Icarus 

EID MUBARAK!

As Term 1 comes to a close, it’s hard to believe how quickly the weeks have flown by! 

We’ve had a fantastic start to the year, filled with learning, laughter, and many memorable moments. With the holidays just around the corner, we hope everyone takes the time to relax and recharge.

To all those celebrating, we wish you a joyful and blessed Eid Mubarak! May this special time bring happiness and togetherness to you and your loved ones.

REMINDERS for WEEK 10

Term 1 Learning Showcase – Tuesday, 1st April 2025

Families and friends are warmly invited to join us for Aitken Hill Primary School's Term 1 Learning Showcase on Tuesday, 1st April, from 2:45 PM to 4:30 PM. This is a wonderful chance for students to proudly share their learning achievements and reflect on their growth this term.

Enjoy a student-led tour of classrooms, favourite play areas, and special school spots. Students will showcase their work, share their experiences, and answer any questions about their time at school. Fun family activities will also be available, and the school canteen will be open for refreshments, including drinks, snacks, and ice creams. Plus, Debbie the Coffee Lady will be serving warm beverages for those in need of a pick-me-up.

Please remember that all students will be dismissed at the usual time of 3:20 PM. After that, only those accompanied by a parent or guardian may stay. Any students not collected by 3:35 PM will be taken to the TheirCare afterschool program (fees apply).

Thursday - April 3rd - Bring an extra snack 

The Icarus team are hoping we can enjoy a movie together to celebrate the end of a Term 1 full of hard work, NAPLAN and adjusting to school life in a new learning community. If parents could be kind enough to pack an extra snack for students so we can watch a movie together on this day, that would be greatly appreciated.

Friday - April 4th - Last day of Term (finish at 2:30pm)

Reading 

This term in reading, we've been diving deep into fiction texts. We have been exploring a variety of fiction texts based around the topic of 'friendship'. As we read, we have been focusing on: 

• Making connections to better understand the themes and ideas presented by the authors.
• Analysing vocabulary and looking closely at the words authors choose. We’ve learned how specific language shapes meaning and impacts the reader’s experience.
• Discussing the mood created by both authors and illustrators. Whether through vivid descriptions or carefully chosen illustrations, we've seen how these elements work together to create an atmosphere that draws readers in, evoking emotions and setting the tone for the story.

As we continue our exploration of fiction, we’ll keep honing these skills, making connections, analysing language, and reflecting on how mood is crafted in every story.

Writing

This term, students have been developing their writing skills across a variety of text types, learning how to express their ideas clearly and creatively.

📖 Narratives – Students have been working on crafting imaginative stories with engaging characters, detailed settings, and exciting plots. They have focused on using descriptive language and dialogue to bring their stories to life.

📝 Persuasive Texts – We have been learning how to write convincing arguments, with students practising their persuasive skills by writing letters or speeches aimed at changing someone’s point of view. From convincing their parents, getting a pet to persuading teachers about school rules, students have enjoyed developing strong arguments using clear reasons and evidence.

✍️ Handwriting – Neat and legible handwriting remains a key focus. Students have been practising correct letter formation, spacing, and fluency to ensure their writing is easy to read and well-presented.

🎭 Acrostic Poems – Students have been exploring poetry through acrostic poems, where the first letter of each line spells out a word related to a theme. This has been a fun way for them to play with language and express their ideas creatively.

💌 Writing Letters as a First Fleet Convict – As part of our history studies, students have stepped into the shoes of a First Fleet convict, writing letters back home about their experiences. This has helped them develop empathy and a deeper understanding of Australia’s past while practising their formal letter-writing skills.         

Inquiry

In our current inquiry unit, we are delving into the fascinating history of the First Fleet and its profound impact on Australia. Our exploration covers a variety of themes, including the arrival of European settlers, the significance of their settlement, the early relationships with the First Peoples of Australia, and the challenges faced by convicts in the penal colonies. One of the central questions we are exploring is how the First Peoples of Australia might have felt when the European settlers arrived. One of the central questions we are exploring is how the First Peoples of Australia might have felt when the European settlers arrived. The consequences of the contact between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the early European traders, explorers, and settlers are also a key part of our inquiry. We are exploring the reasons behind the transportation of convicts to Australia and the challenges they faced. As part of our inquiry, we are reflecting on how the events and people of the past have shaped who we are today. 

SEL

In Social and Emotional Learning students have explored the many emotions humans feel and explored what colours can show the emotional factors in everyday life. We looked at the colours used in advertisements, movies and books and discussed how they make us feel. We have continued to use the Respectful Relationships program and also, this year at Aitken Hill Primary School we have began using the 'Resilience Project' program which will teach students gratitude, empathy, personal character strengths and many more. 

It is a great add on to always have conversations with your children about respectful relationships, listening attentively to their teachers, fair play and treating everyone with kindness.

Reminders

Eid Mubarak!

Week 10

Tuesday - April 1st - Parent visitation

Thursday - April 3rd - Bring an extra snack 

Friday - April 4th - Last day of Term (finish at 2:30pm)