Literacy Update
Welcome back
Welcome back to all our families, and a very warm welcome to those who are new to our school community. I look forward to supporting students and families in developing strong reading and writing skills and building positive literacy habits both at school and at home.
A strong partnership between home and school plays an important role in supporting student learning, and I look forward to working with students and families throughout the year.
Literacy learning at St Fidelis
This year, InitiaLit will continue in Foundation and will be implemented in Year 1, providing a strong foundation in early reading skills. From Years 2 to 6, students will continue with SMART Spelling. Each week, spelling words will be introduced on Monday and sent home for students to practise and learn.
Readers will commence shortly, and our library is up and running, with students now borrowing books to enjoy at home.
Throughout the year, I will include a range of literacy tips in the newsletter, including what students are learning, reading and writing prompts, featured authors, and upcoming literacy events.
Reading at home
Reading at home is an essential part of developing confident and capable readers. It helps reinforce the skills taught at school while also building a love of reading for enjoyment. We encourage families to support daily reading in a calm, quiet space at home.
How long should my child read?
- Foundation – Year 2: aim for around 10 minutes each day
- Year 3 – Year 6: aim for 15–20 minutes each day
Reading time can gradually increase as students build stamina and confidence.
Choosing the right books
- Encourage “good fit” books so children can practise the skills they are learning at school.
- Include books that children enjoy, as enjoyment is key to developing lifelong readers.
- If a book feels too challenging, parents can read the text aloud, share the reading, or take turns reading together.
Reading aloud and understanding the text
- Reading aloud is important at all year levels.
- Talk about the book after reading and check comprehension by asking questions such as:- What happened in the story?- Who were the main characters?- What was your favourite part and why?- Why do you think a character acted that way?
School readers and borrowing books
- Students up to Year 2 will receive school readers, including any other students who may need levelled texts.
- Other students can borrow books from class, school or their local library.
- Please remember to sign your child’s reading diary to show that reading has taken place.
Library Timetable - subject to change
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Bernadette Parnis