Literacy and Numeracy

The Importance of Maths Fluency

This year, St James is placing a large focus on Mathematical fluency. 

Maths fluency is a key part of every child’s learning journey. It means being able to recall basic facts—like times tables or number bonds—quickly and accurately. When students are fluent in these foundational skills, they can focus more easily on solving complex problems and understanding new concepts, without being slowed down by basic calculations.

Fluency develops over time through regular practice, both at school and at home. One simple way parents can help is by practising quick-fire questions during everyday activities—like asking times tables while driving or during dinner. Just a few minutes a day can make a big difference in building confidence and improving speed.

Supporting your child with small, consistent maths practice helps create strong habits and sets them up for long-term success.

Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge

The Premiers' Reading Challenge has officially started and everyone at St James is invited to participate!  The goal of the Challenge is to foster a love of reading of quality literature.

It is not a competition; it is a personal challenge for children to read a set number of books by 5 September 2025. Children from Prep to Year 2 are encouraged to read or ‘experience’ 30 books with their parents and teachers. Children from Year 3 to Year 6 are challenged to read 15 books. All children who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Victorian Premier and former Premiers.

Student logins have been distributed; Prep-2 students have a sticker in their Reading log books and Year 3-6 student details can be found in their school diary or are available from classroom teachers.

To log into the Challenge go to https://vprc.eduweb.vic.gov.au/home

Go to Student login, then VPRC login and follow the prompts.

Happy Reading!

Book Covering

Thank you to those parents who have been helping with book covering.  We still have a number of new books to be covered; including take home decodable books for junior students, decodables for older readers and class sets for teachers to use with small groups.  If any parents are able to help with covering these books we would really appreciate it.  Please see Louise Matthews or Jo Matarazzo, in the Library. 

louise.matthews@sjvermont.catholic.edu.au (Literacy Leader)