Year One
Dear Year One Families,
We’ve had a wonderful and busy fortnight in Year One, filled with rich learning experiences across all areas of the curriculum. Students have been collaborating, exploring, and building confidence as they deepen their understanding of key concepts. We are excited to share some highlights from our Reading, Writing, Maths, and Inquiry lessons.
Reading
In Reading, students have been learning how to summarise fiction texts using familiar fairy tales. We explored the difference between retelling a story—sharing all the events—and summarising, which involves identifying only the most important parts. Students were introduced to the framework Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then and worked together to unpack what each word means. As a class, we discussed each part step-by-step and highlighted the key words so students could clearly see how a strong summary is formed. This structure has helped students confidently identify the main ideas in a story and express them in a concise and meaningful way.
Writing
In Writing, students have been focusing on planning and creating their own narratives. We explored the key features of a narrative—characters, setting, a clear problem, and a solution—and students used simple graphic organisers to plan their ideas before writing. As part of the process, we read a range of mentor texts to inspire rich vocabulary, strong openings, and creative plot ideas. Students then worked on building descriptive sentences, developing interesting storylines, and using sequencing language to make their stories flow. It has been wonderful to see their imaginations grow as they draft and share their creative narratives.
Mathematics
In Mathematics, students have been continuing their exploration of money through real-life problem-solving tasks. They practised adding totals by creating their own lunch orders, using a toy catalogue, and looking through Book Club to combine prices and make spending choices. This hands-on learning helped students understand the value of money and apply efficient addition strategies. We have now begun revising skip counting and introducing multiplication as repeated addition, helping students recognise equal groups and build early number facts. Students have also started exploring arrays to show multiplication visually, setting a strong foundation for future learning.
Inquiry
In Inquiry, students have been investigating our second and third lines of inquiry: the characteristics and phases of the Moon, and how the Sun and Moon influence day, night, and the seasons. Students drew pictures of the Moon and labelled a picture of each Moon phase, helping them develop accurate scientific vocabulary and observation skills. They also used nonfiction books on Epic to research answers to their own wonderings about space. A highlight was our hands-on experiment using a torch and a balloon to model how the Earth’s rotation causes day and night. Through this experience, students learnt how to record their observations using a simple scientific method and began connecting the movements of the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon to explain seasonal changes.
Highlights from Our Week
We also enjoyed two exciting community events this fortnight! Our Fairy Tale Dress Up Day was a magical celebration, with students proudly arriving as princes, princesses, dragons, fairies, and favourite storybook characters. It was wonderful to see their creativity shine as we connected the day to our learning about narratives and fairy tales.
In addition, Timetable B students participated in our Mini Olympics, showing fantastic teamwork, effort, and sportsmanship across all activities. Timetable A and C will have their turn on Monday 8th December, when their Mini Olympics event is rescheduled. We look forward to another day of fun and friendly competition.
Reminders
Classroom doors open at 8:20am for continuous entry with an 8:30am start. Late arrivals require a late pass from the office.
If your child is absent, please ensure the reason is entered on XUNO. If you need support with this, please contact the office staff or your child's classroom teacher.
Students are reminded to bring their hat to school every day. In Term Four hats are compulsory.
Students are expected to bring their iPad to school each day fully charged.
Students are expected to bring their satchel to school each day containing their take-home reading books, diary and homework book.
Students should be completing nightly reading as part of their Year One Homework Expectations. Parents are to fill in or sign their child's diary each day.
Students are encouraged to complete one or two activities from the Unit of Inquiry matrix for homework each week.