Round the classes
Reception: Katie
The Receptions have been busy learning our first 6 sounds. We have been learning how to blend these sounds together to make words and how to form them correctly while writing. In maths we have been learning how to write the numbers to 10 and how to put the number to 20 in the correct order. In Art we have been learning about the different colours. We have also learnt to identify primary and secondary colours. As part of our work with the Kimochis we have been learning about how kind and caring Lovey Dove is. We have also been learning about the Red Zone and have started our Inquiry Unit with Alex's class and are loving putting the ideas together for our new outdoor space.
Year 1: Alex
During this term in maths, we have been focusing on what it means to be a mathematician. We are learning that everyone can develop a positive mindset and succeed in maths by persevering when things feel challenging, learning from mistakes, explaining their thinking, and developing their problem-solving skills. We have been revisiting the key principles of counting, exploring why we count and how counting supports us in everyday life. The Year 1’s have been practising counting forwards and backwards, as well as starting from any given number up to 30. We are also working hard to form our numerals correctly from 0–9.
In Art, we explored different types of lines and the techniques used to create them, including straight, curvy, round, wavy, and zigzag lines. The children used crayons to draw a variety of bold, colourful lines across their paper, experimenting with patterns and shapes. Once their pages were filled with creative crayon marks, we carefully painted over them using bright paints. The wax resisted the paint, allowing the lines to stand out beautifully!
Year 2: Suzie and Leonie
Year 2 is responding well to their new learning challenges and have been thinking about and reflecting on themselves as "learners". The classroom environment and the language of our learning is centered around being aware of, responsible for and receiving feedback on learning choices made. Students are also being asked to give learner feedback to the adults. Phonics and Bond Blocks lessons are also being established. - Leonie.
Year 2/3: Emma
This fortnight, our class has been tapping into their creative ideas through narrative writing. We have been focusing on understanding the structure of a narrative and building more complex, detailed sentences. Students are growing in confidence as they share their stories with the group and are practising self-correction to improve their own work.
Place value continues to be a key focus in Mathematics as we strengthen our understanding of numbers and explore the many different ways they can be represented.
A powerful story we explored this week was Austin’s Butterfly. This inspiring video highlights the importance of constructive feedback, patience, persistence, and the value of creating multiple drafts to achieve significant improvement. By understanding and applying these principles, students are learning valuable life lessons about continuous learning and the creative process.
Creative activity time remains a wonderful way to finish the week. Students love to role-play, build and construct, create artworks, and write stories. It is always a joy to observe the imaginative and thoughtful ideas they bring to life!
Year 3/4: Stephen and Kelly
We have revised our understanding of persuasive and narrative writing, ensuring we understand the unique language features and purpose of both genres. We have also started to 'Plan for success' before we begin our writing. This entails mapping out our ideas thoroughly beforehand. We have enjoyed learning a range of Australiana songs as part of the music we do with the year 2/3 class. - Stephen
We’ve had a wonderful start to Term 1 together, building our writing skills by using WOW words and Sizzling Starts! The class further explored spelling, focusing on the prefix ‘de_’ and discovering how it changes word meanings. Students used their word knowledge to write creative sentences and identify parts of speech. In maths, we tackled place value and number problems, practising strategies and explaining our thinking. Art sessions have been full of colour, mixing primary colours to create secondary colours, and designing collages using lines, shapes, and textures. It’s been fantastic to see such engaged learning and creativity! - Kelly
Year 4/5: Rachael and Troy
This week we explored the idea of setting Goldilocks Goals — goals that are “just right.” Students reflected on whether their goals were too easy, too hard, or appropriately challenging. It was wonderful to see some students thoughtfully adjust their goals after realising they may have set the bar a little high.
We have also commenced our exciting Design and Technology Challenge! Students are inventing a 3D gadget to help them achieve their personal goal. They have identified what makes their goal tricky and are designing creative solutions to keep themselves on track. The innovation and imagination on display have been fantastic.
Our “Fluency Pairs” routine is now in a lovely rhythm, with students noticing real improvements in their reading over the fortnight. In HASS, we have begun investigating what Geography means. This has aligned nicely with our focus on morphemes in spelling where we are exploring the meaningful parts of words (eg. "geo" means Earth and "graphos" means to write. Students are also enjoying having a voice in classroom rewards and games.
Year 5/6: Michael (in Sallie's class)
The students in our 5/6 class have recently begun a novel study. Each student selected their own novel to read, analyse, and review. They have been diligently taking notes and working through the four parts of their study, carefully examining characters, themes, vocabulary, and author intent.
It has been encouraging to see students dive deeply into their chosen texts, thoughtfully analysing words and meaning to determine what makes their book a good read — or, in some cases, not such a good read! Their discussions have been rich, reflective, and full of insightful observations.
In Week 6, we were also fortunate to welcome two teachers from Heathfield High School. They spoke with our students about pathways for entry if they live outside the school’s catchment zone. Students learned about the opportunity to apply through specialist programs, including the Entrepreneur Program and the Volleyball Program.
It was a valuable visit that provided students with helpful information as they begin thinking about their future educational pathways.
