Foundation (Prep)
Can you believe we’ve reached the end of our first term? Kindergarten already feels like a distant memory! Our Prep students have had an incredible start to their school journey. They have laughed, learned, and formed new friendships. They’ve become familiar with classroom routines, transitions, specialist classes, and whole-school events. Along the way, they’ve developed their problem-solving skills, taken risks in their learning, and are well on their way to becoming readers, writers, and mathematicians. They’ve also proudly attended assemblies and embraced so many new experiences. We are so very proud of all that our Preps have achieved in such a short time.
A heartfelt thank you to our parents and families for your ongoing support and encouragement—it truly makes a difference. We look forward to Term 2 and the many “WOW” moments still to come! Wishing everyone a safe and happy Autumn holiday break.
Warrandyte Festival
Our Prep students were an absolute highlight of the Warrandyte Festival Parade! Dressed in their vibrant costumes, they looked amazing as they made their way down Main Street.
There was a wonderful sense of excitement and celebration in the air, with smiling faces, colourful outfits, and plenty of festive cheer all around. The energy from our students was incredible, and they should be so proud of themselves for completing the full parade route—what a fantastic achievement!
Well done to all of our Prep students for bringing such joy, enthusiasm, and spirit to this special community event. It was truly a memorable experience for everyone involved!
English
In our two-hour English block each day, we are actively teaching the relationships between sounds and letters. The letters taught this term have been - m, s, t, a, p, i and f. The students focus on the letter names, letter sounds and correct articulation. They also practice the correct formation of these letters through daily handwriting and spelling activities, and practice blending the sounds to read and write words.
We build vocabulary and comprehension skills through quality children’s literature. The students participate in listening comprehension activities and a range of tasks to broaden their vocabulary. The prep students have also explored character and setting through a variety of picture storybooks including: Grandpa and Thomas, Bogtrotter and Granny Grommet and Me.
Maths
This term in Mathematics, our Prep students have been building strong foundations and developing confidence across a range of key concepts.
Students continued working on counting and understanding the value of numbers, including early place value using tens frames. A major focus was “trusting the count” to at least 20, as well as comparing collections and recognising which groups had more or less.
In Statistics, students explored how to collect and represent data in meaningful ways. They learned how to use tally marks and created their own tally charts and pictographs. Working in small groups, they sorted materials, recorded their findings, and even surveyed their peers before representing their results. Students also investigated measurement by using informal units to measure a variety of objects. They carefully recorded their findings through labelled diagrams, developing both their mathematical understanding and communication skills. It has been wonderful to see the enthusiasm and growth in our young mathematicians this term!
During our Resilience Project (TRP) lessons, prep students have been introduced to the term 'empathy.' They discussed the benefits of kindness for both the giver and receiver. Students also learnt about empathetic listening and how it helps to form positive and caring relationships. We have also talked about 'gratitude' and thought about things we do with our families that we are grateful for.
The preps were also grateful to the THRIVE team for organising our meet the teacher afternoon. They enjoyed the chance to play together with their friends, participate in some fun activities and experience their first school disco.
Congratulations Stevie!
We have some exciting news to share! Prep C student, Stevie Denton, has been cast in the role of Lulu in the upcoming musical, Waitress. Stevie is amongst a star-filled cast including: Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Rob Mills and John Waters.
We wish her all the best and hope she enjoys this wonderful opportunity.
The musical opens at Her Majesty's Theatre in May.
Chookas Stevie!
Giggle
1. Knock, knock.Who's there?
Stopwatch.
Stopwatch who?
Stopwatch your doing and open the door!
2. What has hands but doesn’t clap?
A clock!
Term 2 Important Dates
Monday 27 April - Open Morning
Friday 1 May - Cross Country
Friday 15 May - Sunday 17 May - School Production
Last day of Term 2- Friday 26 June