Year Two

Dear Year Two Community,

A massive welcome back to all of our Year Two families! We hope you had a fantastic holiday spending it with loved ones and are ready for the year ahead. Throughout the year, we've got so many fun and exciting things planned including interesting Inquiry units, excursions and celebrations. We can't wait to get started with you all!

This year, you might find that we have some new and fresh faces in our Year Two Team. Our team consists of the following teachers: 

Kate Seinfeld (2A), 

Jasmine McDonald & Rachael Cunningham (2B), 

Brent Syme (2C), 

Sarah Assaf (2D), 

Kayla Pietrapertosa (2E), 

Kylie Puclai (2F), 

Ashley James (2G), 

Megan Jefford (2H), 

Antonella Ancona (2I), 

and Brittney Turner (2J). 

We are very excited to work together as a team to move learning forward in Year Two throughout 2023.  

Our First 20 Days

To begin the 2023 school year, the Year Two students and teachers have been eagerly unpacking and implementing the ‘First 20 Days’ activities for Reading, Writing, Mathematics and Learning to Learn within their classrooms. These activities are essential for creating a respectful and purposeful learning environment and allow students to have input into their classroom routines and expectations.

Students have also been unpacking elements of the PYP, including understanding the attributes of the Learner Profile, Attitudes, ATL skills and building classroom Essential Agreements. During this time, students have also been investigating Zones of Regulation, The Learning Pit and Growth vs Fixed Mindset, all of which will help students to understand the different emotions they may encounter throughout their learning journey. 

Reading

In Reading, students have been busy exploring the books in their Classroom Library and have started to organise them in an orderly manner. They have also been brainstorming some expectations for the library that they will add to their classroom Essential Agreements. During this time, students have been practising their ability to choose a ‘Just Right’ book and have been working on building their reading stamina whilst independently reading. It was fantastic to see students confidently contributing to class discussions, sharing their thoughts and ideas on what Independent Reading looks, sounds and feels like to them.

Writing

In Writing, students have begun the year by practising their Recount Writing and Quick Writes. During this time, teachers and students have been discussing and setting up workbook expectations. Along with this, they have also spent some time unpacking the structure of a writing lesson, including the Writing Process. Students were thrilled to do their first Writers Notebook entry, where they were able to share some of the things they love with their peers.

Mathematics

In Mathematics, students have proved to be risk-takers as they investigated our Mathematics Instructional Model- ‘Launch, Explore and Discuss.’ Along with this, students also shared their thoughts on what makes a good mathematician, including exploring the problem-solving strategy- RUCSAC (Read, Understand, Choose, Solve, Answer and Check). Students were extremely knowledgeable as they were able to demonstrate their understanding of specific mathematic resources such as counters, MAB, whiteboards etc, and explain how the appropriate materials can help to solve problems.

Inquiry

For our first inquiry unit, we have begun to investigate the transdisciplinary theme of 'Who we are', around the topic of personal health. To help introduce this topic we had students first inquire into who they are and what their personal interests, activities and habits are this was followed by a provocation into the different areas/domains that can be linked to a happy and healthy life physically, emotionally, socially and mentally. Our students are now bringing to the conversation personal wonderings and questions around our new topic that they will research and develop their final action phase about. If any student/parent has any artifact or resource that they would like to bring to their classroom teacher to display during this inquiry they are more than welcome to help build our whole cohort's knowledge into the inquiry of personal health.

One of the most popular activities in the quest to build healthy (socially aware) individuals, was the 'Hula Hoop Challenge.'  Students endeavoured to refine their social skills in order to reach a collective class goal.  This 'social' aspect of an 'overall healthy person.' was a fun experience during our provocation days. The aim was to develop cooperative teamwork, collaboration and strategy.  The activity enabled students to reflect on the necessity for positive and specified language to facilitate growth in many aspects of learning. Furthermore, they acknowledged that giving and accepting assistance if needed was a great way to get the job done accurately and efficiently.  Students also addressed the valued personal attributes of a 'great communicator,' like; clarity, listening, patience, trust and perseverance.  A deeper connection was able to be formed when all students were working together.  Students cleverly described possible issues pertaining to 'less able,' or disadvantaged students (e.g. sore arm/ hurt leg) and contributed great alternatives to continue to grow.  They chose to be 'helpful, encouraging and empathetic.  Such caring grade 2's were happily engaged and could still achieve great things, together, regardless- all these elements of a 'socially healthy being,' makes life that much more rewarding and worthwhile! Well done Grade 2's!  Impressive teamwork indeed!!

Reminders

• In Term One, it is required that all students wear their hats during recess and lunch. We kindly remind students to remember to pack their hats each day. 

• Please ensure iPads are sent to school fully charged.

•  Year Two Parent Information Evening – Thursday, February 16th at 6pm.