Year 1
Term Two - Week 5
We are already halfway through the term, and the first five weeks have certainly been busy and exciting in the Grade 1 classrooms. The students have been working incredibly hard to develop their literacy and numeracy skills, and we are so proud of the wonderful progress they continue to make.
Alongside their classroom learning, we have shared many special experiences together over the past few weeks. From commemorating ANZAC Day in the Mercy Centre, participating in Cross Country, enjoying excursions to the playground, and celebrating with some Mother’s Day pampering activities, there have been many memorable moments for our students.
We have also been placing a strong focus on our school-wide Catholic Social Teaching concept of “the common good.” The Grade 1 students have been thoughtfully exploring how we can make choices that are not only right for ourselves, but also beneficial for others and our wider community.
We hope you enjoy looking through some of the highlights from the first half of the term.
Literacy
The students have been working so hard this term to learn some of the more difficult long vowel sound diagraphs including ow, oa (long o) _y/ight (long i) and ue/ew (long u).
We are coming to the end of another series of lessons in InitiaLit, whilst we begin a more formal writing unit in InitialWrite. The students are becoming very fluent in practising their super sentences and using some wonderful adjectives to describe a noun.
InitiaLit Lessons run for four sessions a week, with the fifth day being for practice and review and also Storybook lessons.
Exploring the world through storybooks
“Let’s Get a Pup!” by Bob Graham quickly became a class favourite as we explored what it means to have a pet and how sometimes we just know when someone, or something, is the perfect fit for our family.
Along the way, students expanded their vocabulary by learning the words immediately, briefly, and glance. They then put their persuasive writing skills to work by explaining which pet they would most like to have and why.
Apologies in advance to any families who have since been presented with some very convincing arguments for adopting a hedgehog, tiger, or even an elephant!
Say hi to Banjo! Once a pencil draws him, there's no telling what will come next – a dog, a cat, a chase (of course), and a paintbrush to colour in an ever-expanding group of family and friends. But it's not long before the complaints begin – "This hat looks silly!" "My ears are too big!" – until the poor pencil has no choice but to draw … a rubber. Oh no! In the hands of Allan Ahlberg and Bruce Ingman, can anything but havoc and hilarity ensue?
We begin our next storybook, taking us on some wonderful adventure with the main character, the pencil! Students will explore the rich vocabulary and verbs used, as well as adjectives and story sequence. In writing sessions, they will explore the structure of narratives.
Mathematics
Our focus for Term 2 is Place Value, Counting, Measurement; length, mass, capacity and duration and sequence of time.
Last week we explored capacity. We took the containers outside and measured how much they can hold, comparing containers with friends. In another lesson, we used the balance scales to find items heavier and lighter than the playdough.
ANZAC Day
Karen's show and tell
We were lucky to have some ANZAC memorabilia brought in by our very own Karen. Karen's brother Jason and her grandfather both served in different wars. Karen shared a slouch hat, Jason's Army jacket and various medals from their service. The children had many fascinating questions and some were even interested in joining the army in the future! Thank you Karen for showing us these treasured items.
Religion
After the Easter Story, we have been learning about Pentecost and the promise of the Holy Spirit. God sent the Holy Spirit to be with the Apostles and then they went out and baptised 3000 people. This was the beginning of the Church. Students have looked at the symbols of Pentecost, being wind and fire. They will explore how we can be people of Pentecost by living the message of Jesus and loving those around us.
Pentecost
This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost Sunday May 24th, We are learning how to be people of Pentecost by choosing kind words and actions. This also ties in with our School-wide focus on the Common Good.
Here is a little video of the story of Pentecost that we have looked at in class. This is a simple way to understand this important liturgical event.
Inquiry
During the first half of the term, our students have been exploring the difference between natural and built features in the world around us. We’ve had lots of great discussions about how public spaces, like parks, include a mix of both and why thoughtful planning and care are important to make these spaces enjoyable for the whole community and the environment.
A highlight of our learning was our visit to the new playground at Lions Park! Students had a wonderful time putting all the equipment to the test with plenty of climbing, swinging, jumping, and, of course, lots of laughter and giggles along the way.
Reminders
Specialist Timetable
Grade 1S (Swan)
Mondays: Art and and PE
Thursday: STEM and Japanese
Grade 1T (Timperley and Buhler)
Mondays: Art and PE
Wednesdays: Japanese
Thursday: STEM
St Vincent dePaul Food Drive
We are looking donations of shelf stable food, toiletries and hygiene products for our St Vincent dePaul food drive. The baskets for collection are in the office area. All donations appreciated.
Important Dates
22nd - National Walk Safely to School Day
Whole School Mass - Our Lady Help of Christians12.30pm
27th - National Simultaneous Storytime
June 🌦
5th - Pupil Free Day for student Wellbeing and Safeguarding
8th - Pupil Holiday - King's Birthday
12th- Whole School Mass -
Feast of the Sacred Heart 12.30pm
19th - Grade 1/2 Class Mass 12.30pm
26th - Student's Last Day of Term 2
If you would like to touch base with us please contact us via email, or leave a message with Bek at the office
Mrs Paula Swan: pswan@sjeuroa.catholic.edu.au (Fulltime)
Mrs Rachel Timperley: rtimperley@sjeuroa.catholic.edu.au Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Mrs Christine Buhler: cbuhler@sjeuroa.catholic.edu.au Thursday in Year 1
Until next time,
Paula, Rachel, Christine and Karen.