Spotlight on Learning
Stage 1
2J entered the classroom this week feeling refreshed and full of energy. They were excited to embark on new learning adventures, expand their knowledge and have a lot of fun together.
During class discussions, the students eagerly shared stories of their holiday adventures. They talked about exciting trips to ski fields, enjoyable movie days, fun play dates and memorable sleepovers. It was wonderful to hear about the different experiences they had during their time off.
During team teaching lessons, the students learned a valuable skill: how to create a plan for their recount writing. They thought carefully about the key elements such as where the events took place, who was involved, when everything happened, what occurred and how it all unfolded. They also discovered the importance of using time connectives, paragraphs, adjectives and adverbs to make their recount more interesting and engaging.
In our maths lessons, students have been working hard to improve their understanding of place value and number representations. We've been having a blast exploring number bonds! Number bonds are special pairs of numbers that can be added together to make a specific number. For example, when we add 4 and 6, we get 10. It's not just about addition, though. Students have also been learning how to find the corresponding subtraction facts for these number bonds. It's been a lot of fun discovering the relationships between numbers and how they can work together!
This week, 2J also began getting ready for the upcoming athletics carnival. We dedicated our efforts to preparing for various events. We practiced running on the track, developing our speed and endurance and learned how to throw a shot put. It was a fun experience as students built confidence in these athletic activities. We can't wait for the upcoming carnival!
Mrs Jones - Stage 2 Assistant Principal
Stage 2
It’s crazy to believe that we are already in Term 3! After a relaxing break, 3J have had a successful start to the term…engaging in lots of activities and delving right back into their learning!
Maths
This week Year 3 have been learning about fractions. Students have been using the number line to plot fractions between 0-1. The number line has helped students to better conceptualise equivalent fractions (such as ¼ and 2/8). Students were also introduced to the term ‘mixed numeral’ and learnt that this means a whole number plus a fraction. Students can now confidently identify and represent a mixed numeral!
English
In reading this week we explored the story ‘Tom Tom’ by Rosemary Sullivan. Students encountered a range of new vocabulary, including the Murin Patha word for the red-tailed black cockatoo, 'ku tek.' Students enjoyed playing charades to act out their new learnt words. In writing, we have been focusing on descriptive language. Students have been incorporating new adjectives and adverbial phrases into their writing, which will help to create a detailed, vivid picture for the reader.
Visual Arts
We also finished our back wall display this week! Last term during informative writing students researched a unique Australian animal of their choice. We linked this to Visual Arts and students enthusiastically participated to create the landscape with paint and mixed materials. Each student also drew and coloured in their Australian animal which can be seen within the display. Can you spot all 25 animals?
Sport
In sport this week students have begun practising for the Athletics Carnival. Year 3 has been taught the ‘crouch start’ to help give them an extra push when sprinting. In the field events, students have practised their skills in shot put, high jump and long jump. Below are some action shots from long jump! I was very impressed to see students master the jumping technique.
Miss Jacob - 3J Classroom Teacher
Stage 3
Welcome back to Term 3. It is great to have our students engaged in their learning on their return to school this term. Stage 3 teachers and students are looking forward to many upcoming events and programs, including the Athletics Carnival, Great Aussie Bush Camp, Peer Support and PASS program.
Students in 5C have been provided with the opportunity to practise presenting persuasive speeches they have written in class to a small group of peers. They showed excellent audience engagement skills, using eye contact and hand gestures for effect. They will be presenting speeches they have prepared at home to the class this week as a part of the Hills Public Speaking competition.
5C have started their PDHPE unit on child protection this term, with the first lesson focusing on showing respect in the classroom and the community. Students took part in a learning circle activity where they asked questions about ways we can show respect to their peers. A3 paper was placed around the room with a Y-chart on them where students could write in what respect looks, feels and sounds like in the five areas of classroom, playground, home, sport and shops. They will be applying the skills learnt to the rest of the unit which focuses on identifying safe and unsafe relationships.
I look forward to a productive term of learning across all the classes this term.
Mr Chong - Stage 3 Assistant Principal