Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

Buongiorno a tutti

Welcome to term 3 week 3!

We are excited for another wonderful term of learning, growth, and fun here at St Francis’, where every student will feel noticed, valued and be excited to learn! This term brings some exciting events we can all look forward to, including Book Week; a celebration of great books and a love of reading and wait for it...... drum roll....... an Italian Day

in the last week. Join us as we dive into our learning and create more memorable moments together!

Ciao a piu` tardi!

Rosina Gemmill

Learning Diversity

The Rainbow Brain by Sandhya Menon

"The Rainbow Brain" addresses both autism and ADHD together, aiming to help young readers understand their brains and the accommodations they may need in a neurodiverse world. The book is designed to be simple, factual, and affirming, making it accessible for children and adults alike. It introduces concepts related to various forms of neurodivergence, including Tourette's, Intellectual Disability, and Dyslexia, ensuring that a wide range of experiences is represented.

My Brain is a Race Car by Nell Harris

"My Brain is a Race Car" is designed to help children understand their neurodivergent brains through engaging storytelling and relatable analogies. The book uses the metaphor of a race car to illustrate how some brains operate at high speeds, processing information quickly but sometimes struggling to slow down or complete tasks. This analogy helps children grasp the concept of self-regulation and the importance of taking breaks to avoid burnout.

All The Ways to be Smart by Davina Bell

"All the Ways to Be Smart" is a picture book for children aged 3 to 7, written by award-winning author Davina Bell and illustrated by Allison Colpoys. The book emphasizes that intelligence is not limited to grades or tests, but includes creativity, empathy, curiosity, imagination, and kindness. It encourages children to recognize and celebrate their unique talents and qualities.

Please Note that Katie Barnes will be on leave in Weeks 4 and 5. If you have any questions regarding Learner Diversity, please contact your child's classroom teacher, Rosina Gemmill or Chris Dainton. Katie will return to work on Thursday 20th August (Week 6) and works on Thursdays and Fridays.

Foundation

The Foundations have been working hard this fortnight reading and writing sentences that have a ‘who, action, object and where’ in them. They are getting so good at sounding out their words and know that they can use their tricky word cards to help with the writing task. We celebrated our writing success with a Teddy Bear Picnic – plating, singing and enjoying a shared meal together.

During our Religion sessions we have been learning about the Bible and how is holds many stories about Jesus and his life. We have discussed going on a journey which is what the Bibe is telling us about Jesus’ life.

In Maths we have learnt the concept of counting on and counting back. We are so fast at using concrete materials to find our answers!

Don’t forget that next week is our 100 days of school celebration. This will be held on Friday 7th August with the theme ‘100 days brighter and older’.

Year 1

The Grade One class continues to enjoy some lovely picture books as part of the Storybook sessions during our InitiaLit One Programme. Our first book this term has been Harry by the Sea. The students had great fun making Missing Pet Posters.

Year 2

Grade 2 have loved learning about measurement-focusing on mass and capacity. We have used balance scales to compare the mass of different objects and we have spent this week in the sand pit measuring how many different sized scoops fit inside different sized containers.

In Literacy we have been introduced to silent letters k and b, we learnt that silent k is usually followed up by the letter n and silent b usually has a letter m before it.

Year 3/4

A report by Maddie Dare - Lightning Premiership

Today the Grade 4, 5's and 6's went out to Lightning Premiership and had a 'Ball'.

We had footy and netball games in Yarrawonga with lots of other schools around our district.

Netball:

Our netballers were very happy because they had a great outing. The Grade 6's won 4 out of the 5 games and drawing in the last. The grade 4/5's won 4 games and lost 1.

Football:

Our footballers won two out of three games. But sadly, never made it to the grand final, but played their hearts out.

Overall, it was a great day for everyone involved! Including the Seagulls!

This is Maddie Dare reporting live from Yarrawonga Vic Park.

Year 5/6

The 5/6's have settled into Term 3 nicely. In Numeracy, they have successfully completed their Fractions unit and have started working on Angles. Students have thoroughly enjoyed our current novel Once by Morris Gleitzman and have learned many new things about Poland. Here are some comments straight from some students on their thoughts of the novel:

Millie Bourke: Once is a wonderful book about Felix who is a young Jewish boy looking for his parents during World War 2. It's very interesting because something is always happening, making it an amazing book.

Flynn Darveniza: Once is a great book about World War 2 and how the Nazis tried to get rid of the Jewish population. The story follows Felix and Zelda, who are looking for their families.

Hannah James: It is really interesting and I want to keep reading it because I can learn about different things the Jewish people went through during World War 2.

Amelia James: It is really intriguing because there is a lot happening and there is never a boring part of the book.

Upcoming School Events

Friday 7th August - 100 days of School Celebration

Friday 28th August - Book Week Parade

Friday 4th September - St Joseph's Day breakfast