News from One/Two

Swimming fun

Last week the whole school had their final swimming lesson. It was challenging but also fun for all. Everyone in grades 1 and 2 had a go at all of the activities even though some of them were nervous on the day. Congratulations to every child who participated in swimming. Swimming brings with it new challenges but also lots of skills and fun.  We are so proud of all of you for having a go and learning some new skills along the way. 

Special visitor:

This week we were lucky enough to have Joe's mum Libby organize for Joe to bring in his pet bearded dragon (Draco). All the grade 1's and 2's were very respectful while Joe told them how he cares for his lizard and what special rules need to be followed to make sure Draco was safe in the classroom. Everyone in grade 1, 2 and Foundation got to have a pat and then made sure they washed their hands afterwards. We learned that lizards need warmth to survive and that Draco likes to eat carrots, live crickets, and corn. Joe even has a special tank and lights to keep his lizard safe and healthy. Thank-you Joe and Libby for organizing this for our class. 

Christmas Capers:

Over the last few weeks grade, ones and twos have been completing Christmas tasks in maths, reading, and writing. We have been weighing presents and baubles, making Christmas patterns and doing Christmas symmetry and making advent calendars. 

In writing the children have been writing Santa letters, writing about a day in the life of an elf, or writing about how to raise a baby reindeer. It was impressive to see how much everyone has improved in their writing and how they are all able to use the skills they have learned to write in different genres including stories, recounts and diary entries.  

For reading the children have been reading about Christmas celebrations from around the world. We have learned that people in France leave shoes out instead of stockings and that people in Columbia have candles and lanterns in their houses for decorations. The children have thought about how Christmas is similar and different in different countries around the world and have enjoyed completing word searches and making Venn diagrams to compare two different countries in how the celebrate Christmas. 

Christmas Carols night:

Thank you to all of you who came dressed in your best with your enthusiasm and Christmas spirit last night to the whole school carols. The children had practiced and practiced and everything went well on the night. We are super proud of all the children who got up and while some got a bit of stage fright they had a go. Here are some pictures to remember the night by. 

Farewell and Adieu to all of you:

It has come to near the end of a wonderful two or three years (in Mrs Vraken's case) with our grade one and two class. We have had lots of adventures together, full of ups and downs, lots of laughs, tears and a few tantrums. But I can definitely say that we have loved getting to know your unique and wonderful children. I am sad to say farewell for now but as I and Mrs Vranken have said to all the children "please come and visit us in our rooms next year." It has been a pleasure to have worked alongside you all as caregivers and parents over the last few years and please be assured that our care and concern for your amazing children does not stop now that they are moving up into new and exciting adventures into grades two and three. Much gratitude and best wishes from us to all of you (our second family) for the holidays and New Year.