Faith Life & Learning and Teaching News
Curriculum Updates in English, Mathematics, Faith, Discovery & Inquiry
MATHEMATICS
Maths on the Holidays ....
There are plenty of fun and interactive ways for children to continue learning maths during the holidays. Here are some ideas:
Baking and Cooking:
- Involve children in measuring ingredients. This helps reinforce concepts like fractions and basic arithmetic.
- Ask them to double or halve a recipe, reinforcing mathematical reasoning and multiplication and division.
Board Games:
- Many board games involve math skills. Games like Monopoly, Chess, or even simple dice games can help with counting, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.
Math Puzzles and Riddles:
- Provide math puzzles and riddles that are age-appropriate. There are many books and online resources that offer a variety of challenges.
Math Apps and Games:
- There are numerous educational apps and online games designed to make learning math fun. Many of them are interactive and engaging.
Holiday Budgeting:
- Involve children in planning and budgeting for holiday activities. This can include making shopping lists, calculating costs, and managing a budget.
Math Story Books:
- Explore math-themed storybooks that make learning enjoyable. These books often integrate math concepts seamlessly into the storyline.
Nature Math:
- Take advantage of outdoor activities. Counting natural objects like leaves, flowers, or rocks can be a fun way to practice basic math skills.
Math Crafts:
- Incorporate math into arts and crafts. For example, create geometric shapes, measure and cut materials, or design patterns.
Math Movies and Videos:
- Watch educational math videos or movies that incorporate math concepts. There are many online platforms that offer entertaining and educational content.
Math Challenges:
- Create math challenges or scavenger hunts. Provide clues with mathematical problems that lead to a hidden treasure or prize.
Visit a Science or Math Museum:
- If possible, take a trip to a science or math museum. Many museums have interactive exhibits that make learning math a hands-on experience.
Online Courses:
- Explore online courses designed for children that focus on math. There are platforms that offer interactive lessons and games.
Remember to tailor activities to the child's age and skill level, and always ensure that the activities are enjoyable and not too overwhelming. The goal is to make learning math a positive and engaging experience.
Enjoy the holiday break!
Kim Dalmau
Mathematics Leader
kdalmau@shnewport.catholic.edu.au
ENGLISH
HOLIDAY TIME
During the holiday time, it is important for children to relax and do things that bring them happiness. It is also a great opportunity to practise skills they have learnt at school in creative ways that can be both fun and educational. I have compiled some ideas that may be inspiring and motivating (and fill some of those moments of 'I don't have anything to do!')
Family Book Club: Start a family book club where everyone reads the same book and then gathers to discuss it. It's a great way to promote reading and critical thinking.
Create a Holiday Journal: Encourage children to keep a holiday journal. They can write about their daily experiences, draw pictures, or include photos. This can be a wonderful keepsake.
Write a Short Story or Play: Have kids create their own short stories or plays. They can use their imagination to come up with characters and plotlines. Encourage them to perform it for the family.
Pen Pal Exchange: Set up a pen pal exchange with friends or family members who live in different locations. It's a fun way to practice letter writing and learn about different places.
Visit the Library: Take a trip to the local library and let each family member pick out a book they're excited to read. Libraries often have holiday-themed events and reading challenges.
Cookbook Creation: Have kids write and illustrate their own cookbook. They can come up with simple recipes or their own twists on family favorites.
Story Starters Jar: Create a jar filled with writing prompts or story starters. Whenever someone is looking for inspiration, they can pick one from the jar and start writing.
Book-to-Movie Night: Choose a book that has been turned into a movie. Read the book as a family and then have a movie night to compare and discuss the differences.
Scavenger Hunt with Clues: Create a scavenger hunt with written clues that lead to different locations or objects. This encourages problem-solving and reading comprehension.
Blogging or Online Journaling: Older kids can start a blog or an online journal to document their holiday experiences, thoughts, and reflections. This also provides an opportunity to improve digital literacy skills.
Poetry Corner: Encourage the creation of poems about the holiday season. They can be funny, heartfelt, or even rhyming. Consider organizing a poetry reading session at home.
Remember to make these activities enjoyable and not feel like additional homework. The goal is to foster a love for reading and writing in a relaxed and creative environment.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, and a joyous holiday season filled with love, peace, and happiness.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Sue Burke
English Leader
sburke@shnewport.catholic.edu.au
FAITH LIFE INQUIRY
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception - Friday 8th December
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, is a Holy Day of Obligation in the Catholic Church. Today the students attended church to celebrate Mary. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception celebrates Mary’s conception in the womb of Saint Anne without the stain of original sin.
Blessed Pope Pius IX defined the doctrine in his proclamation of December 8, 1854: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.”
When we first introduce this concept to young children, our educators keep it simple: “God was with Mary in a special way that helped her to do only what was good, instead of making bad choices.". We adjust the script to suit each child's faith development.
Second Sunday of Advent
The second Sunday of Advent in 2023 will be Sunday, December 10th. The tradition for the second Sunday of Advent includes lighting the second purple candle which represent peace.
God of light,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
When we worry, are anxious or feel overwhelmed,
help us to seek quiet spaces and
trusted companions who will listen to us.
May these times, places and people of peace
remind us that you come to us to be one of us,
with us and for us.
Amen.
Christmas Carols highlights
2024 Sacraments
Information for these Sacraments will be sent to families in 2024.
2024 Camps
Philosophy: The Sacred Heart camp program is structured around the ideal of independence, with students developing skills and building connections with each other and the environment over time. Our camps are a means of using different resources to enhance and enrich student learning.
Cath Palmer
Learning and Teaching Leader
Faith Life Leader