Spotlight on Learning

Dear Families,

This week, we are celebrating how much our Foundation students have grown since the beginning of the year. They are showing increased independence, making safe choices, treating others with respect, and engaging enthusiastically in all learning experiences. It has been wonderful to see their confidence continue to build as they take pride in their learning and support one another in the classroom.

We would also like to wish all of our mums, grandmothers, carers, and special people in our students’ lives a very happy Mother’s Day for the weekend ahead. We hope you enjoy a lovely and well-deserved celebration!

Learning for the Week Ahead

Religious Education:

Next week in Religious Education, students will complete a pre-assessment to share their current understanding of creation. They will then begin exploring the story of the Garden of Eden, focusing on what it teaches us about God as Creator and how people are called to care for the world.

English:

Next week we will be reading What’s Cooking in 10 Garden Street? by Felicita Sala. This beautifully illustrated story takes us through an apartment building, where each family is busy preparing a different meal from around the world. From dumplings to pasta, every kitchen is filled with delicious smells and special traditions. The story celebrates culture, family, and the joy of sharing food with others.

We will also be reading "Finding Our Heart" by Thomas Mayo. This is a powerful and accessible book that helps readers understand the history, cultures, and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. It shares stories of connection, truth-telling, and fairness, while encouraging conversations about respect, understanding, and working together for a better future. The book supports children and families to learn more about First Nations perspectives and the importance of listening to and valuing all voices.  During explicit phonics instructions, we will focus on the /qu/ and /z/ sounds.

We introduce sounds based on the Little Learners Love Literacy book 'Milo's Birthday Surprise'.

Mathematics:

Next week in Mathematics, students will be learning to identify ‘one less’ for numbers up to 20. They will practise finding the number that comes just before a given number and explaining their thinking. Through hands-on activities, number lines, and counting strategies, students will build confidence in recognising ‘one less’ and stating the total number.

Integrated Curriculum: 

Next week in Integrated, we are learning about how Cranbourne has changed over time. Students will explore what life was like in the past compared to now, including how food has changed as new people came to live in the area. We will also be learning about Bunurong Country and how these changes have impacted the land and the people who live here.

Auslan:

Next week in Auslan, we are learning the signs: After lunch we have sport, Science, Religious Education, Prayer, Inquiry and What do we have after recess?.

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 using the visuals provided
• 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

• 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