Our Head of Primary, Mrs Kim Piercey, reflects on the very special educational journey our young learners experience here in Primary at 51小湿妹.
There is something profoundly moving about watching a child discover the world. At 51小湿妹, we witness this daily; the spark in a student鈥檚 eyes when an idea finally 鈥渃licks鈥�, the joy of sharing new knowledge, and the confidence that grows when they feel safe to explore. When I reflect on why our students love learning so deeply, I return to a simple truth: children learn best when they know they are loved.
鈥淎 love of learning has a lot to do with learning that you are loved.鈥�
Fred Rogers, Presbyterian Minister, Author and American Television Personality
The love and care our teachers show is one of the greatest strengths of 51小湿妹. Our staff understand that every child is created in the image of God, fearfully and wonderfully made, deeply valued, and inherently worthy. Students do not earn their worth through achievement; they are valuable because of who they are as children of God. When they learn in an environment where they feel known, supported, and loved, their confidence grows and their curiosity flourishes.
One of the great privileges of being Head of Primary is visiting classrooms across the school. These visits are often the highlight of my week. I see teachers who meet students exactly where they are and help them take the next step, teachers who guide, challenge, and inspire. I see students who are not simply completing tasks but are discovering a genuine love for learning.
This hands-on, meaningful approach is evident across many areas of the College. In Prep, students experience the joy of discovery during I Am a Scientist Day. In Year 3, students recently explored the concept of length in Mathematics. Instead of working through textbook exercises, they measured real objects using pieces of string. I watched students stretching, comparing, estimating, and problem solving. They talked with one another, tested ideas, and made sense of mathematical concepts through movement and touch. It was learning that was alive, relevant, and memorable.
Our commitment to meaningful learning also shines through in our writing program. In Year 6, students have been using Writer鈥檚 Toolbox to extend their creativity and develop their own voice. The five-minute Daily Writing Challenge has quickly become a favourite part of the day. It gives students the freedom to take risks, experiment with ideas, and enjoy writing simply for the sake of writing. It has been wonderful to see students eager to share their thoughts, express their imagination, and grow in confidence.
Learning at 51小湿妹 extends beyond the classroom as well. Our Year 5 students recently spent time reflecting on the meaning of Lent, learning how Christians around the world prepare their hearts for Easter through prayer, reflection, and intentional choices. They also explored history through a visit to one of Brisbane鈥檚 oldest homes, where artefacts and hands-on activities brought Australia鈥檚 early colonial period to life. These experiences help students connect their faith and studies with the world around them.
Moments like these remind us that learning is most powerful when students are actively involved. United States Founding Father Benjamin Franklin captured this beautifully: 鈥淭ell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.鈥� This reflects the heartbeat of learning at 51小湿妹. We want our students to be active participants, asking questions, wondering, exploring, making mistakes, and trying again.
Across Primary, I see a community deeply committed to nurturing this love of learning. Our teachers design experiences that spark curiosity, encourage risk-taking, and celebrate effort and character alongside achievement.
My hope is that every student at 51小湿妹 experiences the wonder of learning; learning that is hands-on, meaningful, and rooted in the knowledge that they are deeply loved by God and by the people who teach them. When love and learning come together, students truly flourish.
