Year 3
Term 1, Week 5
What an amazing start to the year! It has been wonderful getting to better know your children, their interests and how they learn. It has been an action packed few weeks with plenty to share and we are certainly into the swing of school life again.
Literacy
We have been reading Roald Dahl's novel 'Matilda' for our literacy focus this term.
Students have been busily learning about sentence structures and developing their narrative writing knowledge and skills in the lead up to NAPLAN, which begins on March 13.
We have also began the SpellEX lessons. SpellEx is a Year 3–4 spelling program with sequenced lessons, differentiated resources and curriculum alignment. It teaches grapheme choices, rules, morphology and terminology, with regular assessments to monitor progress. Engaging characters Stella and Eddy help students understand English spelling, build confidence and become strong, independent spellers.
Mathematics
Term 1 is all about place value, addition and subtraction. We have been learning strategies to rename numbers such as 'What is 10 more than 299 999?'. We have also been focusing on addition and subtraction strategies and making connections to help us mentally calculate sums. At home, a great strategy could be 5 minutes of addition and subtraction practice, starting easy and slowly increasing the difficulty.
Religious Education
A school wide focus has been on Human Dignity, where we believe every child has value, unique strengths and the ability to make a positive difference.
We have also been learning about our school's history with the Sisters of Mercy and the how the Mercy Cross inspires us to live with the values that Jesus taught us.
Lent is underway, with students being encouraged to pray, give or give up something for Lent. Some students have chosen to donate their $1 coin from their Zooper Doopers to Caritas while others are choosing to give up their favourite hobbies or foods in the lead up to Easter.
Inquiry: The Solar System
We are learning all about the Sun, Earth and the other planets in our solar system. We have some budding astronomers in Year 3 who love to share and teach others about what they know!
General News
- We have had a recent bout of headlice spread throughout our year level. Please check your child's hair regularly over the next few weeks and treat when necessary.
- Reader Diaries are back into full swing at the moment. Students are expected to read aloud for 5-10 minutes each day with a parent signature into their reading diary.
- Spelling words have formed part of our homework routine. Students have a spelling book and we ask that they practise these 3 X per week with a parent signature.
- A recent spike in chewing gum, we would love your support to help keep chewing gum at home.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Christine or myself at:
cbuhler@sjeuroa.catholic.edu.au
lmckernan@sjeuroa.catholic.edu.au
Enjoy!!
Linc McKernan & Christine Buhler