As part of their How We Organise Ourselves unit of inquiry, the Year 1 students investigated what makes a strong and productive community. When reflecting on their own classroom community, they identified that loud noises were making it difficult to follow rules, such as speaking quietly and listening to instructions. Together, they brainstormed different solutions and eventually decided that having internal doors on the classrooms would help reduce outside noise, making it easier to concentrate and engage in their learning.

As their next step, the students wrote to key members of our school outlining their concerns and suggesting possible solutions. Following meetings with Mr Russell and Mrs Rogers, they then approached the P&F to request financial support. We are very grateful to the P&F, who generously donated a substantial contribution towards the procurement of doors for the Year 1 and Pre-Primary classrooms.

The children, however, were eager to take ownership of the process and decided they would also like to fundraise. Taking action is a key outcome of learning in the PYP that shows the children can transfer their learning and we wanted to ensure that we honoured the students’ work and initiative in this area. After much discussion, the Echidna Class agreed that they would like to lead the organisation of a Lap-a-thon and the Numbat Class decided they would like to organise a Pyjama Dress-Up Day, to raise money to contribute to the cost of the doors.

On Monday 15 September, the Pre-Primary and Year 1 students joined forces to participate in the Lap-a-thon. The students ran as many laps of the ELC oval as they could in thirty minutes to try and raise money for the doors. The students were cheered on by many parents and grandparents as they participated in the event. The determination, resilience, kindness and joy shown by the children as they ran their laps and supported one another was incredible.

Some heartwarming reflections from the children following the Lap-a-thon about their favourite part of the event:

“I liked that we all got to share together and all our money helped to get our doors.” Archie

 

“I liked that we were able to all work together, have fun and do our best for our class.” Henry

 

“It was such an exciting day!” Grace

 

“Teamwork!” Rose

 

“When we worked together to do as many laps as we could so we could raise lots of money. I was so proud of everyone else running so many laps.” Wyatt M

 

“I liked that we all tried our best and even if they couldn’t do lots of laps they still tried their best.” Cory

Thank you to everyone who has supported the event and thank you to the students for the wonderful commitment they have shown to their learning. The doors have been booked in for installation in the next school holidays so when the students return for Term 4, they will see the outcome of their action.