Spotlight on Learning

Dear Families,

Welcome back! We hope all of our Foundation families had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday break. It has been wonderful to see our students return to school with smiling faces, ready to learn and reconnect with their friends.

This term is filled with exciting learning opportunities as we continue to build on the skills developed throughout the year. We look forward to another fantastic term of learning, growth, and fun as we work together to support every child to achieve their best.

Thank you for your continued support. We can't wait to share all the wonderful learning and experiences that Term 3 has in store!

Photos from Week 1:

Learning for the week ahead

Religious Education:

In Religious Education, students will learn that Jesus often taught people through special stories called parables. They will listen to the Parable of the Sower and explore the important message Jesus wanted to share. Through discussion and reflection, students will identify what they have learned from the story and begin to understand how Jesus used parables to teach people about God's love and how to live.

English:

In English, we will be continuing our reading of 'The Gruffalo' by Julia Donaldson. The story follows a little mouse who uses his quick thinking and imagination to outsmart the animals he meets in the forest. Students loved joing in with the repetative phrases, discussing the characters, and exploring the important message that intelligence and confidence can be just as powerful as size and strength.

If you would like to read the story with your child, please follow the link below.

Mathematics:

In Mathematics, students will continue developing their understanding of addition and subtraction. They will use counters and ten-frames to represent addition stories and practise counting on to find the total. Students will also explore subtraction by using pictures and hands-on materials to model 'take away' situations, count how many are left, and create their own subtraction stories to match pictorial representations. These activities will help strengthen their understanding of the relationship between the whole and its parts while building confidence with early addition and subtraction concepts.

Integrated Curriculum: 

This term, our Integrated learning will focus on The Arts.

Next week, students will begin exploring dance and music through the story of The Gruffalo. In Dance, they will use their bodies to move like different animals while exploring movement using high and low levels, as well as near and far spaces. In Music, students will listen to contrasting sounds, clap the beat of a familiar chant, and explore musical concepts such as loud and quiet, and fast and slow using instruments and movement. This engaging learning will encourage creativity, imagination and self-expression.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL):

In SEL, students will explore the idea that everyone is unique and that interests, abilities and choices are not limited by gender. Through age-appropriate discussions and activities, we will encourage students to appreciate differences, challenge stereotypes and show respect and inclusion towards others.

Auslan:

Next week, we are learning that when asking an open-ended question, we put our eyebrows down to show confusion.

What you can do at home

• Read or watch the weekly book with your child at home (there is often a read aloud on youtube. Talk about what the book's most important ideas are. Point to words that begin with our focus sound/s
  • Ask comprehension questions as you read
  • "Point to where it shows...
  • "I wonder why.."
  • "What makes you think of that?"
  • "This reminds me of..."
  • "Show me where it says...”
  • "I didn't understand that part, so I'll reread it."
  • use a mix of Who, What, When, Where, Why and How questions based on the book.
• Ask you child to retell the story using their own words
• Talk about who the characters are and/or where the story is happening
• Practise handwriting
• Take the idea around Mathematics and incorporate it into your everyday routines. For example, if we are learning about directions, ask your child if they are turning left or right in the car when driving.

Important Reminders:

• Fidget Toys

  We kindly ask that students do not bring fidget toys to school unless their use is a planned adjustment in consultation with Allied Health Professionals. Students who bring fidget toys without an approved adjustment will be asked to place them in their school bag for the remainder of the day to take home. We appreciate your support in encouraging your child to leave fidget toys at home.

   

• Friday 24th July - 100 days of school celebration - please refer to the flyer below
• Wednesday 5th August - Photo Day - please use QR code in the flyer below
• Monday 24th August - Book week dress up day and Parade

Students are encouraged to participate in the Premier's Reading Challenge.

Stickers with usernames and passwords have been placed on the back of the Little Learners Love Literacy tag on your child’s reader pouch. A bookmark containing a QR code linking directly to the challenge website has also been placed inside your child’s reader pouch.

The Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge concludes on Friday, 4 September 2026. Students must complete their reading and have all of their books logged online before this date to finish the challenge.

Alternatively, families can access the website using the link below:

• Please ensure that you are labelling your child's belongings.

• Can we please ask for a pair of socks and underwear to be placed in the front zip pocket of your child's school bag in case of a toileting accident.

Enjoy your weekend,

The Galilee Team

Contact Us @ Galilee

galilee@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au  (all teachers) or