Junior News
The Junior classes have been working very hard this term as they learn the routines and expectations of school. Students have been practising following classroom routines, working together, and taking care of their learning spaces. It has been wonderful to see students settling into their learning, building friendships, and growing in confidence each day. We are very proud of the positive start they have made to the school year.
A special mention to our Prep students who have settled in so well. We would also like to congratulate our Year One and Year Two students for being wonderful role models and for supporting our junior classes.
MATHS
In Mathematics this term, students in the junior classes have been learning about patterns and early algebra concepts. Students explore repeating patterns by recognising, copying, continuing and creating patterns using a variety of materials such as shapes, colours, numbers and objects. They also learn to identify the repeating unit in a pattern and explain how the pattern grows or changes.
Year One and Year Two students have also been learning about skip counting, practising counting by 2s, 5s and 10s. These activities help students develop important mathematical thinking skills, including predicting, problem solving and recognising relationships in patterns.
ENGLISH
In English, students have been learning through a new program called UFLI. UFLI is a structured phonics program that helps students understand how sounds and letters work together to support reading and writing. During lessons, students learn and practise letter sounds, digraphs, and heart words (high-frequency words that students learn to recognise automatically, as some parts may be tricky to sound out).
Students also practise blending sounds to read words and segmenting sounds to spell words. As their skills develop, students read and write short words and sentences. These structured lessons help students build strong foundations in phonics, reading, and spelling across Prep to Year Two.
In Reading, the Year 1/2 students have also been reading the novel Fantastic Mr Fox. We have been learning new vocabulary words, such as pest, lurking, filthy, dozed and furiously. Students have drawn characters from the descriptions, discussed character traits and predicted what will happen next. We are looking forward to seeing what happens in the rest of the story.
RELIGION
In Religion this term, students have been learning about Creation and how we are all made in God’s image. Through stories and discussions, students are developing an understanding that every person is unique and special. Students have also been exploring some of the parables of Jesus and what these stories teach us about kindness, forgiveness and caring for others. As part of our learning, students are also learning about the season of Lent and why it is an important time in the Catholic Church. They are discovering how Lent is a time for prayer, helping others and making good choices as we prepare for Easter.
INTEGRATED
In Integrated Studies, students have been learning about Geography and exploring the difference between natural and constructed features in our environment. Students have looked at different places in our community and identified what is natural, such as trees and rivers, and what is constructed by people, such as buildings and roads. They have also explored places that are managed and looked after by people, such as parks and playgrounds. As part of their learning, students became playground designers and created their own playground, thinking about how spaces can be designed for people to use and enjoy.
SEL
In Social and Emotional Learning, students have been exploring their strengths, interests and achievements and considering how these help shape who they are. They have been reflecting on how their abilities can contribute positively to school and family life.
Students have been developing their understanding of positive relationships and empathy. They have been practising ways to interact kindly and respectfully with others and have been learning how their emotions and actions can affect other people’s feelings. Students have also been reflecting on how they contribute when working with others in a group.
Throughout this learning, students have been discussing strategies for staying healthy, safe and supported at home and at school. They have also been identifying trusted adults they can ask for help if they experience a problem or need support.
The focus of Social and Emotional Learning has been to help students build confidence, empathy, resilience and positive social skills.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to working with the junior students throughout the rest of the year and supporting them as they continue to learn and grow.
Take care,
Melanie Norton, Sarah O'Hara & Linda Di Camillo
Junior Teachers