a great way to begin the year and a wonderful opportunity to bring the College community together.

Dr Sly demonstrating servant leadership by washing the feet of the senior Student Leaders

I have really enjoyed getting to know the students over the last 2 days, and I have been very impressed with the following:

• The students' knowledge of College expectations and the culture of the College community
• The students' willingness to share and to get out of their comfort zones
• The smiles!
• How helpful the students were in sharing information and procedures and their willingness to be there for each other
• The excitment and genuine love of learning that the students displayed

I have yet to find anything that compares to the first day of school excitement and joy. 2011 promises to be a great year.

Welcome to 2011

Welcome to Mr Cooper's blog!  My plan is to use this blog to keep students and parents updated with what is going to be happening, what is currently happening, and what has already happened in my classes throughout the year.  Feel free to leave comments and ask questions - I genuinely look forward to engaging with you in the blogosphere.