Stage 2

Just like that, we are halfway through Term 2.

English

This term, Stage 2 has begun a new unit on persuasive writing. Students will increase their understanding and usage of reasoning skills as they engage in speaking and writing tasks. Throughout the unit, students will analyse a variety of quality texts to understand how authors seek to engage their audiences.

We are learning to:

• write a persuasive text
• understand that writers make deliberate language choices to position their audience and influence beliefs and/or behaviour. 

Mathematics

In Early Stage 2, over the coming weeks to the end of term, we are focusing on learning to:

• model and represent fractions with denominators 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8
• identify and describe angles as measures of turn 
• compare angle sizes in everyday situations 
• identify ‘perpendicular’ lines and ‘right angles’
• use and record a range of mental strategies for the multiplication of two single-digit numbers
• use grid-references maps to locate and describe positions and pathways
• draw simple maps, with and without a grid

In Mid to Late Stage 2, over the coming weeks to the end of term, we are focusing on learning to:

• model and find equivalence between fractions with denominators 2, 4 and 8; 3 and 6; and 5,10 and 100 
• draw and classify angles as acute, obtuse, straight, reflex or a revolution
• use and record a range of mental and informal written strategies for multiplication and division of two-digit numbers by a one-digit operator 
• determine directions N, E, S, W and NE, SE, SW, NW 
• interpret legends and directions on maps
• use a scale to calculate the distance between two points on maps

History

Students are continuing to pose questions and use a range of sources to investigate the reasons behind European settlement in Australia. They are also continuing to explore the impact this had on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the country, focusing on different perspectives. 

Stage 2 Camp

The students are very excited about our upcoming camp next term. A huge thank you to the parents who returned the permission note and paid the deposit. We are hoping with the money raised from the pizza day and school disco, we can reduce the cost of the excursion. Further information and notes regarding your child’s medical needs and an itinerary will be sent home shortly. 

Students will engage in various activities that link to future units of work as they explore the Dorrigo Rainforest, survey treetops, and examine the animals at the Dolphin Marine Park. The camp will also be a wonderful opportunity for students to deepen their relationships with one another over bus rides, meals, and a range of other experiences.

PAX

Stage 2 classes continue to enjoy being involved in PAX this term. This program provides a framework for creating and maintaining classrooms that are peaceful, productive, healthy and happy. We are working on using appropriate PAX voice levels, working cooperatively and enjoying some brain breaks (known as Granny’s Wacky Prizes) to improve our stamina and add an extra element of fun. 

Yarning Circle

Recently, Stage 2 students were involved in a presentation by Aunty Kerry to learn all about yarning circles. We learned that these are calm, positive places, for sharing our thoughts and ideas and for learning from others. We can create yarning circles wherever we like, and especially look forward to respectfully making use of the yarning circle in our own playground.

Amanda Swain, Susan Lye, Lauren Corby, Lyn Burgess, Ben Laurie, Sarah Farmer and Elliot Chapman 

Stage 2 Teachers