Maths

Over the past two weeks, students have focused on reviewing all the new knowledge they have gained throughout the semester. We began our week by consolidating our understanding of addition and subtraction. Students solved addition and subtraction problems using various strategies and the appropriate terminology related to each operation. Next, we shifted our focus to patterns and sharing. In our sharing activities, students distributed items between Christmas plates and elves. This interactive approach has deepened their understanding while making learning enjoyable. We are incredibly proud of the hard work the students have put in and the progress they have made. They have embraced new challenges with enthusiasm, and it's clear they are eager for more learning opportunities. We look forward to watching them continue to build on what they’ve learned and explore even more exciting concepts in Grade 1.

Writing

This fortnight in Writing, students have been applying the knowledge and skills they've developed throughout the year to complete consolidating activities as the school year comes to a close. They have been using their letter-sound knowledge, segmentation skills, adding punctuation and incorporating tricky words.

Students have applied these skills to write postcards to the future Preps of 2025. It was heartwarming to see the Preps wishing the incoming students good luck and sharing exciting things to look forward to when starting school next year. The students thoroughly enjoyed reflecting on their year and sharing their memories with others.

Reading

Over the last fortnight in Reading, students have been consolidating the knowledge and skills they have learnt throughout the year as it comes to a close. They completed activities practising all of our sounds, digraphs and tricky words.

Students have also explored book studies. They have focused on the books ‘Stickman’ by Julia Donaldson and ‘Wombat Stew’ by Marcia Vaughan. They have discussed and completed activities delving into contextual understanding, making predictions, vocabulary, sequence, and summarising each of the stories. Students really enjoyed getting to know each story really well and all the fun activities they go to do for them.

All of our students are excited at the prospect of beginning Grade 1 next year even if there may be a few nerves as well. We have been discussing with them their new roles and responsibilities and the challenges they will face and students are excited and optimistic about these new encounters. Having met their new teachers and spent a little time in their new classrooms with their new classmates, they are looking forward to the coming year, after a holiday first of course!

Social Fair Excursion

On the 3rd of December, our Prep students enjoyed an exciting excursion to the Social Fair Play Centre in Cranbourne. The day was packed with a variety of fun activities, including rock climbing, mini golf, and exploring a fun, soft playground.

Our students embraced every moment, enthusiastically participating in each activity and having an amazing time. We were especially proud of the way they demonstrated our school values of Respect, Daring and United, as well as their excellent listening skills throughout the day. They truly made us PROUD!!

Inquiry - Plants and Animals

This week, our Prep students have been immersed in an exciting Inquiry Week focused on plants and animals, with a special spotlight on Australian wildlife. Through hands-on activities and interactive lessons, students have explored the unique features, habitats, and diets of iconic Australian animals such as kangaroos, koalas, and echidnas. They’ve loved learning about how each animal is specially adapted to thrive in its environment—like how kangaroos use their strong legs for hopping across vast landscapes or how koalas feed exclusively on eucalyptus leaves. Alongside these fascinating creatures, we also explored the plant life that forms the backbone of these ecosystems, including how plants provide shelter and food for many animals.

In our classroom and outdoor activities, students used observation skills to study plants and their parts, such as leaves, flowers, and stems. They created colorful drawings of their favorite Australian animals and shared fun facts they learned, sparking curiosity and connection with the natural world. A highlight of the week was a nature walk, where students spotted birds and insects and observed how plants and animals interact in their environment. These activities not only enhanced their understanding of science but also fostered a sense of appreciation for the biodiversity of our own backyard. Inquiry Week has been a fantastic project, and we’re so proud of our budding naturalists!

Grayling Primary School Newsletter

Proud & Connected

Issue 17 · 17 Dec 2024

In this issue