MATHEMATICS –

IMPROVING OUR MENTAL STRATEGIES AT SFS!

The strategies children have been practicing over the last two weeks are listed below.

YEAR LEVEL	STRATEGY and SUGGESTIONS FOR PRACTICING AT HOME
Foundation	Partitions of 5 What are the different number combinations that make 5? E.g 4+1. 1+4, 3+2, 2+3 Can you record these and recall them automatically? Can you use materials at home to represent these partitions of 5.
Year 1	5 plus Facts. E.g. 5+2= 5+3= 5+4= 5+1= 5+5= and so on Automatic recall of 5 plus facts helps children when adding mentally. Children can practise writing these out at home and also recalling them automatically.
Year 2	Subtract 10 Choose a number and subtract 10. What is the answer? What do you notice when subtracting 10? E.g. 19-10= 26-10= 38-10=
Year 3	Adding and Subtracting to and from a decuple What is a decuple? In very basic Maths terms a decuple is a group of 10 or the next group of 10 or 10 more. So when we add to or subtract from a decuple, we are either adding to or taking away from a group of 10, say 40 or 30 etc. For example To practise this, ask your child to add or take away a number between 1-9 to or from a decuple. For example: 30+6 90 - 5 40 +7 80 - 4 130+ 3 120 - 6 80+7 50 - 9
Year 4 & 5	Doubling & Halving strategy for Multiplication Halving is the inverse of doubling. Students use the doubling and halving strategy in multiplication to solve a problem. For example - To solve 25×16, we could double the 25 to make 50 and then half the 16 to make 8. Suddenly this problem becomes much easier to solve and the number more manageable to work with!
Year 6	Count by decimals- forwards or backwards. Start at any decimal number e.g. 0.2 and count forwards or backwards. E.g - 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and so on - 0.2, 0.3,0.4, 0.5, 0.6 and so on - 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1.1, 1.4 and so on - 2.4, 2.2, 2, 1.8, 1.6, 1.4, and so on

Joanna Forbes

Learning & Teaching Leader (Literacy/Numeracy)

jforbes@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

LS3 JUNIORS

READING COMPREHENSION - VISUALISING

This term Juniors have been working on how to visualise when they are reading.

Visualising is when we make a picture in our minds while we listen to or read a story. It helps us to understand that story better and makes reading more fun.

Students read and listened to stories, visualising the characters and settings from details/descriptive words in the story.

Imogene Laird

LS3 Junior Team Teacher

ilaird@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

LS3 SENIORS

This week in LS3, we explored our Inquiry concept of Systems.

Our 5/6 students investigated the curriculum focus: The force of gravity keeps Earth and other planets in the solar system in orbit around the Sun; cyclic observable phenomena, including variable day and night length, can be related to Earth’s tilt, rotation on its axis and revolution around the Sun.

As part of their learning experience, students assembled a functional Earth-Moon-Sun model to explore how gravity, rotation and revolution work together. They then planned and created a short explanatory video demonstrating how Earth’s movements create day and night, as well as the seasons.

Students incorporated important scientific vocabulary including:

orbit, rotation, revolution, gravity, spins, day/night and seasons.

It was fantastic to see students collaborating, problem-solving and confidently communicating their scientific understanding.

Amanda Samuels

LS3 Senior Team Teacher

asamuels@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

SWAP in Seniors

This term, in SWAP students are exploring our Respectful Relationships Topic 3: Positive Coping through drama and elements of dance. Over the past fortnight, students have been exploring mindful practices and positive coping strategies through a range of movement and drama activities.

Students were introduced to the concept of ‘mindful seeing’, learning how slowing down and carefully observing the world around them can help them better understand themselves, others and their environment.

Using visual art cards as prompts, students participated in a silent observation activity where they noticed details, imagined the wider setting and reflected on how mindful seeing made their body and mind feel calm and focused. Students also discussed ways they could use mindful seeing in their everyday life, both at home and at school.

As part of our learning about emotions, students explored the feeling of anger and discussed common situations that can make people feel upset or frustrated. Together, we talked about the importance of expressing emotions safely and respectfully, and how people can learn to calm their body and mind when strong emotions arise.

Students practised a range of self-calming techniques including:

counting and deep breathing (belly breathing, 5-finger breathing, box breathing, lazy eight).
squeezing techniques/ tense-relax/ hand pressure
iceblock-water
finding a quiet space
having a drink of water / walking away

Students also explored movement-based mindfulness activities through Tai Chi and Yoga. They learned how slow, controlled movements and breathing can help promote relaxation, balance and emotional regulation. Working in pairs, students became “experts” on different yoga poses before teaching and sharing them with the group.

It has been wonderful to see students building their confidence in recognising emotions, practising calming strategies and supporting one another in developing positive coping skills.

Here are some comments from the students:

“Learning about positive coping strategies is important because if you are stuck in a situation and need to use one you know how to. It made me feel calm because it relaxed me and made my body feel slower.” (Sam also thinks that we might use one of these strategies at the Collingwood Grand Final……) - Sam R

“I really enjoy using the Five Finger breathing because it reminds us to use deep breaths to calm ourselves down if we become frustrated. Everyone can use these strategies because it calms anyone down, even when you don't feel like doing it.” - Jarryd

“In SWAP we have been learning about the best ways to make sure we are calm and it can help us to reflect on our days at school by using different strategies. When we use different strategies it helps us to remind us that every day can be a good day. It is okay to feel any emotion, but it is important to have a whole lot of different strategies. My favourite is the figure 8 breathing because it is repetitive and you can always try it and use it as a visual picture in your mind.” - Grace. B

“Positive coping strategies are important because we can calm our bodies down and we know different strategies to use. My favourite is using the 5 finger breathing.” - Jeremih

Whilst all these techniques can be beneficial for everyone, I would love for parents/carers to give this one a try. Andrew Huberman who is a neuroscientist and a tenured Associate Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology shares a lot of information about…..

The Physiological Sigh

Take 2 consecutive inhales through the nose: one big inhale, followed by another inhale (with no exhale in between!), to maximally inflate your lungs.
Then exhale all your air until you are lungs-empty, via your mouth.

“This rapidly shifts your autonomic nervous system from a state of elevated arousal and agitation toward a state of feeling more calm. It is — to my knowledge, the fastest way to calm down in real time. Even just 1-3 physiological sighs can allow us to stay in or return to a calmer state.” - Dr Andrew Huberman.

Maddison Jewiss

Student Wellbeing and Performing Arts / Junior Home Group Teacher mjewiss@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

Reconciliation Assembly

Anok (Year 4 MM)

I enjoy being a FIRE Carrier, but when we did our Reconciliation assembly, I felt really scared at the start, but at the end, it was great. It is important because we learn about history, culture and the Aboriginal Torres Strait Islanders.

Hannah S (Year 5 AE)

I enjoy being a part of the FIRE Carrier because I get to learn about the First People of Australia, and learn about our country before I was born. When we did our Reconciliation assembly, I felt quite nervous, but the assembly was very important because we needed to learn how to get along and fix the past.

Jesslyn (Year 5 AE)

When we did our Reconciliation assembly, I felt nervous at the start before my reading, but after I read, I felt calm, and I thought I did great while reading. I enjoy being a FIRE Carrier because I can't help others, and I love learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Grace (Year 5 MM)

I didn’t get to read at the Assembly, but I think it is extremely important to be a FIRE Carrier because it allows us to help people understand more about Aboriginal Peoples history, stories and culture.

Mina (Year 5 MM)

When we did our Reconciliation assembly, I felt a bit scared but also excited, and when I read that introduction, I felt like I was amazing, and I think I did do amazing. I wanted to be a FIRE Carrier to help people find their voice, and I believe learning about other cultures is extremely important.

SENIOR SPORTS

Grade 5/6 Sport

Today, our Grade 5/6 students competed against Lyndhurst Primary School. They performed admirably and demonstrated commendable sportsmanship throughout their various sports. Congratulations to all the participants from Grade 5/6 for their efforts today. They are enhancing their understanding of strategies to improve their gameplay, which will contribute to their confidence and preparedness for the upcoming Lightning Prem later this term.

INTER-SCHOOL SPORT

The schools we are playing, dates and locations for these events are as follows:

Friday June 5th, Coral Park Primary School - Home Game.
Friday June 12th, Kilberry Valley Primary School-Home Game..

Friday June 19th, Summer Lightning Premiership

Venues for each sport are as follows for Lightning Premiership:

Soccer - Melbourne City Synthetic Pitches (Casey Fields)
AFL 9’s - Oval 2 (Casey Fields)
Netball - Casey Stadium
Volleystars - Casey Stadium
Teeball - Oval 3 (Casey Fields)

NOTE: IF THERE ARE ANY PARENTS THAT CAN ATTEND THE LIGHTNING PREM AND HAVE A CURRENT WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

Lulli Barbakos

Physical Education Teacher

Senior Sports Coordinator

lbarbakos@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

JUNIOR SPORTING EVENTS

SPORTING SCHOOLS - TAEKWONDO CLINICS

Students will have 2 more clinics.

Below are the days the Taekwondo Clinics will be held so that you ensure your child is wearing their sports uniform for the day.

The next one is on Monday. This term all Juniors will have their clinics on the same day.

Reminders will also be placed in Morning Gathering as well as in the Newsletter.

Week 7

Monday 1st June

Week 10

Monday 22nd June

If your child is enjoying the Taekwondo Clinics and you are looking at enrolling them into an after-school club, details for Melbourne Taekwondo Centre have been included.

SENIOR SPORTING EVENTS

DIVISIONAL CROSS COUNTRY

We are very proud of our Divisional Cross-Country Team who competed on Wednesday. The course was very wet and muddy and yet our team persevered, many running in the rain.

They returned after their race with mud all over their shoes and clothes but should be proud of their efforts. Well done team for making it to Divisional!!! Many will get another chance next year and the year after.

Well done Divisional Cross-Country Team!!!

GRADE 3/4 TAG RUGBY

What an amazing session the Grade 3/4 students had during tag rugby. They learnt various rugby skills and then put them into practice during their tag rugby matches against each other. Students had a great time, learnt new skills and then cooperated with each other playing in teams.

If your child enjoyed the tag Rugby today you may like to register them for our After-School League Stars Program. We still have 4 sessions left!! Please read below for details.

WHOLE SCHOOL SPORTING EVENTS

SFS LEAGUE STARS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM NOW FREE!!!

What a great time the students had on Wednesday in our second League Stars After School Clinic!!! We met a new NRL coach who once again kept the students engaged with a variety of activities teaching them new skills. There was much laughter and energy in the Hall.

Parents it’s not too late to register your child if they would like to attend the League Stars After School FREE Program. There are still 4 sessions left.

Please use the links below to register your child. Registration is completed through NRL who will also be running the clinics. You will need to create an account with NRL and then search the programs for Lynbrook to find the program, Term 2 – 2026 – League Stars After School Program – St Francis de Sales, Lynbrook then click on register.’

League Stars – St Francis De Sales Primary School, Lynbrook (5-8 Year Olds) | FREE

League Stars – St Francis De Sales Primary School, Lynbrook (9-12 Year Olds) | FREE

Ali is happy to organise students to be returned to After School Care once the program finishes at 4.00 pm.

To pick up your child on Wednesdays after the League Stars Clinic, the door to the hall will be open so you can enter there and students will be in the Hall. Please ensure you are there by 3.55 pm to collect your child.

Any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Giuliana

Extra-Curricular Coordinator

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

Community News

Applications for most Catholic Secondary Colleges for Year 7, 2028 close Friday, 14th August, 2026.