<p class="ql-block">As we reach the end of our time in Kindergarten, Universe Class have begun their final Unit of Inquiry: <i>People understand themselves and take responsibility in a changing environment.</i> This unit is providing so many opportunities for joyful reflection on all the growth and the good times over four fantastic years at Golden Apple Meiyu.</p> <p class="ql-block">Linda in her graduation gown striking the coolest of poses 😎 🧑🎓 </p> <p class="ql-block">Over the past two weeks, Universe Class has embarked on a meaningful exploration of what it means to grow, change, and take responsibility—not just in our physical bodies, but also in our actions, choices, and roles in our community. This period has been filled with thoughtful reflection, creative expression, and joyful learning.</p> <p class="ql-block">Week 1: Discovering Responsibility</p> <p class="ql-block">We began by reviewing previous weeks and what teachers Jamie and Maggie had taught the class about the stages of growth. Here our focus was capability looking at how our physical changes since we were babies had changed what we are able to do now we are children. The kids drew self-portraits of themselves as babies and now. We used a mirror to look at ourselves and pictures of ourselves as babies for reference. In the bend we created beautiful posters recording our physical changes.</p> <p class="ql-block">Here are the final results:</p> <p class="ql-block">Our discussions on physical change and capability logically led us on to the concept of responsibility. “We can do more now so should we be behaving differently?” The kids intuitively knew that they were able to control their own behaviour and emotions better than when they were younger and explained that they don’t cry as much when they’re sad or angry, instead they try to find solutions. This led the kids to ask “What does it mean to be responsible?” Through engaging discussions, videos and pictures of themselves in the past, and anecdotal stories, the children learned that being responsible means doing something you should do—whether that’s helping a friend, cleaning up, or following the rules.</p> <p class="ql-block">We had discussions and each student made a mind map with drawings (and words from our Circle Time discussion) of the actions we think are ‘responsible’.</p> <p class="ql-block">The children also created beautiful “Responsible Me” posters, showing the things they already do to help and the things they aspire to do more. On one side of the poster was a drawing of how they are responsible now and the other was how they will be more responsible when they are an adult. Each child presented their poster with pride, and together we reflected on how being principled and trustworthy helps us grow into caring members of our current and future learning and home communities.</p> <p class="ql-block">At the end of the week we also took our graduation photos. A bittersweet moment for teachers. 🥹 We are so proud to see them grow and look forward to the future but we are sad to see them leave! Here are some cool candid pictures taken by the children themselves from the day:</p> <p class="ql-block">Week 2: Understanding Growth</p> <p class="ql-block">In our second week, we shifted our focus to the concept of growth—not just physical growth, but also growth in capability and responsibility. During circle time, we explored how all people grow over time, starting with the baby stage. We looked at photos of ourselves as babies and watched videos of how babies behave. </p> <p class="ql-block">Teacher Maggie began a project with the children that encourages the kids to consider how their school life in primary will be different to kindergarten as impacted by the environment. The kids were tasked with designing a model kindergarten and a model primary school. They divided into small groups to design and create one of the two models using classroom toys. In their design process they had to consider the features that define each place. Then they had a discussion as to how they make life different in each place. </p> <p class="ql-block">Our group project, “My Growth Journey”, took off as each student began crafting their personal growth book. Using photographs from home, sentence stems, and their own reflections, the children began to document how they have changed over the years. Each day we focused on a new life stage—baby, toddler, infant, and preschool—discussing what they could do at each age, what they couldn’t do yet, and what made each stage special.</p> <p class="ql-block">Throughout the project, we emphasised that growing up means more than getting taller—it also means becoming more thoughtful, more helpful, and more responsible.</p> <p class="ql-block">It’s been a joy watching the children reflect on who they were, who they are now, and who they are becoming. Over these two weeks, they’ve not only developed a clearer understanding of growth and responsibility—they’ve also grown emotionally and socially, becoming more confident, thoughtful, and engaged.</p><p class="ql-block">The projects we are currently undertaking are ongoing and we hope to show you some impressive results by the time we invite parents in for our Student-led conferences at the start of next month. </p><p class="ql-block">As always, thank you for your continued support and encouragement at home. We’re so proud of the progress your children are making and are excited for the next step in our learning journey.</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">The Universe Class (K2B) Team</p>