Classroom News

Foundation

Decoding

In Decoding, students have been building their understanding of long vowel spelling patterns. They have explored both digraphs (two letters representing one sound) and trigraphs (three letters representing one sound). Our reading fluency and handwriting have focused on the long /i/ sound, including ‘ie’ as in pie and ‘igh’ as in light, as well as the long /oa/ sound in boat and the long /oo/ sound in spoon. Students practise recognising these graphemes within words, identifying the sound-spelling patterns they can see, and applying this knowledge when reading texts. Strengthening these skills supports more accurate and fluent decoding.

Junior School

Content Knowledge

Junior School students are continuing their study of the human body in Content Knowledge, exploring the different body systems and how they work together. Last week, students learned about the skeletal and muscular systems, while this week they are focusing on the respiratory and digestive systems. Be sure to check out the life-sized skeletal and muscular system displays in our classrooms!

Text Construction

In Text Construction, students are learning how to structure paragraphs using a topic sentence that introduces the main idea, followed by supporting details. They are developing an understanding of how to keep their writing focused by ensuring that each sentence relates to the main idea and avoiding irrelevant information.

Maths

In Mathematics, students have been exploring fractions, focusing on halves, quarters and eighths of shapes and collections. They are learning to recognise and represent equal parts of a whole. They are also developing an understanding of the denominator, which indicates the total number of equal parts, and the numerator, which tells us how many of those parts are being considered.

Indigenous Studies

This term in Indigenous Studies, students have been exploring the importance of Connection to Country for Aboriginal peoples. They have learnt that Country encompasses land, waterways, skies, plants, animals, people and stories, and provides a sense of identity and belonging.

Students have compared Aboriginal seasonal calendars with the four-season calendar commonly used in Australia, learning how changes in weather, plants and animals help identify seasonal patterns. They also explored Wadawurrung Country, observing and recording signs of the current season.

Through the picture storybook The Lost Girl, students are developing an understanding of how Country provides for our needs and how we can care for Country through our actions.

Middle School

Content Knowledge

This week, Middle School students have continued their exploration of the Viking Age, learning about everyday life in Viking communities. Through our reading and comprehension lessons, students have discovered the skills and trades Vikings developed, the design and purpose of Viking longships, and the important role farming played in daily life. We have also explored the responsibilities of Viking children and the reasons people travelled beyond their homelands.

Students have been building their reading fluency, expanding their topic-specific vocabulary and learning to identify key information in a text. They are practising how to use evidence from their reading to answer questions and explain their thinking.

Text Construction

In writing, students have been developing their ability to communicate information clearly and confidently. Using the Viking Age as inspiration, they have been practising writing complete sentences, using correct capital letters and punctuation, and building their writing stamina.

Students are also learning how to combine simple sentences using coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS) and subordinating conjunctions. They are working towards organising their ideas into informative paragraphs, writing clear topic sentences and including relevant supporting details. 

Numeracy

In Numeracy, students have been exploring space and location, developing their ability to describe positions, movements and pathways. Learning activities have included using grid references to locate landmarks, describing directions using north, south, east and west, and representing locations on a grid.

Students have also been developing their understanding of rotations and angles, learning to describe quarter, half, three-quarter and full turns in both directions. These skills help students communicate precise directions, interpret maps and understand how shapes and objects move through space.

Incursions

We have also had two fantastic incursions over the past fortnight. Life Saving Victoria worked with students to develop their awareness and understanding of water safety. This session was interactive and timely in preparation for Camp. On Wednesday in Week 3, the Victorian Space Science Education Centre visited us to make and launch rockets. Students learned about the elements of rockets and forces. This session was interactive and hands-on! Students planned, created and then launched their rockets. 

Senior School

What an incredible time our students had at Camp Kangaroobie! It was a hugely successful camp filled with adventure, laughter and plenty of opportunities to make lasting memories. Students threw themselves into every activity and gave everything their best, showing fantastic teamwork, resilience and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones.

From getting muddy during the mud run and tackling the Life or Death Bush Challenge to canoeing, enjoying farm activities and a fun-filled beach day playing mugby, there was never a dull moment!

It was so wonderful to see our students having fun, supporting one another and making special memories with their friends. We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and positive attitudes they brought to every experience. Camp Kangaroobie was certainly one to remember!