Prep News
Welcome
This week we warmly welcomed Alston (Prep A) and Robin (Prep B) into our Prep community. Our students were very excited to have new friends join us. One student said, “It’s nice because now we have more people to play with.” We are so happy to have Alston and Robin bring their own energy and ideas into our learning spaces.
Farewell
We also said goodbye to Ethan (Prep A) and Yuran (Prep B) as they return to China. The Preps shared that they will miss playing games and learning together. One student reflected, “Ethan always made me laugh,” while another said, “I liked learning with Yuran.” We thank both Ethan and Yuran for being kind and fun friends and wish them happiness and success in their new schools.
Literacy
In Literacy, we have been revising and learning about the rules for plurals, particularly when to add /s/ (e.g. cats, dogs) and when to add /es/ (e.g. buses, boxes). Students enjoyed practising these rules on their whiteboards and sharing their answers proudly with the class. We are also so proud of the published writing pieces our students created for this week’s Writer’s Festival. One Prep said, “I felt proud when I saw my story on display.” We have also loved linking our creative writing to our Book Week theme The Wizard of Oz. Students have been imagining what it might be like to meet characters such as the Lion or Tin Man, and many were excited to write their own versions of adventures down the yellow brick road.
Mathematics
In Maths, we have been consolidating our understanding of subtraction, with a focus on “one less” and “counting backwards.” The Preps have been using counters, number lines, and games to practise these skills. One child shared, “I like counting backwards like a rocket ship.” Another said, “One less is easy when you think about it with blocks.” We are encouraging students to explain their thinking in different ways and celebrate when they find more than one strategy.
Inquiry
As part of our Celebrating Differences unit, we were very lucky to have Greg (Tyler’s dad) and Vinh (Evander’s dad)visit from the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne to teach us about the Lion Dance. The Preps were amazed by the music and movements. One said, “The lion was so big and colourful!” while another commented, “I liked when the drum was really loud—it made me feel like dancing too!” We were also very impressed by Evander’s drumming and lion dancing and proud of Tyler for showing everyone how to use the dragon prop. A huge thank you to Greg and Vinh—we are so grateful for your time and for helping us learn about Chinese culture in such an exciting way.
Connecting
This term, we have been focusing on social skills through developmental play. Students have been practising sharing, taking turns, and solving problems together. Many children commented that they like play because “We can build things together” or “I can play with my friends and make new games.” It has been lovely to see their teamwork, creativity, and kindness shine during these times.
Reminders
African Drumming Incursion – Please provide consent via Compass. (Linked to our Inquiry unit).
Book Week Dress Up – Tomorrow, Friday 22nd August. Students are invited to dress as their favourite book character.
Book Week Parade – Friday 22nd August, 9:20–10:00am, followed by Open Classrooms from 10:00–11:00am. Parents and families are warmly invited to join us in celebrating all things literacy. Please note there will be no assembly in the afternoon.
Regular Assembly – Friday 29th August, 3:00–3:30pm.
Warm regards,
The Prep Team