Class News
Kindergarten
This fortnight in English we have been busy working on our sound knowledge by learning the sounds ‘n’, ‘g’ and ‘l', and how to use these sounds when reading and writing. In writing, we have been learning how to use an extended vocabulary with words such as 'seek', 'cunning' and 'mutter' in our sentences. We have also had our first Buddy reading session where the students enjoyed having books read to them by their Year 6 buddies.
Meanwhile, in Mathematics, we have been continuing to solve simple problems using addition and subtraction. We have also moved on to learning about sharing and equal groups.
Thanks for the great week Kindergarten!
Miss Brooke Theobald
Stage 1
Stage 1 have had a wonderful fortnight filled with a range of hands-on learning experiences. In Science, the students have been identifying how living things change as they grow, where they have planted their own dwarf pea seeds in the hope to watch them sprout and change from day-to-day. Stage 1 have also been experimenting with how to create an environment to cater for the needs of their own individual plants.
During our English block, Stage 1 has had yet another productive week preparing to write an informative text called an explanation for this week’s Big Write. The students should be commended for their efforts in using the correct structure and use an extensive range of WOW words and connectives.
Meanwhile, in Mathematics, we have been identifying a range of effective strategies to determine a missing number in a number pattern. The students are continuing to consolidate their understanding through a number of differentiated hands-on learning experiences.
Well done Stage 1 for all your enthusiasm towards learning!
Miss Elise Vinson and Miss Lucy Suttor
Stage 2
Wow, we are over half way through the term already! Stage 2 have continued to engage in all areas of learning, from planning and composing imaginative narratives to using digital technologies to present our learning in History and Science. In English this week, students are learning about the language features in factual descriptions to support them in writing their own descriptions about various creatures and places.
In Science, we have delved into exploring the features of Scratch and Spheros to increase our knowledge of coding and programming. So far we have enjoyed using coding to make characters move and make sounds. We are also looking forward to learning how to use ‘Makey Makey’s’ to make games and music.
Year 3 have also been busily preparing for their Sacrament of the Eucharist (First Holy Communion). They are looking forward to receiving the Body of Christ for the first time and sharing in the celebration of the Eucharist with our Church and School Community.
Mrs Karlee Hatton and Mr Mark Rottger
Stage 3
This week Stage 3 have enjoyed a range of exciting activities inside and outside the classroom. Yesterday, we travelled to Narrabri to participating in the 2019 Science and Engineering Challenge. The students had a lot of fun building and creating buildings, moon buggies, and robotic hands.
In English, we have been researching and learning about Eddie Mabo and his contributions to the recognition of Indigenous Land Rights and the overturning of the Terra Nullius ruling in 1992.
Investigations in Maths have begun again after some intensive maths problem solving over the past few weeks. Year 6 are developing a maths board game based on fractions, decimals, and percentages. Meanwhile, Year 5 will be writing a crossword with clues explaining mathematical concepts such as factors and multiples.
For homework, and in reading groups, we are completing novel studies and book clubs to promote book discussions. We are also transitioning to an online homework focus to develop using technology as a communication tool.
Congratulations to all of our wonderful students who have represented St Joseph's over the past fortnight. We have had Gala days, Diocesan Cross Country and Speech and Drama Eisteddfods. Many of our students have had great success. We are so proud of you!
Olivia Robertson and Anna Baird
