Foundation

Without doubt, the biggest talking point currently in the Foundation Room is the end of year Concert. I am not sure if my students realise there will be other people performing, there seems to be a general assumption that we will be the main attraction on the night- despite many, many discussions to the contrary. 

Preparations are in place, with daily practice underway to learn a number of new songs, and closer to the date, work out individual responsibilities in the Nativity Play.

The Concert will be held on Monday 16th December, and begins at 6pm. It is, without doubt, my favourite event of the whole school year, and a perfect way to finish what has been a magnificent 12 months.

The students have chosen their role for the play- except for Mary and Joseph who required a 'names in a hat' scenario. If you know your family can not attend the concert, could you please let Damien or myself know? It will not matter too much if your child is an animal or angel, but could impact the entire integrity of the play if for example we only have one wise man, or we are missing Mary ...

As mentioned in a previous email, costumes are to be kept very simple. I have no desire to add to parents' workload in the lead up to Christmas. Having said that, some people really enjoy costume making and look forward to sharing their creativity. Just do whatever is easiest or you, and let me know if there are any problems.

It should be a great night, and we will be spectacular.

Regards, Baz Luhrmann

And here are some songs to practise at home if your child wants the music. I don't see why I should be the only person to have these tunes permanently playing in my head...

Make Room

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUFSxt7qkNw

Glory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW4c6DcxgGc

Literacy

It is the fun part of the year in Literacy, with completed assessments indicating just how much progress the students have made over the course of the year. Everyone has made achievements of which they should be proud, although as with any skill, these results cover a wide range. Some students have been lucky enough to find learning to read and write relatively easy, others have had to persevere and continue their efforts to maintain growth. Regardless of how it happened, I am super proud of every student in my room. The remaining weeks of school will see our normal routine maintained for as long as possible- it is far better for the students in a time that is traditionally 'out of whack' with different events and the swimming program to stick to our timetable as much as we can.

Take home readers will continue until the end of Week 9, then we need to stop to allow time for a 'stocktake' of books- where we look at what is left, what needs repairing and what needs to be thrown out. This same process will be applied to Library books, we will borrow in Week 8, but all books must be returned by the end of Week 9 please.

We are looking at transactional writing in Literacy for the rest of the year- and have started writing postcards from exotic places around the world- Paris, Sweden, Longwood... Letter writing is also scheduled to be covered, as is creating invitations. It should be a fun way to finish the year.

Numeracy

From Week 8 onwards, Maths lessons will be activities designed to reinforce concepts that have been explored throughout the year. Lots of problem solving, lots of hands on tasks and lots of games. Numbers to 20 continue to take priority, with the students' ability to recognise, name and make these quantities an important concept to take into Year One.

We are also looking at time, o'clock and half past, mainly because two students wanted to learn to tell the time. And thanks to Patrick's dad and his time in the army, we also have dabbled with the 24 hour clock. 

Religion

Our last 2 units are "Called to live like Jesus" and "We celebrate Christmas". We have been looking at "The Good Samaritan" scripture, and discussing how we should treat others as we would like to be treated.  We have role played, sung, watched and responded to the scripture creatively, and are now very sure of the events that take place in the story, and the reason Jesus shared this story. In our Christmas unit, students will explore the celebration of Jesus’ birth and explore the concept of waiting and preparing for special events in their lives. They will understand waiting and how it applies to their lives. They will discuss how Mary and Joseph waited for the birth of Jesus. They will be encouraged to relate their experiences of giving, receiving and celebrating to this important liturgical event. 

Special Visitors

We had Sharon and Kristy surprise us with a visit to the classroom today. Both ladies are tireless workers for Wildlife Victoria, and they were at St John's to release an injured bird back into the wild. But as luck would have it, they also had some extra passengers in their car to show us. Solly (Eastern Grey Kangaroo), and CeCe (some type of wallaby) came into a very quiet classroom where Sharon explained her job, and the best way to care for injured animals. It was an enjoyable, informative and unexpected break in our morning. We then went on to write short reports about what we had heard.

2025 Transition

The 2025 Transition program is well underway, and is such an important part of the new Foundation students' first taste of school life. Unfortunately for this year's students, it does mean a little bit of disruption to their 'normal' Friday whilst the program is happening, but everyone seems to be coping very well with a different teacher and classroom each Friday morning. There are only 2 more weeks left, and then things will return to the usual routine. 

Transition for the current Foundation students will occur on Tuesday 10th December, Statewide Transition Day, and will give the students a chance to meet their new Yr 1 teacher in their new classroom, and hopefully allay any nerves about the impending changes. 

THANK YOU

Finally, a big thank you to all the parents for their support this year. It has been a wonderful year, with a wonderful group of students and I have thoroughly enjoyed the 12 months. Thank you for all you have done to assist your child through their first year of school life, these students are well and truly ready for the adventures Year One will present!

Timetable 

Monday

Tuesday         Art 

                         School newsletter online(odd weeks) 

Wednesday  Lunch Orders

Thursday       Specialist subjects (students to wear sports uniform and runners)

Friday             Library, Bluearth- wear sports uniform (even weeks)  Assembly (odd weeks)

Don't forget, any questions, problems or queries, please contact me. If it is during school hours, just leave a message and I will return it as soon as possible, or send me an email.

sredfern@sjeuroa.catholic.edu.au

Thank you,

Sally and Damien