Year 2
Term 1
As we come to the end of Term 1, we would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a wonderful and productive start to the year in Year 2.
We are incredibly proud of how well the students have settled into their new classroom environment. They have embraced our routines, demonstrated growing independence, and worked hard to build positive relationships with their peers and teachers. It has been especially pleasing to see our class live out our focus on Human Dignity—treating one another with kindness, respect and understanding. Our classroom has truly become a space where students feel safe, valued and heard.
InitiaLit
In Literacy, students have made a strong start with our InitiaLit program. They have been developing their phonics knowledge, building confidence with reading, and working hard to recognise and use tricky words. As part of our daily lessons, students participate in both echo reading and choral reading, which support them in developing fluency, expression and accuracy. These strategies allow students to hear fluent reading modelled and then practise reading aloud together, helping to build confidence and reinforce correct phrasing and intonation. It has been wonderful to see their growing fluency, increased participation and enthusiasm for reading, as well as their willingness to take risks and have a go.
Writing
In writing, students have explored both imaginative and recount texts, developing their understanding of how different text types are structured and organised. They have been learning to plan their ideas, sequence events clearly and include key features such as engaging openings, detailed events and simple conclusions. A strong focus has been placed on using descriptive language, particularly selecting interesting nouns and adjectives to make their writing more vivid and engaging for the reader. Students have also been working on maintaining correct and consistent tense throughout their writing, especially when recounting past events. Through regular opportunities to edit and improve their work, we are seeing students take greater pride in their writing, make thoughtful word choices and show increased confidence in expressing their ideas.
Numeracy
In Numeracy, students have shown great progress in their understanding of place value and time. They have also been developing their skills in addition and subtraction, with a particular focus on using efficient strategies such as doubles and near doubles to support their thinking. Students are becoming more confident using mathematical language to explain their strategies and justify their answers. Their fluency during daily reviews has improved significantly, with many students able to recall number facts more quickly and accurately. It has been fantastic to see their confidence grow as they explain their thinking, make connections between concepts and approach problem-solving with increasing independence
Religion
Palm Sunday marked the beginning of our exploration of Holy Week and the significant events that took place during this sacred time in the Church’s year. Students have shown great interest and curiosity, and we look forward to continuing this learning in the coming weeks.
On the final day of Term One, our Year 6 students will lead the school in “The Stations of the Cross” at the Mercy Centre. This is a meaningful way to conclude the term and a beautiful way to begin our Easter celebrations. Everyone is warmly invited to attend, with further details to be shared in the newsletter once confirmed.
Inquiry
In Inquiry, students have continued their learning about Past and Present Family Life, with a particular interest in how technology has changed over time. They have loved exploring examples of old technology and comparing these with the devices we use today, leading to rich discussions about how life has become easier, faster and more connected. Students have been curious and engaged as they examined how different technologies were used in the past and considered their impact on people’s daily lives. This has supported the development of their questioning, sequencing and communication skills, as well as their ability to make connections between the past and present.
Homework
We introduced homework towards the end of this term to reinforce the learning taking place in the classroom. Students have responded very positively, enjoying the added sense of responsibility and showing great enthusiasm in completing their tasks. It has been pleasing to see how quickly they have settled into a consistent routine, demonstrating independence and pride in their work.
Looking Ahead
As we move into Term 2, we look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundations established this term. We will keep supporting students to grow academically, socially and emotionally, while continuing to nurture their confidence and love of learning.
Thank you for your ongoing support throughout Term 1. Your partnership plays a vital role in your child’s success, and we truly appreciate your communication and involvement.
We wish all families a safe, restful and happy Easter holiday break and look forward to another fantastic term ahead
Important Dates
April
2nd - Stations Of the Cross Liturgy 1.45pm
Student's last day. End Term 1
3rd - Good Friday
5th - Easter Sunday
20th - Pupil Free Day CESL Learning and Teaching (Monday)
21st - Student's return to school - Term 2 begins (Tuesday)
24th- ANZAC Day assembly - 2.30pm
25th- ANZAC Day
GOING REMINDERS
No Hat, No Play
St John’s is a “No Hat, No Play” school, which means all students are required to wear their hats every day. Please keep this in mind when doing hairstyles in the morning—high ponytails and buns can sometimes make it difficult for hats to sit properly.
Label Everything
Please ensure all items are clearly labelled. You’ll hear this reminder often throughout the year! While we may all grow tired of saying it, labelled belongings can be quickly returned if misplaced.
Friday Treats
Zooper Doopers are available for $1, and Cake Raffle tickets are 50c. Both take place every Friday.
Lunch Orders
Lunch orders are available every Wednesday.
Library
Library visits are on Fridays. Please remember that borrowed books must be returned before a new book can be issued.
Birthday Invitations
We are happy to distribute invitations at school if the entire class is invited. However, if only some children are being invited (which we completely understand), we kindly ask that invitations be shared privately. While disappointments are a part of life, missing out on a party can feel especially significant at 7 or 8 years old, and we would prefer school not be the setting for that upset.
tramsden@sjeuroa.catholic.edu.au
kanderson@sjeuroa.catholic.edu.au
phone: 57952937
Thank you,
Thomasina, Kristy, Keira & Dee