Catholic Schools were well represented in the results of the “Primary Mathematics Association Powerful Learners: Mathematics and Numeracy Challenge” awards this year. The awards were announced earlier in October and winning schools came together to be presented their awards by the Hon. Minister of Education, Susan Close, on Friday evening 16 October.
The purpose of the challenge is:
• To promote Mathematics in school and pre-school communities in South Australia
• To further develop students appreciation and scope of their mathematics and their creative thinking skills
The Challenge is now in its 20th Year and with recent sponsorship from DECD and CESA, it is now free for all schools to enter. In the Challenge, students and educators have the opportunity to either explore their own mathematical investigation or explore a set topic/ investigation.
This year, 3 Catholic Schools were presented awards in the following categories.
Year 1 Class Entry: Highly Commended: Year 1SM, Rosary School
Year 2 Whole Class Winner, Set Investigation: Year 2 SB, St Joseph’s Memorial School, Norwood
Year 2 Individual Winner, Year 2: Ruby Clark: St Joseph’s Memorial School, Norwood
Year 4 Class Entry Winner: Year 4 AP , Rosary School, Prospect
Year 4 Class Entry Winner: Year 3/ 4 MVW. St Monica’s School, Walkerville
Year 5 Class Entry Winner. Year 4/5 PE (Dynamic Decagon group) St Monica’s School, Walkerville
Congratulations also to Seva Maitianos and Annabel Parletta (Rosary School) who were acknowledged with teacher awards for their reflective writing on their experience in planning and facilitating the Challenge.
The student investigations included exploring maps of our local area, picture books and probability, making Maths fun, how Maths could be used in deciding the next Olympic host city, and developing theories around number combinations and permutations.
Over 300 children and families attended the ceremony on Friday evening. CESA was represented by Acting Director, Monica Conway who took great delight in speaking with the children and teachers about their investigations. On behalf of the schools, we thank Monica for her support and generosity of time to help us celebrate our love of Mathematics!
If your school is interested in participating in the PMA Powerful Learners Mathematics/ Numeracy Challenge you would be most welcome to contact the PMA Curriculum Coordinator, Greg Parker (Principal, St. Monica’s School). Our goal is to have even greater representation next year! GParker@stmonica.catholic.edu.au
Intergenerational playgroups are truly something special — an experience that enriches the lives of both the young and the older members of our community. These playgroups are more than just a space for children to play; they are a vital platform for different generations to come together, share wisdom, and build meaningful relationships.
