From the Assistant Principal's Desk

READING AT HOME

Reading with your child every day helps build confidence, language skills and a love of learning. Just 5–10 minutes a day can make a big difference. Children become strong readers through shared reading experiences and direct reading instruction.

Supporting Early Readers

For younger children, reading aloud helps them understand how books and language work. As they begin to read, support them to:

• hold the book correctly and follow print from left to right
• reread sentences to check meaning
• explain word meanings
• understand that some words have multiple meanings
• build confidence through praise and encouragement
• understand that it is fine to make mistakes as it is part of learning
• segment (sound out) and blend sounds (h-o-p → hop, sh-e-ll → shell).

These are some blending strategies that can be used to assist your child read unfamiliar decodable words.

Reading with Your Child

Reading with your child is a wonderful way to support their literacy development by:

• exposing them to new vocabulary

• building their knowledge of various subjects

• delving into topics that interest them

• strengthening their understanding of what they have read. You can achieve this in many ways such as discussing the story, asking questions, predicting what might happen next and talking about the visual images in the text, including illustrations, tables and diagrams.

When reading a more challenging book, take turns reading. Let your child read the simpler parts while you read the more difficult sections. Pause at new words so they can sound them out rather than guess. If a word is unfamiliar, say it aloud and have them repeat it to practise correct pronunciation.

Reading Is Everywhere

It is important to create moments to show children that reading doesn’t only happen with books, it is a part of daily life. Involve your child in everyday activities such as:

• playing games such as ‘I spy…something beginning with d’

• asking your child to read out simple recipes when you cook together

• doing word puzzles or crosswords together

• reading everyday materials like letterbox leaflets, brochures, labels, magazines and street signs together

• read the rules or the board when playing board games together

• asking your child to retell information you’ve read to them.

Create a regular reading routine away from distractions. Keep sessions short if needed and focus on making reading positive and fun. Consistent, enjoyable reading time helps children become confident and enthusiastic readers. Happy reading!

STAGE 3 STUDENTS STEM 

Our Stage 3 students have enthusiastically begun working with Mrs Gerrard and LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Essential, bringing hands-on STEM learning into the classroom. Through designing, building and coding interactive LEGO models, students are developing their skills in problem solving, collaboration and creative thinking.

This engaging program aligns with the NSW Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus particularly in the areas of:

• Digital Technologies – understanding algorithms, coding and computational thinking and
• Working Scientifically and Technologically – questioning, testing, refining and reflecting

Students are learning to design solutions to real world challenges, create and debug simple programs and explain how digital systems work. Most importantly, they are building resilience as they test, improve and refine their ideas and they are having lots of fun!

We look forward to sharing some of their innovative creations throughout the term!

YEARS 4-6 SURFING EXCURSION

Students in Years 4-6 enjoyed their first surfing lesson with Let's Go Surfing at Maroubra Beach on Wednesday and Thursday this week. The students learnt the basic skills of surfing and how to stay safe when in the water and at the beach.

Warm regards,

Fenna Di Maggio