Grade 1 Community News

Dear Grade 1 Families, 

Welcome back to Term 2! We are looking forward to a busy and fun-filled term all while celebrating the amazing learning taking place.

InitiaLit

In InitiaLit, we have been reviewing compound words, nouns, verbs, and reading two-syllable words. Students have shown so much growth already this term, which can be seen during lesson reviews and in consolidation tasks that all students complete, which help to deepen their understanding of these concepts. 

This week, we will be learning new digraphs that have two spellings for the same sound: ‘ea’ and ‘ee’, both making the long vowel /ē/ as well as ‘oa’ and ‘ow’, both making the long vowel /ō/. These can be a little tricky, but you can help your child by pointing out these letter combinations, or supporting them to read these sounds, while you read with or to them! 

Maths

In maths, students have been building on their understanding of two-digit numbers and crossing over decades when counting on. They have also been revising different types of 2D shapes and their properties, as well as the various ways these shapes can move, including to ‘slide’ and to ‘reflect’. We will be continuing our work on shape and ordering 2-digit numbers, and beginning to learn about symmetry in the environment. Encourage your child to investigate these terms and properties at home with shapes they see around them, and support them to use the correct terms as they play around with real-world objects.

Knowledge Building

Our Grade 1s started their Human Body unit this term, identifying the ways our bodies stay healthy and active. Students have discussed the skeletal system, including the jobs of the human skeleton, how the joints connect and how different parts of the skeletal system protect different vital organs. 

his week we will learn about the muscular system, how our digestive system works, and the ways our hearts keep us healthy.

Respectful Relationships:

Grade 1s will continue to follow and refer to our school values during the school day. We will be learning about how to show respect for, and what it means from, First Nations perspectives. 

Digital Technologies:

In Digital Technology, students have discussed various ways they can stay safe online, and the importance of communicating anything worrying to a trusted adult. We have focused on ‘tricky’ people – those who may be trying to trick us to get information from us by using techniques such as pop-ups, asking for information and being overly nice. You can support your child at home by continuing these conversations about online safety, and identifying who they can speak with at home if they feel unsafe at any time while they are online.

Vocabulary: 

In Week 1 and 2, we introduced new vocabulary to our Grade 1 students while exploring the text ‘Edwina the Emu’. Students examined target words closely and engaged in various word association activities to deepen their understanding. Support your child at home by encouraging them to include these words in their spoken language, and discuss their meanings with your child throughout the day.

Calendar:

On Friday 9th May we will be having a whole school ‘Crazy Hair/Socks/Hat Day’ to help raise funds for Graduation. Please keep an eye out on Compass for further details about this day.

Just a reminder that all Grade 1s have an upcoming excursion to Scienceworks in Term 2. Please make sure you have checked dates and submitted payment on Compass prior to your child’s excursion date.

Friday 30th May is a Pupil Free Day for report writing.

Thanks to our families and communities for your continued support!

PLC 1 team