Reading

In Prep this week, our students have been building foundational reading skills through fun and engaging phonics lessons. We have been learning to read simple CV (consonant-vowel) and CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words by identifying individual sounds, segmenting them, and blending them together. A key focus has been on the vowel sound /o/, as children learn to link this sound to the letter ‘o’. Through games, songs, and hands-on activities, our young learners are developing confidence in sounding out and reading words such as on, hop, and top. It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they take these exciting first steps into reading!

Writing

In our Prep writing lessons, students have been working hard on developing key early literacy skills. We’re focusing on forming letters correctly, holding the pencil with the correct grip, and confidently copying and writing CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words such as "cat," "dot," and "hat." These foundational skills support both handwriting and early spelling, setting students up for success as young writers. It’s been wonderful to see their pride as they form letters more neatly and begin to write simple words independently!

Maths

This week in Maths, we’ve been exploring the concept of positional language and learning how to describe where things are using specific language. The kids have really enjoyed all the hands-on activities and games we’ve done!

We started by looking at how to describe where familiar objects are – using words like in front, behind, next to, under and on top. We used things around the classroom to practise, and it was great to see the kids confidently explaining where things were.

Then we moved on to describing where one object is in relation to another. For example, saying things like “The book is under the chair” or “The teddy is next to the pencil case.” We did some fun matching games and group activities to practise this.

We also spent some time thinking about where we are in relation to other things. The kids described where they were sitting or standing using words like between, beside, and in the middle. It was lovely hearing them use this new vocabulary in such a confident way.

Towards the end of the week, we started learning about left and right. We used active movement breaks to help us learn the difference between the two, and practised our new understanding through movement games and activities. The students did a fantastic job remembering which side was which!

Other - Integrated, Respectful Relationships and Culture

In week one, we revisited our classroom expectations and routines to remind ourselves how we can work together respectfully and responsibly. From listening carefully to being kind to others, students did a fantastic job reflecting on how they contribute to a positive and safe learning environment.

In Integrated Studies, we have been exploring Family History. This week, our students explored two important themes: what makes us unique and how we grow over time. We began by reading a story about how everyone is special in their own way. Students discussed what makes them unique—whether it’s their interests, talents, or how they look—and shared their thoughts with the class. We celebrated the idea that our differences make us who we are! Later in the week, we read stories like Family Tree and Too Big or Too Small to learn about growing up. Using pictures and new vocabulary, students explored the human life cycle and talked about what people can do at different stages of life.

In Respectful Relationships, our class explored the idea of sharing—what it means, why it matters, and how we do it every day at school and home. We read a story titled Sharing, which helped us reflect on how sharing is a way to care for others and for Country. During circle time, students shared their thoughts about the story, the pictures, and how it made them feel. We talked about the different ways we share—taking turns, helping others, and looking after our environment together. Students then created beautiful drawings titled ‘sharing’, each with a caption describing how they show kindness and care by sharing with others.

In culture, our class focused on the significance of ANZAC Day. We read the story "ANZAC Ted," which helped us understand the bravery, sacrifice, and memories associated with this important day. Using an ANZAC Day PowerPoint presentation, we discussed what ANZAC stands for, why we commemorate it, and how it is celebrated across Australia. Celebrations include parades, wearing poppies, baking ANZAC biscuits, attending dawn services, and watching the traditional AFL game. To conclude our learning, we made ANZAC biscuits—just like the ones families used to send to soldiers during the war.

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