Palmerston District Primary School

12/06/2026

Are we GaGa!! Ah yep sure are! So what is a GaGa Pt?

A GaGa Pit is an enclosed play area where students play a fast-paced game called GaGa Ball. The pit is usually octagonal or circular, with low walls that keep the ball in play.

How is GaGa Ball played?

* Players stand inside the pit.
* A soft ball is bounced in the centre to start the game.
* Players use their hands to hit the ball along the ground.
* The aim is to avoid being hit by the ball below the knees.
* If the ball hits you below the knee, you are out.
* The last player remaining wins.

Why do schools love GaGa Pits?

A GaGa Pit provides:

* High levels of physical activity** during recess and lunch.
* Inclusive play, as students of different ages and abilities can participate.
* Opportunities to develop teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship and problem-solving skills.
* A structured playground activity that encourages positive social interactions.
* A fun way for students to build fitness, coordination and reaction skills.

At Palmerston District Primary School

A new GaGa Pit creates an exciting play space where students can connect, be active and have fun together. As with any new playground equipment, staff can support students through explicit teaching and Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) lessons, ensuring everyone understands:

* How to play safely.
* Fair play expectations.
* Respectful behaviour.
* Inclusion of others.
* Looking after the equipment and the space.

The best part? The joy on students' faces is usually immediate. It quickly becomes one of the most popular playground spaces because it's easy to learn, highly engaging and, despite the name, you don't need to be crazy or "gaga" to enjoy it! 🎉⚽️

12/06/2026

🤪 Are we crazy? Are we loco? Nope... we're GAGA! And no, we're not talking about a Lady Gaga concert stage either!! 🎤😂

We're talking about our brand-new Gaga Pit, the latest addition to our playground, and judging by the smiles, laughter and excitement, it's already a huge hit with our students!

The Gaga Pit provides another fantastic opportunity for students to be active, build friendships, develop teamwork skills and enjoy healthy play during break times. Like all new spaces at Palmerston District Primary School, we want to ensure it is a safe, inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Before students jump in and start playing, classes will participate in a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) lesson where the game rules, expected behaviours and safety expectations will be explicitly taught and practised. This helps ensure all students understand how to play fairly, show respect, include others and make positive choices while having fun.

These photos capture the absolute joy on our students' faces as they had their first opportunity to experience the Gaga Pit. Their excitement was contagious, and we can't wait to see this space become another place where friendships grow, confidence develops and great memories are made.

Who knew being Gaga could be this much fun? 😄🙌

12/06/2026

🌱❄️ What happens in the garden during winter? Plenty!

Our Palmy Patch students have been busy embracing the cooler weather and discovering that gardens are full of life, learning and opportunities all year round.

This week, our gardeners rolled up their sleeves to tackle some important jobs, including weeding garden beds, checking soil moisture levels, returning sand to the sandpit where it belongs, and becoming nature detectives as they searched for the consumers in our garden ecosystem. They were also fascinated to learn about our dahlia tubers and the important role they play in the plant's life cycle.

Beyond the gardening tasks, the Palmy Patch continues to provide rich opportunities for curiosity, engagement, problem-solving and teamwork. Students ask questions, test ideas, make observations and work together to care for our shared environment.

There is something truly special about spending time in the garden. The hands-on work, connection to nature and sense of purpose not only supports learning but also soothes the soul.

We love seeing our students develop confidence, responsibility and a deeper appreciation for the natural world through our Palmy Patch Garden Program. 🌿💚

We also want to shout out to our P and C for their support to the club in helping to get some resources.

12/06/2026

📚✨ Where do our Mystery Readers come from? Do they live in castles? Work in secret headquarters? Travel through hidden tunnels beneath the school? 🤔

While we may never know all their secrets, one thing is certain – our Mystery Readers are absolutely wonderful!

Seeing the excitement on our students' faces as they try to guess who is behind the classroom door is priceless!

Not only do our Mystery Readers bring books to life, but they also help foster a love of reading, spark curiosity and show our students that reading is important at every age.

Thank you for sharing your time, enthusiasm and favourite stories with us. You have truly helped create magical reading moments that our students will remember for years to come. ❤️📖

We can't wait to see who our next Mystery Reader might be!

12/06/2026

12/06/2026

🧠 Have you ever wondered what is happening in a child's brain when they are experiencing big emotions or challenging behaviours?

At Palmerston District Primary School, we know that behaviour is communication. By learning more about how the brain influences human behaviour, we gain a deeper understanding that every behaviour has meaning and context behind it.

This understanding helps us move beyond simply reacting to behaviour and instead focus on understanding the "why" behind it. We support our students to learn about how their brains work, recognise their emotions, build self-awareness and develop strategies to manage their responses in positive and productive ways.

Through explicit teaching, supportive relationships and a focus on wellbeing, we empower students to understand themselves, regulate their emotions and make choices that help them learn, grow and thrive.

When children understand their brains, they are better equipped to navigate challenges, build resilience and reach their full potential—and that's something worth celebrating. 💙💛

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

11/06/2026

Good luck to our 6 representatives at the ACT Cross Country today!

Anella J
Sophia D
Max D
Harry K
Blake R
William D

10/06/2026

🌏🚀 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel through space and explore the wonders of our solar system?

Yesterday, our Year 2 students and staff had an out-of-this-world experience during their excursion to Questacon! Throughout the day, students engaged in hands-on learning experiences, explored fascinating scientific concepts, and deepened their understanding of our solar system through interactive exhibits and activities.

We can't wait to hear all about their new discoveries, exciting facts and growing knowledge when they showcase their learning at the upcoming Year 2 Assembly in Week 10.

A huge thank you to our staff and volunteers for helping make this memorable learning experience possible. 🌟🪐✨

04/06/2026

How did we commemorate and reflect as a school for Reconciliation?

We held a whole-school Reconciliation Assembly on the grassy knoll, “on Country”, to share our learning and pay respect to our First Nations community. As the sun came out beneath the gum trees, our school community gathered to reflect together.

Kindergarten opened the assembly with their daily Acknowledgement of Country song. Year 4 students shared stories and reflections about what they had learnt about Aboriginal culture throughout Reconciliation Week. Year 1 then performed the song “Yuma” before our Principal addressed the school community, asking everyone to reflect on an important question:

“How can you continue to honour reconciliation, not just today, but throughout the year?”

The assembly concluded with a whole-school reflective walk through the “Path of Hands”. These hands were reflective artworks created by every student, inspired by their learning during Reconciliation Week. Students, staff, and families walked together through the display, listening to music as they made their way towards the yarning circle.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this meaningful experience possible.