Spotlight on Learning

Dear Families,

This week, Year 2 students have continued learning with curiosity and confidence across all areas of the curriculum. In English, students practised writing compound sentences using conjunctions such as and, but, so and or, and enjoyed sharing writing about their family traditions and celebrations. In Mathematics, students strengthened their addition and subtraction strategies using hands-on materials, drawings and mathematical discussions, with many students showing growing confidence when explaining their thinking and beginning regrouping.

Students also spent time reflecting on National Sorry Day and the beginning of Reconciliation Week, learning about the importance of respect, fairness and caring for one another. In Integrated Studies, students explored how Aboriginal peoples have cared for land and water for thousands of years, including how water and fire can be used to care for Country. Across the week, students also continued building confidence using Auslan signs, eye contact and facial expressions, while practising positive ways to manage emotions and support healthy friendships. It has been lovely to see students showing kindness, growing independence and thoughtful engagement in their learning throughout the week.

Damascus also had the opportunity to attend Mass on Wednesday while the grade 3 community Ephesus Hosted. 

Learning for the Week Ahead

Religious Education:

Students will learn about the Rosary and why it is an important prayer in the Catholic faith. They will explore the parts of the Rosary beads, practise some of the prayers used when praying the Rosary, and reflect on how prayer can help people feel connected to God and Mary.

English:

Students will begin exploring persuasive writing by reading We Love Country and thinking about ways we can care for Country. They will share ideas such as picking up rubbish, composting, caring for plants and saving water. We will then use these ideas to write persuasive texts encouraging other school communities to help care for Country. Students will also continue strengthening their writing by using CUPS (capital letters, understanding, punctuation and spelling) to make their writing clear and convincing. Grade 2 will also practise spelling patterns and suffix rules to strengthen their reading and writing.

Mathematics:

Students will continue building confidence using empty number lines to solve addition and subtraction problems, including regrouping and bridging through tens. We are also strengthening students’ use of VLS (Visual, Language and Symbols) by encouraging them to show their thinking with drawings, explain their ideas out loud, and connect this to number sentences. A great question to ask at home is: “Can you show me your VLS for this?” Students love sharing the different ways they can represent and explain their mathematical thinking.

Integrated Curriculum:

Students will continue learning about seasons by exploring weather changes across the year and how seasons affect people, plants and animals. They will also learn how First Nations peoples use signs in nature to understand seasonal changes and care for Country, building respect for Aboriginal knowledge and the many ways people connect with the environment.

Auslan:

Students will continue building confidence using Auslan by learning new signs and practising short phrases with partners and small groups. They will explore how movement in the signing space helps show meaning and direction, while participating in interactive games and sharing their Auslan knowledge with others.

Social & Emotional Learning:

Throughout the week, students will continue building positive friendships, practising respectful communication and working together during classroom learning and play. We will keep encouraging students to show kindness, resilience and care for others as part of our daily routines and learning.

What you can do at home

• Read together each night and talk about the story. Ask your child to retell the beginning, middle and end of the story, or describe how a character solved a problem.

   

• Practise maths in everyday life by using simple addition and subtraction. Dominoes, cards, toys or snacks can be used to show that both sides of an equation need to be the same.

   

• Talk and share signs together by asking your child to teach you an Auslan sign or facial expression they have learned at school. Practising together helps build confidence and communication skills.

Important Reminders

• Please ensure that you are labelling your child's belongings.

• Please remind your child to change their reading books when they need to. 

Enjoy your weekend,

The Damascus Team

Contact Us @Damascus

damascus@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au  (all teachers) or