Year One

Communicating with the Year One Team

We look forward to partnering with you in 2020, and welcome your input:

Laura McQueen (Class 1A) Laura.McQueen@education.vic.gov.au

Rebecca Tilley (Class 1B) Rebecca.Tilley@education.vic.gov.au

An Overview of our Learning

We are so, so, so, so excited for the return to school next Tuesday 26th May. As you would have seen from our performances in the recent music video "Don't Stop Me Now" we definitely need to spend some time out of the house!

In returning to school it is important that we are aware that our Year One students are still so young, and ready to soak up the world around them. When we return to school we will be focussing upon re-establishing our classroom 'norms' and further building upon the great relationships we formed in Term One. 

The day before coming back to school might bring some challenging feelings for our students, and families. That is why we are asking you to keep an eye out on Compass, as we will be posting a social-story video on the afternoon of Monday 25th May, which will show you what to expect when you return to school. 

Earlier this week, our Foundation- Year Two teaching team attended an online professional learning webinar, during which we discussed “What are the key considerations when our students come back to school?” Please see below for the key takeaways which we think are worth sharing: 

- It is important to note, that EVERYONE has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers, students, and parents.

- As teachers we need to establish or re-establish a sense of normality, predictability and routine; as we know this is how students thrive with their learning. 

- Include lots of brain breaks, brain gym, mindfulness practices and activities. Many of our students will have become accustomed to being able to go outside to jump on the trampoline, walk the dog, play outside, or even have a rest to watch TV. The current classroom environment of Victorian schooling is more restrictive in movement than many homes. 

- We should allow our students to talk, and listen to them. Checking-in with how they are feeling about the return to school.

- Reinforce positive behaviour by highlighting the desirable behaviour in students who are doing the right thing. This is a continuation of our whole-school approach to wellbeing. 

And two of the most important points, 

• Be mindful that the Covid-19 environment may bring about signs of 'trauma based' experiences in some of our students. 
• The period of Remote Learning brought about a great chance for teachers and parents/carers to be in touch and communicate with each other. This should continue to be promoted when school returns. 

We can't wait to see you all back at school, and welcome you through the classroom door!