Prep

Welcome

Welcome to Term Two. We hope that you all had a relaxing two weeks of school holidays. The Prep team is excited for the term ahead, filled with many exciting and enjoyable learning opportunities, including our 100 days of Prep.

Some important items to remember for a successful term ahead are ensuring our Prep students have enough sleep at night, bringing fruit snacks to school, and keeping water in their water bottles. This ensures our students are ready for the exciting learning during the day.

English

Each day, students complete two hours of Literacy, which focuses on phonics, reading, comprehension, writing, and handwriting. We follow the InitiaLit scope and sequence.

Students complete activities that develop various Literacy skills, including focusing on initial sounds, sounding out words and blending them back together, sequencing events in a story, and building fine motor skills for handwriting. Classroom reading activities include whole class, small groups, guided reading, shared reading, modelled reading, language experience, listening tasks, and independent reading experiences.

A wide variety of resources are used, including nonfiction and fiction materials presented in many formats, including books, songs, poetry, and nursery rhymes.

Each child is regularly monitored in their Literacy skills to ensure they retain the learning being explicitly taught.

Phonological awareness is a key focus in our Literacy program. Phonological awareness is an essential part of the student’s ability to learn the English language. Students learn sounds through systematic phonics instruction. Children have daily phonological awareness instruction in letter-sound knowledge, word awareness/syllables, rhyme, first, middle and last sounds and vowels and consonants. 

During writing sessions students will continue to focus on recount writing as well as other text types including narratives and letters. They will be working on using their phonics knowledge to sound out words and have a go at writing the corresponding letters. Students will be encouraged to use oral language skills to describe their illustrations in sentences. Teachers will model writing, and expectations of independent writing will vary depending on each child’s point of need. 

Students will also continue to be instructed in handwriting, learning the beginning strokes and shapes needed for Victorian Modern Cursive handwriting. This includes developing the correct posture and fine motor skills required to create well-formed letters and a steady pencil grip.

Religious Education

In Religious Education, the Prep students have been exploring what it means to be part of the family of God.

We are learning that our school and church communities play special roles in this family, helping us to grow and become loving, kind, and caring individuals. 

Through stories, discussions, and creative activities, we reflect on our experiences of family and friendship, discovering how these relationships help us understand and develop a stronger connection to God’s love.

We are investigating how our actions - at home, school and in the wider community - show that we belong to God’s family.

Mathematics

The mathematics focus for Prep students initially is on number. Concepts and skills are taught through concrete materials and experiences relevant to the children’s lives. The Numeracy Program involves a lot of ‘hands-on’ activities, open-ended investigations and real-life Mathematics. Counting and number sense will lay the foundations of your child’s Maths learning in future years.

Throughout the term, we will also focus on partitioning numbers, 2D shapes and extending our number range to 20. 

Each Mathematics lesson begins with activities and games designed to teach and practise mental strategies, such as counting to 10, building on to 20, and breaking up numbers to 5. 

Below is a list of activities that you can do at home to support your child’s Mathematical development: 

• Make counting part of your everyday life. For example, count toys, microplastics you collect at the beach, fruit at the grocery store or trees on the street.
• When you are out and about, encourage your child to compare sizes of stones, bushes and trees, and describe shapes of leaves, colours of flowers or sizes of birds.
• Go for a walk down your street and point out how each house or block has a number in a series. Count the steps between one house and the next.
• Use a growth chart or marks on a wall to measure your child’s growing height, and describe to your child what you’re doing.
• Involve your child in cooking. Let your child help stir, pour, fill, and mix. This will help your child learn to count, measure, add, and estimate.

Inquiry Learning

In Inquiry, the Prep students explore the unit ‘Living in a Material World’.

The Prep students will explore how everyday materials can be physically changed or combined with other materials in various ways for particular purposes.

We will investigate the different properties of materials by sorting and grouping them according to observable properties such as colour, texture, and flexibility.

The students will develop critical and creative thinking through this unit by brainstorming, planning, creating and problem-solving.

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Circle Time 

In the morning, all classes participate in circle time from 8.45 – 9.05am.  This is an important time when students engage in activities to build relationships with their peers and teachers and learn social-emotional skills to contribute to a positive learning environment within their classroom.  Please ensure that your child is on time for school, as these activities are essential to their overall experience at school.   

Positive Behaviour for Learning

The Positive Behaviour for Learning framework comprises three focus values: Respect, Responsibility and Resilience. During the term, respect, responsibility, and resilience will be addressed through weekly focus sessions.

Our School-Wide Acknowledgement System awards Class Dojo Points and weekly awards to students who demonstrate positive learning behaviours across all school settings (classroom, specialist lessons, playground, incursions/excursions). This engages and motivates students, opens our learning to parents, and provides an opportunity to celebrate the learning students are doing in our classroom.

Classroom Organisation

Every week the Prep students will attend the following Specialist programs. 

Please remind your child to wear their sports uniform and runners on the appropriate day.

Specialist Teachers and Timetable 

Italian – Signora White

P.E. – Ms Puetz

Performing Arts - Mrs Cooper

Art - Mrs Santoro

Library - Mrs Polites

Specialist timetable is below:

*Library: Students must return their library books on a weekly cycle. For example, all Preps borrow on Wednesday and return their books by the following Wednesday. 

Take Home Books  - pouches

Every Monday, your child will take home decodable books that support the learning that is happening in the classroom. These books are to be read multiple times throughout the week to help develop your child’s letter-sound knowledge and ability to sound out words and blend them back together. By reading the books multiple times, they will also build other reading skills such as comprehension, fluency, pace and expression. These books are to be recorded in their Home Reading Diary and returned in their blue pouch on a Friday. Within the Home Reading Diary, there are additional activities for your child to complete that will be set by your child’s teacher.

School Uniform and Hat

Please ensure that all clothing items are clearly marked with your child’s name, preferably in permanent marker.

Meet and Greet

Please note that classrooms are open from 8:30 - 8:45 am for our Meet and Greet time. This is an essential time for students to get themselves organised for their day of learning. It also allows students to establish and maintain relationships with peers. Please ensure you arrive during this time to give your child the best possible start each day.

Brain Food Break

During the morning teaching block, the Prep students will have a Brain Food Break to ‘refuel’ on vegetables, salad, fruit, or dairy and ‘rehydrate’ with water. Please pack something extra in your child’s lunchbox for them to eat during this time. Students who are not hungry and are well-hydrated perform better in the classroom and show increased concentration. This is a friendly reminder that we encourage a nut-free environment in the school.

Key Dates

Friday 9th May - Mother’s Day stall

Friday 16th May - Walk safely to school day 

Monday 19th May - Prep Curriculum Information Evening

Friday 30th May - Sports Day 9 am - 11 am

Monday 9th June - King's Birthday 

Monday 30th June - Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

Friday 4th July - End of Term 2  - 1.30pm

How to Contact Us

Fiona MacNally: fmacnally@saclaytonsth.catholic.edu.au 

Rosemary Restaino:   rrestaino@saclaytonsth.catholic.edu.au 

Bridie Slater: bslater@saclaytonsth.catholic.edu.au 

SPECIALIST PROGRAMS

Library

Congratulations to all classes on your excellent care and return of library books in Term 1! Seeing so many students respecting our shared resources and developing responsibility as readers is wonderful.

This term, our Library program continues to support the Victorian Curriculum, especially in the areas of:

• English – Reading and Viewing: Developing comprehension through diverse fiction and nonfiction texts.
• Critical and Creative Thinking: Making connections between ideas and reflecting on reading choices.
• Personal and Social Capability: Practising respectful behaviours during shared learning time.

Each week, students are encouraged to engage thoughtfully during Library lessons, choose appropriate books, and participate in discussions that promote a love of reading.

Here’s a reminder of what our Library sessions should look like and sound like:

Looks Like:

Students browse books calmly and with purpose.

Listening to stories with focus and interest.

Taking care of library resources and returning them on time.

Sounds Like:

Respectful, quiet voices during reading.

Thoughtful questions and comments during discussions.

Sharing ideas kindly and taking turns.

Following these expectations makes the Library a safe, inclusive, and inspiring space for everyone.

Thank you to all parents and carers for encouraging your children to read at home. Whether reading together, asking questions about books, or simply setting aside quiet time to enjoy a story, your support plays a vital role in growing confident, curious readers.

Mrs Daniella Polites                                              

L.O.T.E. Italian

Ciao a tutti,

This term, the Preps will continue to focus on introducing Italy and the Italian language and developing the students’ speaking and listening skills. The students will continue to build on previously learnt language. They will practise the question/answer routine of asking and giving their name, using the two language structures, Mi chiamo (my name is) and sono (I am), and they will learn how to say ‘I am sorry’ mi dispiace and ‘you are welcome’ prego. They will be introduced to the Italian vocabulary for colours and will learn to sing an Italian song -La Farfallina Bianca. (The Little White Butterfly).

Students will also learn to count in Italian from 1 to 10. During the lessons, the students will continue to recycle and deepen their understanding of new vocabulary by participating in singing songs, playing games, reciting chants, following simple instructions and understanding basic classroom language.

Cordiali saluti                                                                                    

Signora White

Physical Education

Welcome to Term Two!

During this term in Physical Education, Prep students will engage in a Body Movement unit, where they are learning to develop fundamental throwing and catching skills with various objects. Completed individually, in partners, and group activities, they are continuing to explore how to work together in teams to coordinate their actions. Additionally, the Prep students have been developing hand-eye coordination skills through various activities with different objects such as bouncy balls, tennis balls and hoola hoops. We are exploring a variety of athletic events, including proper running form for sprinting and how to use their learnt teamwork skills in relay races.

We are excited for another fun term ahead! 

Miss Kayla Puetz

Art

Welcome to the Art Room – Term 2 Update!

We’ve had an excellent and creative start to Term 2 in the Art Room!

To commemorate ANZAC Day, the children made beautiful poppies, which they proudly wore during our school gathering. We’ve also been busy crafting some very special gifts to celebrate Mother’s Day—full of colour, care, and love!

This term, our focus is on collage art. The students will experiment with different materials and textures to create unique pieces. Throughout the term, they’ll also explore painting, printing, and using stencils to create exciting designs.

We’ll be practising important art skills like cutting, folding, and pasting and learning how to mix and blend colours to make new shades and tones. It’s all about exploring, experimenting, and having fun while learning!

Looking forward to a colourful and creative term ahead.

Happy art-making! Mrs. Milena Santoro 🎨

Performing Arts

Hello Preppies and Families, welcome back to school for Term 2!!

The Preps had a wonderfully successful first term that we will begin rhythmic notation already!  By reading notated rhythm, prep students will expand their knowledge of rhythm (ta’s, ti-ti’s and za’s).  Students will use their knowledge of sounds to compose sound stories, using instruments in various ways to communicate an idea or feeling. We’ll use the story of Funkey Monkey and his red pants to develop students’ acting abilities, using physical movement, sound and facial expression to correspond to the story. 

The Preps will learn the rhyme Lemonade Crunchy Ice to develop their improvisation skills in dance and movement. They will also practice writing rhythmic notation and improvise using melodic percussion instruments (xylophones, glockenspiels, etc.) to develop their pitching skills.

Lastly, we’ll be focusing on singing through call-and-response, games, and finally, some fun songs to develop students' understanding of how to pitch with their voices. Their singing is a joy to listen to, so if you’d like to help your child, please put on their favourite song in the car and encourage them to karaoke it up!

Here’s to a great term!

Thanks,

Emma Cooper