Investigative Play”, based on Walker Learning, has been introduced into our Kindergarten classrooms.
All kindergarten teachers have participated in hours of professional learning, via Zoom, through Early Life Foundations. Early Life Foundations is a specialist team providing professional learning in Walker Learning. Walker Learning promotes child-focussed inquiry learning, based on child development research and neuroscience. Evidence shows that investigative play not only increases student engagement and motivation, but also oral language, literacy and numeracy. Many primary schools across Australia and within CEDP have implemented investigative play, with positive results. Early indications suggest that St Michael’s evidence will be similar.
At St Michael’s, each Tuesday to Friday, Kindergarten learning starts with investigative play. Teachers set up ‘stations’, indoors and outdoors, each with clear developmental and learning objectives. Investigative play is rigorous: Teachers, and teacher assistants, engage with the children to support their learning through open-ended questioning and discussion.
St Michael's Catholic Primary Baulkham Hills
www.stmichaelsbhills.catholic.edu.au
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18 Aug 2025
From Facebook
Voices that Inspire 🎤✨ Today we proudly hosted the Voice of Youth Cluster Final, welcoming eight talented speakers from St Angela’s, St Paul’s, Our Lady of Lourdes and our very own St Michael’s. Each student spoke with passion and confidence, captivating the audience with their words. 💬🌟 A huge thank you to our fellow schools for joining us, to their students for being such a wonderful audience, to all who came along to support, to our fabulous compere Mr Baker, and to the adjudicators who gave their time so generously. 🙏💛 We are so proud of our two St Michael’s students who shone so brightly on stage, taking home the Social Justice Award and Runner Up! 🏆👏 What an incredible achievement and a moment to celebrate their hard work and courage. 🌟 #VoiceOfYouth #PublicSpeaking #StudentSuccess #ProudSchoolMoment #FutureLeaders #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool![563943395785443_1161606716019105-1]()
17 Aug 2025
From Facebook
🍯 From Buzzing Brains to Wobbly Jelly! 🍮🐝 Our curious Year 3 students have been busy exploring the world around them in the sweetest ways! 📝✨ First, they wrapped up their explanation texts on how bees make honey, publishing their work on laptops before celebrating with a spoonful of bush honey with a hint of eucalyptus – a delicious taste of their learning. 🌿💛 In Science, students observed jelly crystals up close, smelled them, and watched steam rise as hot water was stirred. The next day, they enjoyed their jelly treat while discovering how solids, liquids, and gases change through different processes. 🔬🍮 What a week of buzzing brains, brilliant writing, and hands-on science fun! 🌟 #Year3Adventures #SweetLearning #BusyBees #ScienceInAction #PrimarySchoolMagic #BuzzingWithPride #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
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18 Aug 2025
From Facebook
Voices that Inspire 🎤✨ Today we proudly hosted the Voice of Youth Cluster Final, welcoming eight talented speakers from St Angela’s, St Paul’s, Our Lady of Lourdes and our very own St Michael’s. Each student spoke with passion and confidence, captivating the audience with their words. 💬🌟 A huge thank you to our fellow schools for joining us, to their students for being such a wonderful audience, to all who came along to support, to our fabulous compere Mr Baker, and to the adjudicators who gave their time so generously. 🙏💛 We are so proud of our two St Michael’s students who shone so brightly on stage, taking home the Social Justice Award and Runner Up! 🏆👏 What an incredible achievement and a moment to celebrate their hard work and courage. 🌟 #VoiceOfYouth #PublicSpeaking #StudentSuccess #ProudSchoolMoment #FutureLeaders #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
17 Aug 2025
From Facebook
🍯 From Buzzing Brains to Wobbly Jelly! 🍮🐝 Our curious Year 3 students have been busy exploring the world around them in the sweetest ways! 📝✨ First, they wrapped up their explanation texts on how bees make honey, publishing their work on laptops before celebrating with a spoonful of bush honey with a hint of eucalyptus – a delicious taste of their learning. 🌿💛 In Science, students observed jelly crystals up close, smelled them, and watched steam rise as hot water was stirred. The next day, they enjoyed their jelly treat while discovering how solids, liquids, and gases change through different processes. 🔬🍮 What a week of buzzing brains, brilliant writing, and hands-on science fun! 🌟 #Year3Adventures #SweetLearning #BusyBees #ScienceInAction #PrimarySchoolMagic #BuzzingWithPride #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
16 Aug 2025
From Facebook
🙏✨ 5W Reconciliation ✨🙏 Recently, our Year 5W students took part in the sacrament of Reconciliation. With open hearts and thoughtful reflection, they embraced this special time of prayer and renewal. 💫🕊️ #Year5 #Reconciliation #FaithJourney #SchoolCommunity #GrowingInFaith #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
14 Aug 2025
From Facebook
📚👑 Meet Our 2025 Book Bosses! 👑📚 A huge thank you to these wonderful students and their families for donating books to our library through this year’s Book Fair. 🌟 Your generosity means more stories, more adventures, and more learning for everyone! 📖💡 #BookBosses2025 #LibraryLove #ReadersAreLeaders #BookFairJoy #GrowingGreatReaders #SchoolSpirit #ThankYouFamilies #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
13 Aug 2025
From Facebook
🌟 PRINCIPALS’ APPRECIATION DAY 🌟 On Monday we gathered as a staff to celebrate a leader of great vision and integrity, our phenomenal Principal, Mrs Hoey, whose unwavering dedication and commitment shapes every corner of our school. 💛 Every decision, every moment, every step forward is driven by her focus on what matters most: our students. She inspires us to aim higher, think bigger, and work together to create a learning environment where every child can thrive. 🌱✨ She leads with clarity, wisdom and purpose, making our school a place where excellence and care go hand in hand. 🤝🌟 Thank you for your tireless dedication, your strong leadership, and the countless ways you invest in our community each and every day. We are truly fortunate to have you at the helm. 💐 #PrimaryPrincipalsDay #GratitudeInAction #HeartOfOurSchool #LeadingWithPurpose #ShapingBrightFutures #ThankYouPrincipal #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
12 Aug 2025
From Facebook
🚀💡 STEM-tacular Talent on Show! 💡🚀 What an inspiring day at the STEM MAD competition! 🌟 Our brilliant students from Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 wowed the judges with their creative projects, innovative ideas, and problem-solving skills. 💭✨ The teachers couldn’t be prouder of how each group showcased their hard work and passion for making a positive difference in the world. 🌏👏 Well done, future innovators – you truly are STEM stars! 🌟🔧🔬 #STEMMAD #YoungInnovators #MakingADifference #STEMStars #FutureEngineers #CreativeThinkers #STEMEducation #PrimarySchoolPride #InnovatorsOfTomorrow #STEMChallenge #MakingChangeHappen #ProudTeachers #StudentSuccess #FutureLeaders #STEMInspiration #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
11 Aug 2025
From Facebook
🍦🔬 SWEET SCIENCE 🔬🍦 Year 2 has had a cool time in Science this term, literally! 🥶✨ Using the Earth’s natural resources, our budding scientists made their very own ice cream 🍨🌏. There were giggles, teamwork, and plenty of shaking as they explored how these simple ingredients can change a liquid into a delicious frozen treat 😋🎉. Learning has never tasted so good! #SweetScience #Year2Adventures #HandsOnLearning #EarthsResources #CoolExperiments #FutureScientists #STEMInAction #LearningIsFun #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
10 Aug 2025
From Facebook
🏕️✨ CAMDEN PARK – DAY 2 ✨🏕️ On Friday it was the second half of Year 5’s turn to journey back in time at Camden Park! ⏳🥖 Just like Thursday, it was a day packed with history, fun, and hands-on learning – the perfect way to bring the past to life! 💛📜 #Year5Excursion #CamdenParkNSW #HistoryInAction #GoldRushExperience #DamperMaking #LivingHistory #PrimaryAdventures #CuriousKids #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #AussieSchoolDays #HandsOnLearning #SchoolMemories #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
08 Aug 2025
From Facebook
Congratulations to our two fabulous Gold and all our wonderful silver award recipients this week! During assembly today our wonderful 1 Blue🩵 led us in a beautiful and reverent prayer service in honour of Saint Mary MacKillop 🙏💐 With confident voices and caring hearts, they reminded us of Mary’s message to “never see a need without doing something about it.” 💛 #Year1LeadsTheWay #MaryMacKillop #FaithInAction #PrayerAndReflection #CatholicEducation #Gold #Silver #Awards #WellDone #SaintlyInspiration #SchoolAssemblyMoments #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool
07 Aug 2025
From Facebook
🏕️🔍 YEAR 5 AT CAMDEN PARK 🔍🏕️ Today, two of our Year 5 classes stepped back in time at Camden Park! ⏳ Ready for adventure, they panned for gold, explored colonial tents, and even got their hands messy making traditional damper bread over an open fire 🔥🥖 It was a day full of discovery, history, and hands-on learning and tomorrow, the rest of Year 5 gets to enjoy the same unforgettable experience! 👏✨ #Year5Excursion #CamdenParkNSW #HistoryInAction #GoldRushExperience #HandsOnLearning #DamperMaking #LivingHistory #LearningBeyondTheClassroom #PrimaryAdventures #CuriousKids #AussieSchoolDays #MemoriesInTheMaking #StMichaels #PrimarySchool #BaulkhamHills #CSPD #CatholicSchool