Prep-2 Sector 

PREP

Hello families and friends! 

Here is an update on what has been happening in the Prep area: 

Reading and Writing

We have been reviewing the digraphs in our Phonics sessions. This week we focused on “sh” and “ck”

We practised segmenting and blending words that begin or end with these sounds.

The teacher dictates words and sentences and the students have a go and writing what they hear:

We have continued sharing our opinions and learning about persuasive writing.

Students wrote persuasive sentences choosing whether dogs or cats are their preferred pet and provided reasons to support their opinion.

We also sorted facts and opinions about koalas:

Students wrote facts about koalas after reading an information text called “Questions about Koalas”.

Mathematics

This term, students have learned about mass, using hefting and balance scales for comparison. Students also compared the mass of objects by looking at images of balance scales. 

In our capacity lessons, students have developed an understanding of how much a container can hold, predicting and comparing capacities using visual attributes. Students have practised using language such as “holds more” or “holds less” as well as “full”, “half-full” and “empty” to compare the capacity of containers. 

Students have begun working through many assessments to demonstrate their learning and growth in different areas. 

We are so proud of our Prep students– they have worked hard and have made many achievements.

Humanities

In our Humanities sessions, we listened to stories that prompted us to think about the way in which weather shapes habitats. 

We discussed how different animals live in places that suit their needs and how weather and seasons affect where they live. 

Students were asked to choose an Australian animal and draw and describe its habitat. 

The Prep Team

Year 1

Over the past few weeks, the Year 1 students have been exploring persuasive writing. We’ve looked closely at the books The Day the Crayons Quit and I Want My Hat Back, stepping into the shoes of the characters to write our own persuasive letters. 

Students have enjoyed using creative language and reasons to convince their readers — just like the characters in the stories!

In reading, students have been learning new digraphs and applying them in both their reading and writing to strengthen their phonics and spelling skills.

In mathematics, our focus has been on capacity. Using hands-on materials such as containers, water, Unifix cubes, and counters, students have compared and ordered different containers from largest to smallest. They have also explored mathematical language including full, empty, nearly full, half full, holds more, and holds less.

We also had swimming, which the students absolutely loved! They learned new water safety skills and finished the week with some fun games in the pool.

We’re now looking forward to our Year 1 Stay Late next week — an exciting evening filled with a magic show, pizza dinner, and a disco to celebrate a wonderful term of learning!

'You can if you think you can'

The Year 1 Teachers

Year 2

It’s hard to believe we’re already flying through Term 4! The Year 2s have had a busy (and let’s be honest, very exciting) few weeks packed with hands-on learning, giggles, and just the right amount of glitter. From persuasive writing to planting beans, it’s been all go in Year 2!

The Amazing Year 2 Sleepover!

The long-awaited Year 2 Sleepover at school was a huge success — and yes, the teachers survived!

The night kicked off with everyone setting up their cosy beds, followed by a scavenger hunt around the school to find clues about the mystery movie.  After a pizza feast, the fun really began — a disco, tower-building challenge, puppet crafts, ball games, and a torchlight adventure hunting for hidden “teachers” (and some rubber ducks).

After brushing teeth and wriggling into PJs, the kids were out like lights (well, mostly). We didn’t quite finish the movie —too tired ! Morning came quickly with breakfast, packing up, and one last sleepy stroll to the gym. What a night to remember! The students are asking can we do it again! 

Reading & Phonics 

Our reading lessons are in full swing! Students are working hard to strengthen their phonics knowledge — learning that the same sound can be written in lots of different ways (English really likes to keep things interesting).

Daily phonics sessions help students build reading fluency, spelling confidence, and handwriting skills. A quick reminder: please keep up the reading at home — every page makes a difference!  Whether it’s a home reader, bedtime story, or the back of the cereal box, reading together helps grow vocabulary and creates lovely family moments.

Writing

This term’s writing focus has been persuasive texts — We’ve explored writing from different points of view: 

The Wolf’s side of The Three Little Pigs (apparently, he’s misunderstood!) 

The Giant’s take on Jack and the Beanstalk (he’s not all bad either).

Students are learning how to use persuasive words, emotional language, and strong reasons to express their opinions. It’s been wonderful to see them so engaged — and slightly worrying how persuasive they’re becoming!

Numeracy

In Maths, we’ve been working on mastering multiplication and division using hands-on materials and visual models like arrays and equal groups.

The students are discovering that maths can actually be fun (who knew?). 

We’ve also been exploring measurement — comparing lengths, masses, and capacities using everyday items like cups, marbles, and blocks. 

Expect your child to come home measuring everything in sight soon — from the family dog to their breakfast cereal!

Humanities

In Humanities, we’re stepping back in time to explore how families, schools, and communities have changed. Students have been comparing life “then and now,” sharing family stories, and examining artefacts from long ago (yes, toys without batteries do exist!).

We’ve also learned how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples share knowledge through stories, art, and seasonal calendars — a beautiful reminder of the many ways we connect with our environment and history. 

 Science

Our young scientists have been exploring life cycles — from beans to butterflies! Students planted broad beans (hopefully they’ve made it home safely and not taken over the kitchen bench yet).

They’ve also observed mealworms transforming through their life stages — equal parts fascinating and slightly gross, which makes it perfect for eight-year-olds! Through these hands-on experiences, students are learning about growth, change, and the importance of caring for living things.

                                      Thank You!

As always, thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm. It’s been a fabulous start to Term 4, and we can’t wait for the learning adventures still to come!

Here’s to more curiosity, laughter, and maybe a few more beans growing on windowsills at home!

Warm regards,

The Year 2 Teaching Team.

Yr 2 Team