Learning and Teaching
MATHEMATICS
MENTAL STRATEGIES FOR WEEK 3 & 4 of TERM 2 AT SFS!
Over the last two weeks students in Year 3 -6 continued to consolidate and strengthen their use of the mental maths strategies introduced in Weeks 1 & 2 (see below).
If you have been practicing these at home it is a good time to check in with your child and ask them to demonstrate their skills.
Students in Years F-2 moved on to a either a new strategy or had the number range expanded or counting sequence altered (forwards to backwards).
YEAR LEVEL
| STRATEGY and SUGGESTIONS FOR PRACTICING AT HOME |
| Foundation | Backward number word sequence by ones within the range 0-30 -Start at 30 and count backwards by 1s to 0 -Can you start at any number between 0-30 and count backwards by 1’s.
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| Year 1 | Counting back (count down from) – Subtraction. When using this strategy to solve a subtraction equation/problem, students start at the larger number and count backward (down) by ones from the smaller number. E.g. To solve 8-3, start at 8 and count back three times: 7,6,5. The final number is 5 which is the answer.
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| Year 2 | Counting forwards by 100’s within the range 0- 1000 (consolidate starting from 100 (forwards) or 1000 (backwards) and extend to starting from any number) -This is a bit trickier – start by revising counting forwards by 100’s from 0 to 1 000 and then backwards from 1 000 to 0. Now…. Can you try and start at any number and count forwards or backwards by 100’s. Practice doing this orally as well as recording the counting sequence on paper.
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| Year 3 | Forward Number Word Sequence by 100’s and 10’s, 1’s to 10,000 and beyond from any number Practice your counting skills – starting with 1’s and then moving to 10’s and 100’s. Can you start at any number and count forwards and backwards?
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| Year 4 & 5 | Addition and subtraction with regrouping Practice mentally adding and subtracting whole numbers that involve regrouping (that is trading across place value units). When doing this mentally children break down the numbers according to their place value (100’s, 10’s 1’s) and add or subtract them separately. This allows them to regroup in a more manageable
STEPS:
E.g. 47 + 25 40+7 20+5 Add the 10’s, then add the 1’s: 40 +20 and 7+5 Regroup 7 + 5 = 12 so it is 10 +2 Combine the sums to find the total: so 60+10 +2 =72
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| Year 6 | Count by fractions When counting by fractions identify which fraction you are counting with –halves, third, eights etc. Do this by looking at the denominator, even if the fraction is a mixed numeral. Once this has been identified you can then start counting up with the numerator. |
Joanna Forbes
Learning and Teaching Leader
jforbes@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au
LS2 Students Blast Off Into Space! 🚀✨
These past few weeks in Inquiry, the LS2 junior students have been exploring the fascinating world beyond Earth as they learned about the universe, the sun, moon and stars, and the planets in space. Students enthusiastically investigated what we can see in the sky during both the day and night, and discussed how the sky changes over time.
Throughout the unit, students learned to identify the sun ☀️, moon 🌙, and stars ✨and shared their observations about the different features we see in the sky. They explored how the sun provides us with heat and warmth and discovered why it is such an important part of life on Earth.
Students were also excited to learn about the phases of the moon and noticed how the moon appears to change shape throughout the month. 🌑🌒🌓🌕🌗🌘🌑
As part of their learning, students also identified that Earth 🌍 is a planet and the special place where we live. They also explored the idea that there are many other planets in space 🪐each with unique features and characteristics.
Through hands-on activities, discussions and shared discoveries, students developed their curiosity and understanding of the amazing universe around us.
It has been wonderful to see the students so engaged and excited as they explored space and expanded their knowledge of our world and beyond.
Sarah, Matilda, Nuri & Sonia
LS2 Junior Teaching Team
THE SENIORS EXCURSION TO DEEP CREEK RESERVE
This week, our senior students enjoyed an exciting excursion to Deep Creek Reserve in Pakenham, as part of our Inquiry concept focusing on “Systems”.
Over the two days, students explored how important systems, such as water, solar, wind, and human power, are all essential to allow a system to function efficiently. Students participated in a range of engaging, hands-on, and interactive activities that encouraged curiosity and deeper learning, especially about the important role water plays in everyday life.
One highlight of the excursion was the bird-watching walk around the reserve, where students observed and identified a variety of native birds and animals in their natural habitat. Students also enjoyed spending time exploring the large playground, in the shape of a giant dragonfly. It was wonderful to see students so engaged, enthusiastic and excited about learning outside the classroom.
Our visit to Deep Creek also helped students experience the wonderment of biodiversity by observing a wide variety of plants, animals, and habitats working together in one functioning and thriving ecosystem. The beauty and diversity of the landscape connected beautifully to the message that God, our “maker and creator” has given us this amazing gift of life, which is to be enjoyed and protected.
Students were further encouraged to understand and embrace their role as stewards of God’s creation, where we are all working together to care for and protect our common home, for generations to come.
Michael (LS1) and Melody (LS2)
MUSIC NEWS
SENIORS
The Seniors have continued to revise the rhythm patterns of crochets, quavers and rests and practice clapping these rhythm patterns. We begin each lesson with a warm up song where we practice singing and moving our body. The children also practiced singing their greeting to the music teacher using the Kodaly method and“so” and “mi”.
In week 2, we started using the keyboards in Music class. The children learnt using the John Thompson piano book 1 and learnt to find Middle C and D on the keyboard.
The children learnt about the treble clef and to play using their right hand on the upper notes of the keyboard. The children learnt to use their thumb, index finger and ring finger to play the notes. They learnt about the pattern of 2 black keys and 3 black keys on the keyboard. They then practiced playing the notes C,D and E up and then back down again on the keyboards. The students learnt about lines and spaces in music.
JUNIORS
Term 2 has started with such fun and excitement in the Juniors. After learning many elements in music including, fast, slow, loud and soft, they are now refining their rhythm and pitch to allow them to compose their own basic piece of music, to then be able to sing and play.
Our classes are also active beginning with worship songs to sing and dance to, and other songs to play games to. Our students are having a lot of fun as they continue to explore sounds and music around us.
Dimitri (Tuesday, Thursday) and Rachel (Wednesday)
Music Teachers
Fr Anthony visits LS1
During Home Group TB, we were privileged to welcome Fr Antony, who spoke with students about the journey and process of becoming a priest. Students listened with great interest as Fr Antony shared his experiences, vocation, and the important role priests play within the Catholic Church.
He also discussed the significance of the Nicene Creed, helping students deepen their understanding of our shared beliefs and the meaning behind the words we pray together at Mass. It was a valuable and engaging experience for all students involved.
The Junior Home Group IB had a lovely visit from Fr Antony. Earlier this week the children came up with ideas of questions to ask Father about our Integrated Curriculum topic- Systems.
These questions have been on the children’s minds for a while and it was so nice to have Father give us insight and lead us on our faith journey. He helped us understand God as our Creator, God existing outside of our human understanding of time and being eternal and how the Holy Spirit helped bring the word of God into scripture.
The children enjoyed their time with Fr Antony and we extend our thanks and appreciation to him.
Tamara Busbridge and Imasha Brodie
LS1 Teachers
SENIOR SPORTS
Grade 5/6 Sport
Today, our Grade 5/6 students competed against Hampton Primary School. They performed admirably and demonstrated commendable sportsmanship throughout their various sports. Congratulations to all the participants from Grade 5/6 for their efforts today. They are enhancing their understanding of strategies to improve their gameplay, which will contribute to their confidence and preparedness for the upcoming Lightning Prem later this term.
INTER-SCHOOL SPORT
The schools we are playing, dates and locations for these events are as follows:
- Friday May 29th, Lyndhurst Primary School - Away Game.
- Friday June 5th, Coral Park Primary School - Home Game.
- Friday June 12th, Kilberry Valley Primary School-Home Game..
- Friday June 19th, Summer Lightning Premiership
Venues for each sport are as follows for Lightning Premiership:
- Soccer - Melbourne City Synthetic Pitches (Casey Fields)
- AFL 9’s - Oval 2 (Casey Fields)
- Netball - Casey Stadium
- Volleystars - Casey Stadium
- Teeball - Oval 3 (Casey Fields)
Lulli Barbakos
Physical Education Teacher
Senior Sports Coordinator
lbarbakos@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
JUNIOR SPORTING EVENTS
SPORTING SCHOOLS - TAEKWONDO CLINICS
Students will have 3 more clinics.
Below are the days the Taekwondo Clinics will be held so that you ensure your child is wearing their sports uniform for the day.
This term all Juniors will have their clinics on the same day. Reminders will also be placed in Morning Gathering as well as in the Newsletter.
Week 5
Friday 22nd May
Week 7
Monday 1st June
Week 10
Monday 22nd June
If your child is enjoying the Taekwondo Clinics and you are looking at enrolling them into an after-school club, details for Melbourne Taekwondo Centre can be found below:
JUNIOR RUGBY CLINICS
Juniors had a great time during their Rugby Clinics on Monday. Vaughn a coach from NRL, engaged the students with a variety of activities giving them a taste of what our after-school clinics will be like. If your child enjoyed the clinic, think about registering them for our FREE SFS League Stars After School Clinics beginning next week on Wednesday. Details are below.
SENIOR SPORTING EVENTS
GRADE 3/4 INTRA TAG RUGBY (NON-CONTACT)
Grade ¾ students are lucky enough to receive an Intra Tag Rugby session on Friday May 29th. Please ensure your child is wearing their sports uniform on the day. Parents if you could acknowledge this event on nForma, giving permission for your child to have their photo taken for NRL promotional material.
Parents are most welcome to come and watch on the day. Just sign in at the office and make your way to the oval near the PE shed. Parents remember if your child enjoys this experience please consider enrolling them for our after school Rugby Program which occurs on a Wednesday. Details are below.
WHOLE SCHOOL SPORTING EVENTS
SFS LEAGUE STARS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM RETURNS IN TERM 2 - NOW FREE!!!
Yes, parents that is correct the League Stars After School Program will now be FREE!!! You will have the option to purchase the League Stars Pack during the registration process. Please use the links below to register your child. Registration is completed through NRL who will also be running the clinics. You will need to create an account with NRL and then search the programs for Lynbrook to find the program, Term 2 – 2026 – League Stars After School Program – St Francis de Sales, Lynbrook then click on register.’
League Stars – St Francis De Sales Primary School, Lynbrook (5-8 Year Olds) | FREE
League Stars – St Francis De Sales Primary School, Lynbrook (9-12 Year Olds) | FREE
We have been given an excellent opportunity for Term 2 to have the NRL League Stars Program run after school (3.30-4.15 pm) on Wednesdays here at SFS. This program will only be available to SFS students.
‘LEAGUE STARS after-school program is RETURNING to ST FRANCIS DE SALES PRIMARY SCHOOL in 2026. JOIN in the FUN and Games in this NON-CONTACT Rugby League Program. The Program Is Open for ALL Ages from 5 Years to 12 Years of Age. The Program will be over 6 Sessions with the First Session scheduled for Wednesday 20th May 2026 in Week 5, running consecutively each week on Wednesdays for 6 weeks and ending on Wednesday June 24th.
Ali is happy to organise students to be returned to After School Care once the program finishes at 4.15 pm. Ali will also be at the school on Monday May 18th to assist with registration and answer any questions parents may have. He will be located near the exit at the blue playground. Please feel free to ask him nay questions you may have.
To pick up your child next Wednesday after the League Stars Clinic, the gate near the hall will be opened so you can enter there and head to the oval. Please ensure you don’t go onto the oval near Paterson Drive as this half of the oval is being resurfaced and out of bounds currently. Students will be on the oval near the PE shed.
Any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Giuliana
Extra-Curricular Coordinator
gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au
