Connect Foundation

Key Dates:

Friday February 27

Library Open Morning 8:15-8:45

Assembly 2:30 in the Gym

Friday March 6

Library Open Morning 8:15-8:45

Tuesday March 10

Brainstorm Productions Incursion - Whole School

Friday March 13

Library Open Morning 8:15-8:45

Assembly 2:30 in Gym

Friday March 20

Harmony Day- wear a splash of Orange

Library Open Morning 8:15-8:45

Monday March 23

WHOLE SCHOOL PHOTOS

Tuesday March 24

Hot Chip Day

Friday March 27

Library Open Morning 8:15-8:45

Assembly 2:30 in the Gym 

Thursday April 2

LAST DAY OF TERM

Easter Bonnet Parade

Easter Egg Raffle

Literacy

We are excited to share that students are beginning to sound out, read, and write words using the explicitly taught sounds we have learned so far. Students are reading and spelling words such as “Sam,” “as,” “sap,” and “map.” It’s wonderful to see their skills growing each day!

We will also be introducing our first three heart words, “the”, “my”, and “I”. These are words that students learn to recognise by heart because they may not always follow our usual sound patterns.

Below you will find the letters and sounds we have learned so far, along with the upcoming sounds we will be exploring next.

Mathematics

In Mathematics, our Foundation students have been enthusiastically engaging with counting songs as we continue to build strong number sense skills. Our focus has been on developing confidence in counting forwards and backwards from 1 to 10, as well as carefully counting collections of objects using one-to-one correspondence. Students have also been matching numerals and pictures to the correct quantities, strengthening their understanding of number relationships. It has been wonderful to see their growing confidence and enjoyment in mathematics.

Here is a link to a counting song, 'Count to 10'

We have also introduced 2D shapes in our classroom. Students have been learning to name different shapes, describe their features, and sort them based on their attributes, such as the number of sides and colours. The children especially enjoyed creating shape pictures using concrete materials and paper shapes. It has been wonderful to see their creativity shine as they explored how shapes can come together to form new designs!

Here is a link to a song about shapes

Wellbeing

We have introduced our Ready to Learn scales and discussed what it means to feel ready for learning. As a class, we explored different strategies students can use if they are not feeling ready to learn.

Students coloured their scales red, orange, and green and will use them to check in and show how they are feeling throughout the day. They have each selected three calming strategies they can use to help themselves regulate and refocus when needed.

It has been wonderful to see students building their self-awareness and learning how to support their own learning readiness.

We have also introduced 'The Zones Of Regulation', a simple and engaging way to help children understand and manage their feelings. The Zones of Regulation groups emotions into four coloured zones (Blue, Green, Yellow and Red) to help students recognise how they are feeling and learn strategies to regulate their emotions. Through stories, discussions and fun activities, students are building their emotional vocabulary and practising tools to help them return to the “Green Zone,” where they feel calm, focused and ready to learn. We are so proud of how our students are beginning to use the language of the Zones in the classroom!

Reminders

Satchels

Please remember to send your satchel to school as we use them for notices, readers and alphabet cards practice. (please obtain a separate bag for the library). If you do not have a satchel yet, you may purchase them from PSW in Carrum Downs.

Library

Please send a named bag with your child on their library day so they can bring a book home to enjoy. Students have received a red material bag from their teacher which would make a great library bag! 

Library Times:

Prep C Mondays

Prep A, B , D, E Thursdays

Shoelaces

We have noticed there are many children who come to school with laces. If they can't tie their laces, it is recommended they have velcro shoes. Here is a video to assist with learning to tie laces. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xr3HYMwCLc

Independence

Starting formal schooling provides an excellent opportunity to encourage your children to make their own choices and operate independently within the school community. If you are finding you still need to assist your child entering the classroom we encourage you to let your child know you will be saying goodbye to them at the door. Students settle very quickly into the morning routine, however, when the class is crowded with parents it can make the start of your child’s day unsettled. We have been impressed to see so many children walking into the classroom independently. 

Tips: Talk to your child the night before and have a plan eg; one hug, one goodbye and let your child know you will say goodbye at the door. Most importantly, stick to the plan. Please be assured that your child does settle quickly otherwise we would let you know.

Toileting Before School

Please remind your child to use the toilet before school so that their learning is not interrupted in the morning session.

Spare Clothes

Please ensure your child has a (named) change of clothes, including socks, in their bag.

Meet The Teacher and The Amazing Race

On Tuesday, we enjoyed our first community event at Skye Primary School and it was a wonderful opportunity for families and teachers to connect. Students had a fantastic time creating our Proud Peacock, proudly sharing their strengths and interests. It was lovely to see their confidence shine as they reflected on what makes them unique.

The Amazing Race was another highlight of the day! Students participated in a variety of fun activities and worked together to earn points for their House. It was a great way to build teamwork, school spirit, and excitement within our community.

Here is a link to our Wellbeing  story, ‘All The Ways To Be Smart’

Buddies

On Thursday the 19th, all the Prep students had the wonderful opportunity to meet their Grade 6 buddies for the first time. The Grade 6 students visited the Prep classrooms, where everyone enjoyed a special lunch together. It was exciting for the students to get to know one another and begin building new friendships.

Throughout the year, the Grade 6 students and their Prep buddies will meet every fortnight to connect and take part in a variety of engaging indoor and outdoor activities. We look forward to seeing these special friendships grow!

Thankyou!

The Prep team are so proud of all of your hard work. The children are becoming amazing, independent learners and we cannot wait to see where the second half of the term takes us!