Curriculum News, Parent's Support and Agencies

Homework Update: Weekly Routines Have Commenced

We are pleased to advise that weekly homework has now officially started for the academic year for all students in Years 1 through 6. Please note that Kindergarten homework has not yet commenced; further details regarding the Kindergarten program will be shared soon.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the many parents who have already reached out to their child’s class teacher to organise various tasks to further extend their child’s understanding of classroom content. This home-school partnership is invaluable to your child's learning journey.

If you have any specific questions or queries regarding the homework expectations or content, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher directly.

The following is part 3 in a three part series designed to help you the parents help your children with reading at home.

Please feel free to contact me or your child’s class teacher if you have any questions about the information provided.

Libby Makeham

HOME READING (PART 3- COMPREHENSION)

What is Reading Comprehension? (And Why It Matters)

Put simply, reading comprehension is the ability to understand, process, and make meaning from text.

Decoding is being able to recognise the words on the page (the mechanics). Comprehension is the "thinking" part of reading. It is the difference between simply saying the words and actually "getting" the story.

A child with good comprehension isn't just looking at letters; they are making a movie in their mind. They are visualizing the characters, predicting what happens next, and connecting the story to their own life.

Why is it so Important?

1. The Shift from "Learning to Read" to "Reading to Learn" In the early years (Kindergarten to Year 2. The focus is often on learning how to read. Around Year 3 and 4, there is a major shift where children are expected to read to learn. If a child can read the words in a textbook but doesn't understand the meaning, they will struggle to learn new topics in Science, History, and Geography.

2. It Affects All Subjects - Comprehension isn't just for English lessons

3. It Makes Reading Fun- Imagine watching a movie in a language you don't speak perfectly. You might catch a few words, but you would likely feel bored or frustrated because you are missing the plot. The same happens to children who struggle with comprehension. When a child understands the story, reading stops being a chore and becomes an adventure.

The Bottom Line

Reading is about more than just sounding out words; it is about thinking, questioning, and understanding. By focusing on comprehension, we ensure our children aren't just reading lines on a page, but unlocking a world of new ideas.

Effective Strategy for Parents to Develop Comprehension

Unlock the Story: The Power of Questions

Helping your child with reading comprehension is often less about teaching and more about asking. Open-ended questions encourage children to look for evidence in the text and think deeply.

Instead of just listening, try asking one of these questions tonight:

• "Does that make sense to you?" (Great for helping them self-correct)
• "What was the main problem in the story?"
• "How did the character solve the problem?"
• "Does this remind you of another book we’ve read?"
• "If you were the author, how would you have ended the story?"

Remember: The goal isn't to quiz them, but to discuss the book just like you would discuss a movie you watched together. 

The following video may be of help:

Helping with reading comprehension

Term 1 Parent Teacher Interviews

We are pleased to advise that Parent Teacher Interviews for Year 1 to Year 6 will be taking place in Week 9 of this term. These interviews provide a valuable opportunity to discuss your child's start to the academic year and their learning goals.

Please mark your calendars for the following dates:

• Monday, 23rd March
• Tuesday, 24th March

• Thursday, 26th March

   

Further information regarding booking times and specific arrangements will be distributed to families soon. We look forward to meeting with you to discuss your child’s progress.

Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT

Did you know that as a parent or carer in a Catholic school, you have a dedicated peak body representing your voice at the state level?

The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) NSW/ACT is the officially recognised body that provides leadership, advocacy, and support for all parents and carers of children in Catholic schools across NSW and the ACT.

The CCSP works to ensure that the "parent voice" is heard by education leaders and government decision-makers. They view parents as partners in the educational journey and offer a wide range of free services, including:

• Advocacy: They represent your interests regarding school funding, curriculum changes, and student wellbeing policies at both a State and Federal level.
• Resources for Families: Their website is a hub of valuable information, featuring guides on everything from Cyber Safety and Diverse Learning Needs to Faith Formation and Mental Health.
• "Parent Talk" Newsletter: A popular e-newsletter that keeps families up to date with the latest education news, parenting tips, and upcoming free webinars.
• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Support: A dedicated committee ensures the specific needs and perspectives of First Nations families are represented.

 We encourage all families to visit the CCSP website to explore their resources. You can also subscribe to their Parent Talk newsletter to receive helpful parenting insights directly to your inbox.