CNR e-News Term 3

Trip to Lion's Bush - 18 September

The Grade 0 Chameleons were excited to head off on their third outing this year. Our destination took us along the picturesque Fort Nottingham road to the farm, ‘Lion’s Bush’, the home and pottery studio of Mrs Sam Pitout – a renowned local artist.

The children experienced the wonders of natural clay when making and decorating their own unique pottery bowl. Exploring different textures and tools for creating patterns and markings in the clay was an interesting experience. The sensory feel of the raw clay in their hands fascinated some, and others preferred not getting their hands too “dirty”. The old-fashioned crochet doilies proved to be the most popular choice for pattern imprinting onto the clay.

As with every outing, Clifton children love the opportunity to bring their own packed snacks. The children enjoyed many delicious treats while picnicking on the beautiful lawns of Sam’s garden. An indigenous forest and fenced dam surround the garden.

Once their pottery bowls were completed, the children had ample time to play in the garden. The children found baby chicks, hens and two very friendly cats. The boys and girls explored, dug in the soil with sticks they had found, and found many interesting discoveries in nature. For some, the giant locusts found in the garden were rather frightening, and for others these beautiful creatures were a fascination.

The bus trips are always a highlight and tired little children returned to school, with a sprig of sweet-smelling Jasmine and their remaining clay in a packet. On our return trip, a little boy said to me, “When do we go back there, Mrs Whitehead”. Proof of a memorable experience.

Jumping for Joy Day with the Chameleon Children - 6 September

Spring is a joyous time. What better way to celebrate the joy of Spring, by having a day to “Jump for Joy”. The Grade 0 boys and girls ended their week of learning all about the “j” sound by spending the day jumping on three different jumping castles.

The Chameleon children arrived at school with eager anticipation spotting the colourful jumping castles. Although the weather turned out to be “not so Springy”, our spacious indoor centre hosted these excited little ones for hours of fun. The joy and excitement in their expressions when seeing the jumping castles was delightful to witness.

A castle, a boat and a gladiator obstacle course with a climbing wall and slide were enough to let their imaginations run wild with delightful games throughout the day. In between all the jumping, they made jelly layers and hid Jelly Tots and giant Jelly Beans in their jelly jars too.

Despite the weather, the jumping castles certainly provided enough entertainment, and hours of childhood joy.

Bikes and Bubbles Day - 9 August

In January, a little boy in the Chameleon class asked his teacher, “Is tomorrow the day I can bring my bicycle to school?” His disappointment at being told that he needed to wait until August was evident.

Finally, the day had arrived and the boys and girls in Grade 0 came to school pushing their bicycles to the classroom. Excitement, and some nervous anticipation, filled the air with chatter in the Pre-Primary classroom. Once everyone was safely kitted with helmets on, we made our way to the “Big road” and set off on our cycling adventure, past Usher House towards the Pavilion, arriving at Davies field where we would spend the rest of the morning.

The children rode their bicycles around the field, being careful to dodge any oncoming ‘traffic’. Those who were more cautious rode their bicycles on the turf of the cricket nets, and the cemented path around the nets was a favourite place for all. Self-appointed traffic officials ensured that everyone was riding in the same direction. The boys and girls loved chasing their teachers as they rode speedily on their bicycles too, some even managed to catch up to them. After a little while, a pit stop for some rest was necessary. The children enjoyed cold ice-lollies to cool down. Once rested, they were off on their bicycles again, inventing their own little games, chasing each other, and riding all over the field.

The children enjoyed a picnic snack in the shade under the trees and made delicious ‘biscuit burgers’ with icing and blue sprinkles sandwiched in between. The next pit stop was for bubbles. Each child received a blue bottle of bubbles and great fun ensued blowing, chasing and popping bubbles.

Our last pit stop was some fun with party balloons. Shaping the long balloons proved harder than they thought, and balloons always seem to burst before their time. At the end of a long, happy and adventurous morning spent riding their bikes, blowing bubbles, playing with balloons and eating brunch and biscuits, Miss Colepeper read a delightful story called, "Bobby’s Big Bubble Bike”, very cleverly written by herself.

Tired little Chameleon children (and their teachers) made their way back to the classroom at the end of the day. These boys and girls will remember this beautiful, adventurous day for years to come, marking it as one of the highlights in their Clifton journey.

Grade 0 Dad's Evening - 25 July

An evening of construction, building and decorating with our super-hero Dads.

The cold winter afternoon did not deter our little Grade 0 boys and girls who eagerly arrived with their Dad and a toolbox in hand for their much-anticipated Dad’s evening.

The children had drawn a portrait of their super-hero Dads, and amusing comments were read of their child’s brief explanation of what makes their Dad special and what they perceive his favourite refreshment to be. The Dads and their daughters or sons quickly set about constructing a ‘tummy board’ by screwing the 4 castor wheels onto the re-purposed timber boards. A ‘first’ experience for some at operating an electric screwdriver, under the watchful eye and very helpful guiding hand of excited Dads.

The proof (and sheer excitement) of testing what they had constructed was precious to witness. The Dads lent a hand, or an encouraging word, while the children set about painting their own boards. Capitol Caterers provided a delicious meal of burgers and chips, and the families ‘built’ their own burgers for dinner.

Decorating donuts for desert was a very sweet way of ending a most enjoyable evening, spending precious quality time with the hero of their lives – Dad.

eNews Navigation

Home | eNews | Termly Reflection

Boarding | Junior & Pre-Primary

Senior Primary | Expressive Arts

Events | Sports

Handbooks | Calendar