Big Learning, Busy Days And The Countdown to Year 1.

Well, how did we get here already? It feels like only yesterday I was welcoming the Preps through the classroom door, helping them find their bags, remember where to sit and work out how to open their lunchboxes! Now, here we are in Term 4, and before we know it, these little learners will be packing up their Foundation year and heading off to Year 1.

We have a very busy term ahead, packed with learning, special events and plenty of opportunities for the children to show just how much they have grown.

What are we learning this term?

This term, we will be exploring the beautiful book I'm Australian Too by Mem Fox. Through this story, we will be learning all about belonging in Australia and what makes us feel connected to our families, communities and the places we call home.

We will be exploring questions such as:

What does it mean to belong?
Who belongs in a family or community?
What makes a place feel like home?
How can people have different backgrounds, languages, traditions, foods and celebrations while still sharing a sense of belonging?
How do we show others that they are welcomed and respected?

There will be lots of opportunities for students to share their own experiences, listen to others and develop their speaking, reading and writing skills. We will be building our vocabulary, learning how to write meaningful sentences and sharing ideas about what makes our families and communities special.

You may find yourself being interviewed at the dinner table about your family traditions, your favourite foods or what makes your house feel like home. Consider yourself warned!

Numeracy – Patterns, shapes and plenty more!

Our mathematicians will be busy exploring a range of exciting mathematical concepts this term, including:

Patterns: Recognising, creating and continuing patterns. You may find your child pointing out patterns everywhere, including on your clothes, the footpath and possibly your breakfast!
Shapes and solids: Identifying, describing and sorting familiar two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects by their features.
Orientation and location: Using positional language to describe where things are and how we move around spaces. Hopefully, this helps with finding those missing shoes!
Measurement: Comparing and describing measurable attributes such as length, height, mass and capacity.
Data: Collecting, sorting, representing and discussing information to answer questions.

We will continue to develop our mathematical vocabulary, reasoning and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities, games, discussions and practical investigations. The aim is to help students understand the mathematics they see and use in their everyday lives.

Important dates for your calendar

Friday 30 October – Special Persons' Breakfast

We look forward to welcoming our special people for this lovely occasion. More information about arrangements and timings will be shared closer to the date, so please keep an eye out for further details.

Monday 2 November – Whole-School Group Activity Day

With many families planning to enjoy a long weekend around the Melbourne Cup holiday, the school has organised a fun-filled group activity day. Students who are at school will participate in a range of activities throughout the day. It will be a wonderful opportunity to learn, play and enjoy some different experiences together. We understand that some families may be away, and this arrangement helps us cater for those who will be attending school and those enjoying their family plans.

Wednesday 9 December – School Concert!

It's time to start thinking about the big stage! Our Prep students will be working towards their school concert performance, and I am already beginning to plan our concert item so that we have plenty of time to practise.

For some of our little performers, standing on a stage in front of a large audience is a HUGE deal. There may be excitement, nerves, big smiles and perhaps a few children wondering why everyone is looking at them! We will practise together, build confidence and support each other along the way.

As we move through this final term, the students will be learning so much, both academically and socially. We will continue to build independence, confidence, resilience and the skills they need to make a successful transition into Year 1.

Please remember that all this learning takes energy. Some afternoons, your child may be more tired than usual, so a little extra patience, rest and downtime at home can make a big difference. If they seem to have forgotten everything they have learnt at school, don't panic! Sometimes the brain is simply too busy processing the day's adventures to answer the question, What did you do today?

I honestly cannot believe how close we are to the end of the year. When I think back to those first days of Prep, I remember the preps learning classroom routines, finding their feet, making friends and beginning their journey as school learners. Now, look at how far they have come! They have grown in confidence, developed new skills, built friendships and shown me just how much they are capable of achieving.

My heart is so warm and proud when I look at each of them and see their growth. It is such a privilege to be part of their learning journey, and I feel incredibly lucky to share these important first school experiences with them.

We still have plenty of learning, laughter and special memories to make before I say goodbye to the Preps. Let's make the most of every moment of this final term!

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