Junior School

SHELLEY PARKES

Head of Junior School

Did someone say SMART spelling?

By now you will most probably have heard your child talk about their SMART spelling words. At one point you may have observed your child revising their spelling as part of our Junior School Reflective Study.

The SMART spelling approach incorporates both the systematic teaching of spelling (each week) and individual words, reflective of a student’s achievement, application of learned spelling patterns and where required, revision of commonly used words.

How do we approach spelling?

Our approach is explicit and systematic. Spelling is taught through spelling patterns and regularity. It is based around whole words with an emphasis on meaning and vocabulary development. Spelling rules are taught in the context of words in a way that builds on learning from prior years. SMART is an acronym for the sequence teachers follow to teach words to students (Say, Meaning, Analyse, Remember, Teach).

Within an explicit lesson, the spelling pattern and word meaning in context is the focus. Within the week, students have opportunities to revise and apply these words.

We look forward to an opportunity to share more with you via our, 'The Quartet' presentations over Semester 2.

Keep an eye out for this communication!

AMBRE BORNEHAM

Enrichment Coordinator -Junior school

Congratulations to our Science Talent Search Students!

This year we have been excited to introduce the Science Talent Search Competition to the Junior School. The Science Talent Search (STS) is an annual, science-based competition open to all primary and secondary students in Victoria.

The theme this year was 'Food: Different by Design'. Students across the Junior School from Years 1 to 5, have been working hard at home on a range of projects including scientific posters, games, creative writing, working models, and experimental research.

We have learnt a lot about bees, growing food on mars, design food, and sustainable global food production. Thank you to all of our students for their hard work over the last few months, and a huge thank you to all of the parents/carers that have supported these students in their scientific endeavours.

The following students have submitted entries and will be competing in the Victorian Science Talent Search:

Posters and Scientific wallcharts

Year 1: Araiya W – The Key to Bees & Vyom S – Growing Food on Mars

Year 2: Jason M - Growing Food on Mars, Xavier R - Food Design Gone Wrong: The Dangers of Ice Cream, Ava S – The Key to Bees

Year 3: Dhyey S - Growing Food on Mars

Year 4: Aayush S - Growing Food on Mars

Year 5: Lara C - Sustainable Global Food Production

Creative Writing

Year 1: Maria K – My Designer Food: Rainbow Cake Design

Year 3: Aliki P - My Designer Food: Fairy Food

Games

Year 1: Paris P – Crazy Chefs