Damascus Community

Dear Families,

Week 3 has given our Year 2 students plenty of opportunities to explore, discover and put their learning into practice. From observing the world around them to developing their writing, it has been lovely to see the children making connections between their classroom learning and everyday experiences.

We are excited to confirm our upcoming excursion to Werribee Zoo! This experience will provide a wonderful opportunity to make connections with our learning in The Boy and the Elephant and our next picture book, The Stone Lion. We look forward to exploring the important messages in these stories and connecting them to our experiences at Werribee Zoo. Please complete the permission form on PAM by Tuesday 3rd November. If you require a paper copy of the permission form please have your child  ask their classroom teacher to provide one for you.

As we approach the middle of Term 4, we encourage students to continue demonstrating our school expectations of Safety, Learning and Respect. 

We are looking forward to another wonderful week of learning and new experiences together.

Religious Education:

How can small acts of kindness make a big difference? In Religion, students will explore how Jesus teaches us to notice, care for and help others. They will learn about compassion and generosity, discovering that helping others doesn't always involve giving money. Students will also think of simple ways they can make a positive difference in our local community and explain who their actions could help.

English:

Did you know that the same sound can be spelt in different ways? Students will explore the spelling patterns aw, ea, a, ar, al and igh and practise recognising the sounds they make. They will use these patterns to read, spell and write words, while learning to reread and check their spelling to make sure their words are correct.

What makes an argument convincing? Students will continue exploring persuasive writing by planning three strong reasons to support their opinion. They will turn their ideas into clear paragraphs, use we, us and our to include the reader, and finish with a command that encourages action. Students will also investigate symbols in stories and how they represent bigger ideas, while learning to use noun groups (words that describe a person, place or thing) and imperative verbs (action words) to strengthen their writing. 

Mathematics:

Can different fractions show the same amount? Our Year 2 mathematicians will continue exploring halves, quarters and eighths by dividing shapes, lengths and groups of objects into equal parts. They will discover equivalent fractions, such as how two quarters are the same as one half, and use this knowledge to solve everyday problems

Integrated Curriculum:

What can we discover about Country right outside our classroom? Students will explore Land, Water and Sky Country by carefully observing the natural environment around our school. They will record what they notice and create a Noticing Card to share their observations, helping them develop a deeper understanding of how to notice and care for Country.

Auslan:

Did you know that some Auslan signs look like the things they describe? Students will explore animal signs that show features of an animal's appearance and practise signing five different animals. They will also build their confidence by creating short phrases

Social & Emotional Learning:

How do we know when someone needs personal space? Students will explore personal boundaries, learning to recognise when they feel uncomfortable and how to respect the boundaries of others. They will practise asking permission before touching someone or getting too close, and identify trusted adults they can turn to when they need help.

• Explore fractions: Use fruit, toys or other household items to practise sharing into halves, quarters and eighths. Ask your child to explain how they know the parts are equal.
• Practise spelling: Look for words with the spelling patterns aw, ea, a, ar, al and igh in books or around the home. Encourage your child to read, write and check these words.
• Care for Country: Spend time outside and encourage your child to notice something in Land, Water or Sky Country. Talk about one simple way your family can help care for the environment.
• Show kindness: Encourage your child to think of one way they can help someone without spending money, such as helping with a job, sharing or including their sibling in an activity.

Important Classroom Reminders:

• Hats and drink bottles: As the weather becomes warmer, please ensure your child brings their named school hat and a refillale drink bottle. Students are only permitted to havewater only in their drink bottles. 
• Label belongings: Please clearly label all belongings, particularly hats, jumpers and jackets, so they can be easily returned if misplaced.
• Reading books: Please remind your child to change their reading books when they are ready for new ones.
• Spare clothes: Please keep a change of clothes, including socks and underwear, in the front pocket of your child’s school bag in case they are needed.
• Fidget tools & toys: Please leave fidget tools and toys at home unless they are part of an approved adjustment organised in consultation with the school and relevant professionals.

Important Dates to Remember:

• Fri 30th October- World Teacher's Day - Add a note of thanks here
• Mon 2nd November-  No school - School Closure Day
• Tues 3rd November- Public Holiday- Melbourne Cup
• Tues 3rd November- Permission form for Werribee Zoo excursion to be completed on PAM
• Tues 10th November- Werribee Zoo Excursion. Be at school by 7:30am. Leaving at 7:45am
• Wed 11th November- Remembrance Day
• Mon 30th November- P-2 Athletics Day @ Casey Fields
• Tues 1st December- School Christmas Carols
• Wed 2nd December- Year 1hosting Mass- Year 2 attending
• Friday 11th December- Last day of formal classes

Keep yourself happy and enjoy your weekend.

The Damascus Team

Contact us @Damascus

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