Year Two

Dear Year Two Community, 

A huge WELCOME BACK TO TERM 3! The grade 2 cohort will be embarking on a wonderful journey full of classroom and outdoor adventures. Student will begin the term with continuing a strict adherence to classroom expectations and behaviours so as to develop a successful term of learning and growth. 

Inquiry 

During week 1 students have finished off our unit of inquiry into the central idea 'all cultures share the planet with First Nations people’ by researching notable First Nations people. They have explored their lives and achievements and have been writing biographies to share what they have discovered. 

During the first few days of week 2, the grade 2's were fortunate to be going on a walking excursion to the 'Crocodile Park!' as we began 

to explore our new inquiry into the the Central Idea; 'Every corner of the earth has different characteristics.' Students were on the look out for different habitats as well as identifying man made and natural features of the park. The highlight for many of the students was a chance to explore the different parts of the park (and a play on the playground too!). 

Reading 

During reading students have begun to learn to make summaries of what they have read. students are identifying the most important characters and events from familiar stories and summarising them into one or two sentences. we have been using the following structure to help us summarise fictional stories: 

somebody (the main character)

wanted (what they were trying to do)

but (the problem)

so (how they solved the problem)

then (how the story ended)

We will be looking at summarising non fiction text in the coming weeks

Writing

In Writing students have begun to explore Information texts. We have explored the difference between facts and opinions and students have identified that fact are what we include in information texts. 

We have also begun spending two days a week working in the 'writers workshop model' where students have an opportunity to choose their own pieces they would like to write and work through the process of drafting, editing and revising and publishing pieces of their choice. 

Maths

During Maths this term we have been learning about subtraction and exploring worded problems using the RUCSAC model to solve  subtraction problems. 

In the next few weeks we will be exploring the connection between addition and subtraction and how we can use this to help us solve problems.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is paramount in our student's social/ emotional growth and consequently in their overall academic achievements.  In grade 2 we promote connection to themselves, others and the school community daily.  We provide bridges and opportunities for students to socialise, interact positively and feel a sense of belonging.  The Wellbeing curriculum supports lessons that develop resilience, autonomy, self-confidence, self-esteem and capacity to manage emotions in a variety of situations, to name a few!  In particular, the school models their work on Evidence based strategies within the 'Berry Street,' Model.  Some of these include; promoting a culture that values and celebrates diversity, using strengths to facilitate inclusion, supporting student agency, and developing secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships.

Reminders

• Students are expected to bring their satchel to school every day filled with their take-home reading books, diary, and homework book.
• Students are expected to bring their fully charged iPad to school every day. 
• Late arrivals (8:40 am onwards) require a late pass from the office.
• If your child is absent, please ensure the reason is entered onto XUNO; if you need support with this please reach out to the office staff or your classroom teacher.