Year 3 Stories: Settling In

It’s 12:30 and our new Year 3s are deciding how best to spend their lunchtime.

Three friends are considering the different options.

The only problem is, there’s too much choice.

Jayme has his eyes set on Choir. Kaylum is going to Thinking Skills Club. Paul has already decided on Football.

Join us as we follow each of these boys during their first few days at Habs Prep.

Kaylum

Kaylum is in hysterics. A pig called Ormie is working out different strategies to gain hold of a cookie jar. He tries building a staircase of boxes, building a ramp for his skateboard and parachuting from above, before finally settling for the simplest idea of pushing the fridge over.

The boys are asked to think about the different methods Ormie employs and reflect on which was the most successful.

As the learning video ends, their teacher gathers the children around a set of board games spread across the table. As she explains the rules, the children watch, reflecting on the different skills each game will challenge.

As the boys rummage through different options, Kaylum chooses Penguins on Ice.

‘I picked this one because it was advertised in the clubs assembly last week. They explained all the different clubs and this one looked exciting. I think I might also join the Junior Chamber Club.’

On this topic of music, we sped off to the music hall to catch up with his friend, Jayme.

Jayme

One boy is singing his heart out, leading from the front of the hall, as the others watch in admiration. Older and more experienced, he sets an example to the younger students: this is what you can achieve if you work hard.

Jayme is listening intently, smiling widely as he thinks of the year ahead.

‘I love it when you just release yourself and feel all the energy you need to sing.’

The lyrics bounce around the hall, as the older boy continues his piece. Rows of Year 3 listen in rapt attention, reflecting on their own chance to stand up and perform to an audience.

A natural creative, Jayme impressed us earlier in an art class, where he worked closely with his partner to paint all of the primary colours.

‘I like painting different styles. We’ve used metallic paint with a paintbrush and we’ve also painted the colour wheel. Art is such a fun and interesting subject.’

From behind him, his friend Paul smiles in agreement, working quietly on his own painting. We moved to ask Paul what he most enjoys about school.

Paul

‘What I really like in school is you get to create things.’

Paul paints in the last segment of his colour wheel, lips pursed in concentration as he works to finish in time for break. Before he packs up, we ask him what his favourite activity has been in the past two weeks.

‘I’ve really enjoyed the games sessions and the clubs. You get to try to different sports and we’re doing rugby.’

As we pass out of the classroom for break, Paul’s passion becomes clear. He picks up a rubber football and begins to kick it upwards into the air, doing his best to keep it afloat.

‘We’ve already practised knock ons and side-steps. Knock ons are where you can’t pass the ball forward.’

Disappearing into the playground, he dribbles the ball through the crowd of boys, his energy and enthusiasm evident. Suddenly, we’re swarmed by a group of older boys,

‘Are any of you Year 3?’

‘Nope!’

‘I am,’ shouts one of the smaller boys nearby.

The older boys beckon him over, place their arms over his shoulders, and bring him into the photograph. A moment is captured as new friendships are formed.

We would like to thank all our Year 3s for letting us shadow them and wish them the very best for the school year ahead!