Popplet - Try it!

The holidays are a great time for catching up on, and trying out new things.  I love spending time checking out new tech tools that may make life a little easier and more interesting for students and teachers.  Recently I came across Popplet - an online tool for creating shared (or individual) concept maps and for generating and sharing ideas.

Here is one I have been working on (about 5 minutes) to show what can be done - Check it out!

When you visit the Popplet I have created, you can add your own box (known as a Popplet) - feel free to do so and leave a comment on how you think this tool could be used to help with your studies or your teaching.

Semester Reflection

Currently I am working with the Year 8 students and encouraging them to reflect on their first semester.  This is not a comfortable process for some of the students, but they do see the importance and relevance of engaging in relfective practices.  I encourage you to click on some of the student blog links to the left to see what they have been doing during the first semester.

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Athletics Carnival

Tomorrow we will hold our Secondary athletics carnival where our four houses will compete in athletic events to gain points for the house shield.  The weather report promises fine weather and it looks like it will be a great day to be outside.

Duke of Edinburgh

I spent last weekend hiking through the Gold Coast hinterland with 15 Year 9 students who are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.  It was a fantastic weekend and I felt very privileged to spend this time with such a wonderful group of students.  Here are some pictures from our adventure:

Making camp and updating journals at the end of a big first day

The girls arriving at camp after a long day

Sunset from the camp site was magic

Making our way up to Apple Tree Park - the sign at the top said that we had just climbed a distance 20 stories shorter than the Q1

Time for another creek crossing - who will fall in this time?

The scenery along the way was truly amazing!

 A huge thank you to Ms McKean for her organisation and tireless efforts in ensuring this weekend was a great success.  Thank you also to Joel, Steve, and Robbo for your leadership and for the care that you showed the students during the trip.  I am really looking forward to the next one.

Duke of Edinburgh Hike

This weekend I will have the opportunity to hike through the Gold Coast hinterland with a group of Year 9 students who are working towards achieving their Duke of Edinburgh Award.  The 2-day hike will take us from Binna Burra to Springbrook, a total distance of around 35kms.  It promises to be a great weekend and I am really looking forward to seeing the students challenge themselves and get out of their comfort zones.

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