Connect Foundation
Welcome to Term Four!
We hope you had a wonderful and restful break filled with fun, laughter and special moments. We have dived into Term Four with enthusiasm, and the children have been eager to continue their learning. We are looking forward to a fun and exciting final term as we prepare our Foundation students to become confident, capable and independent Grade One students!
Key Dates:
Thursday 10th December Foundation Excursion
Literacy
This week, we have been learning the digraphs ‘ph’ and ‘wh’. Students have been practising reading and writing words such as when, whip, wham, whiff, graph, and dolphin. They have also been using these words to write simple sentences and build their confidence with reading and writing.
Our new unit is called First Nations Australia. Students will explore the rich and continuing cultures of First Nations Australians and learn about their deep connections to Country, expressed through stories, art, music and significant places across Australia.
| Letters/words covered so far: | Future letters/words |
| All alphabet letters, ss, ff, ll, zz, dd, gg, suffix s/es, cvcc, ccvc, ccvcc words, multisyllabic words, ck, possessive apostrophes, sh, ch, tch, th, ng, ph, wh, ai, ay | Term 4 diagraphs: ai, ay, ee, ea, –y, igh, it, -y, oa |
| I, the, The, My, my, he, she, we, was, to, do, her, of, are, too, for, see, oh, so, no, go, say, day, play, cake, back, sick, neck, lock, pack, duck, rock, birthday, put, today, said, be, happy, sky, like, time, come, love, with, then, shop, hello, home, zoo, here, all, saw, out, now, down, Thursday, they, thumb, came, there, were, fall, good, came, dollar, what, toy, tree, bee, I’ve, there, they, me-ow, grass, silly, your, ball, onto, keep, o’clock, seen, please, park, doctor, ladder, panther, Mr, Mrs, jungle |
school, by, green, rainbow, how |
Mathematics
In Mathematics, students have been learning to identify ordinal positions on a number track and within a sequence. They have also been developing their understanding of tens and ones, using ten-frames, bundling and Base-10 blocks to represent two-digit numbers.
In Applied Mathematics, students have been exploring duration. They have been identifying events that take a short or long amount of time and directly comparing the duration of two events. Students have been learning to describe which event takes longer or shorter.
Wellbeing
In Wellbeing, students have been exploring Topic 7: Activity 1: Who Am I? Activity 2: Thinking about a future me Activity 3: Anyone can choose. These activities focused on understanding themselves, their interests and their future.
- Students have been identifying their likes and dislikes and discussing how they are similar to and different from their friends.
- Students have been learning that people can have different interests and preferences, regardless of their gender.
Next, we will be exploring Topic 7 Activity 4: Everyone can be strong and gentle
If you would like to learn more about these lessons and what they involve, please refer to the following link: Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships
This is our brainstorm of what we would like to be when we grow up!
Inquiry
This term, our Inquiry unit is called ‘Great and Small’. Students will learn about animals, their features and their habitats. This week, we explored pets and discussed what they need to stay healthy, happy and safe.
Reminders
Satchels and Home Reading
Please ensure your child brings their satchel to school each day. To borrow a new coloured decodable book, your child must first return their current book. Once all boxes on the home reading sheet have been completed, please see your classroom teacher to collect a new sheet.
There is a QR code inside your child’s Boomerang Book which allows you to access Little Learners Love Literacy books online for additional reading practice at home. Here is a link to assist with reading: Reading at Home
Here is a link to the Cued articulation we use, however, please note that we are not currently teaching all of the sounds featured in this video.
Library
Please send a named bag with your child on their library day so they can bring a book home to enjoy. Students have received a red material bag from their teacher which would make a great library bag!
Library Times:
Prep A, B, C, D, E on Thursdays
Shoelaces
We have noticed there are many children who come to school with laces. If they can't tie their laces, it is recommended they have velcro shoes. Here is a video to assist with learning to tie laces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xr3HYMwCLc
Toileting Before School
Please remind your child to use the toilet before school so that their learning is not interrupted in the morning session.
Spare Clothes
Please ensure your child has a change of clothes, including socks, in their bag.
Foundation Specialist Timetable:
Dojo Rewards
Congratulations to all students who have achieved their Gold Award (250 points). Certificates will be presented during assembly. Students will choose their reward in consultation with their teacher.
Buddies
This week, we enjoyed Buddies on Monday afternoon, and the children were excited to catch up with their buddies. Prep B made and decorated paper aeroplanes before heading out to the oval to fly them in the wind. It was lots of fun!
Foundation Excursion: Cranbourne Botanic Gardens
As part of our ongoing learning about Australian history and culture, students will be taking part in a special excursion that offers a rich and meaningful exploration of First Peoples' histories, with a focus on the Eastern Kulin Nations. This excursion provides a unique opportunity for students to engage respectfully with Aboriginal culture, fostering awareness, appreciation, and a deeper connection to the land on which we live and learn.
To ensure all students can fully engage in this special learning experience, the excursion will take place across two sessions on the same day:
| Thursday 10th December at 9am | Thursday 10th December at 11:30 |
| Prep A and B | Prep C and D |
| Prep E will be split across both sessions to allow for smaller group participation. Ms Costello will notify families directly about which session their child will attend. | |
What to Bring:
To ensure students are comfortable and prepared for the day, please make sure your child brings the following:
- A packed lunch in a small named bag
- A refillable water bottle
- Appropriate clothing for the weather, including:
- Runners/sneakers that your child can do up themselves
- A school hat
- Sunscreen - we recommend applying sunscreen before school and sending it along with your child for them to reapply
- If rain is forecast, please pack a raincoat
We appreciate your flexibility and support in helping us create a meaningful and enriching experience for all students.
The Foundation Teachers