Grade 1 News

Welcome back to Term 2! We hope you all had a well rested break, surrounded by family and friends. We are so excited to dive into another term with the students, with lots to look forward to.

📅 Important Dates & Reminders

All important dates and events are available on our Compass Calendar. Please check the calendar regularly to stay up to date.

Upcoming dates/Important Info

Thursday 7th May: Mother's Day Stall

Wednesday 20th May: Scienceworks Excursion (details to come closer to the date)

Hats - As per our school's SunSmart policy, all students are required to wear hats till the end of April 2025.

Icy Poles will be sold outside the senior school Monday & Tuesday lunchtimes

Key Information

• Students are to bring their take-home bags to school daily (optional) to swap books for home.

                         Happy Hat Celebrations 

Last term students finished off with a Happy Hat Celebration. The students sang and danced their hearts out. Here are some photos of the day!

1C Photos

1K Photos

1A Photos

Learning Reflection

➗Maths 

This term in Grade 1, students will strengthen their understanding of number and place value by counting, ordering and representing numbers up to 120. They will learn to break numbers into tens and ones and represent them in a variety of ways using hands-on materials. Students will also develop their skills in addition and subtraction within 20, using strategies, number stories and practical activities to solve problems.

In Measurement, students will explore and compare length, mass, capacity and time. They will learn to describe and order objects and events, and to explain their thinking using everyday language. Across all areas, there will be a strong focus on hands-on learning, problem solving and building confidence in applying maths skills to real-life situations.

📖 Literacy 

Word Work: 

This term in Word Work, we will introduce new digraphs and trigraphs, including ed, ai/ay, ee/ea, igh/ough, oa/oe, and ar. Students will also revise spelling rules and practise decoding and spelling words using these sound patterns. We will begin this term by continuing to look at the digraph ed and the different sounds it makes. For example ‘ed’ - planted, ‘d’ - buzzed, ‘t’ - picked. 

Handwriting

This term, we will continue our handwriting routine, which includes reviewing and practising previously taught letters while also introducing new letters each day. Throughout the term, students will revise known letters and learn the remaining letters of the alphabet G, J, Q, V, P, W, X, and D, with a focus on placing each letter correctly on the lines.

Literature: 

This term, we will explore four engaging texts, each with a clear learning focus. Through our first text Iggy Peck: Architect, students will learn to form statements and questions, use correct punctuation, and expand their vocabulary. The Most Magnificent Thing will focus on using precise verbs, building vocabulary, and writing procedural texts. Then through the text I Want My Hat Back, students will practise sequencing and retelling stories, understanding how illustrations support meaning, and writing commands and exclamations. Finally, The Day the Crayons Quit will introduce persuasive writing, helping students use reasons to support their ideas, strengthen vocabulary, and write a persuasive letter.

Knowledge Rich:

This term we are focusing deeply on two units. The first unit is on Astronomy, which dives into our earth and space allowing students to be exposed to what types of things are in out of space such as planets. We also have an exciting excursion beginning to be planned (we will update you all once finalised). Our second unit is exploring Ancient Egypt, where students will dive into what makes Egypt special such as, rivers, mummies, ancient gods/goddesses, pyramids and much more. 

4Rs😊

This term in our wellbeing sessions, we have a major focus on the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Program. Grade 1s will be focusing on the topics listed below. 

Curious Corner 

This term during Curious Corner, students will be exploring play-based learning experiences through connections to Knowledge Rich Units. We will also be focusing on building positive friendships, practising social skills, and learning how to work and play cooperatively with others. It’s been wonderful to see students beginning to connect and support one another as they learn so far!

Homework

Optional Homework for Grade 1 

For homework in Grade 1, the expectation is that students will read their take-home book to an adult each day. Every student will choose a new book from their classroom on a daily basis (optional). Students will need to return their previous book before receiving a new book. Here is a link to a folder to access Sparkle at home activities if you wish: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/126BRm52aR9NyaCdEgnCljLC3X0MWqupj 

If you are not sure which level your child is on, please ask your child’s teacher.

For those students who are off sparkle, please encourage them to read any book of their choice at home. 

Thank you for reading our newsletter, please remember if you have any questions feel free to contact your child’s teacher. 

Grade 1 Teachers, 

Catia Anson, Bella Albanese and Jess Kitteringham.