Student Learning

What's been happening in Year 1/2O

Term 3 has started wonderfully, with all students settled back into their routines and ready for an exciting term of learning.

English

This term, we are exploring procedural writing by looking at recipes and a variety of "How to..." texts. Students will learn how to write clear, step-by-step instructions while developing their writing skills in a fun and practical way. To celebrate the end of our procedural writing unit, students have an exciting hands-on activity to look forward to. I'll give you a clue - it involves dough, sauce, and cheese! Both Year 1 and Year 2 students will also continue learning their targeted sounds each week through the Playberry program.

HASS

In HASS, students are learning about the seasons and the effects weather has on our lives. They will explore this topic from both a western perspective and through the knowledge and experiences of First Nations peoples. Students have already shown great enthusiasm for this unit and have been highly engaged in thoughtful discussions, sharing their ideas and asking excellent questions.

Mathematics

Our Year 1 students have begun exploring different subtraction strategies and are learning to identify the key words and mathematical language that indicate subtraction. Year 2 students are also focusing on subtraction, extending their skills by subtracting three-digit numbers using regrouping. It has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm for learning and the progress they have already made.

As always, I encourage you to ask your child about what they have been learning at school. Talking about classroom activities at home helps reinforce their learning and builds their confidence. If your child shares any concerns, or if there is anything you would like to discuss, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to another fantastic term of learning together!

Vanessa Olesen

Year 1/2 Class Teacher

What's been happening in Year 3/4B

It has been a fantastic start to Term 3! Students have settled in well and are enthusiastically engaging in their learning across all curriculum areas. Here is a snapshot of what we have been learning.

Christian Education

We are learning about what it means to be good managers of God's creation by exploring how we can care for our world and make responsible choices to look after the environment.

HASS

Our HASS learning this term is focused on sustainability. During the first few weeks, we have explored the different types of vegetation found in Australia and Brazil, while learning about the Amazon rainforest and the Amazon River. Students particularly enjoyed an Amazon scavenger hunt, where they searched for clues and uncovered fascinating facts about this unique environment.

Writing

This term, we are developing our informative writing skills by learning to write recounts of past events and information reports. We have also been practising different types of Sizzling Starts to engage our readers, including beginning with action or sound, asking a question, or sharing a fascinating fact.

Year 4 Mathematics

Our Year 4 students have been learning about perpendicular and parallel lines, as well as the properties of 2D shapes. They have enjoyed reinforcing these concepts through a range of hands-on activities and games, including shape bingo.

Year 3 Literacy

Our Year 3 students have been working hard to strengthen their spelling and reading skills. They have been learning about words ending in -ture, -tch, -dge and -ge, focusing on the spelling rules and when to use each pattern.

It has been a wonderful start to the term, and we look forward to sharing more of our learning and achievements with you as the weeks continue.

Dana Baker

Year 3/4 Class Teacher

SASTA Oliphant Science Awards

On Monday Week 3, the entries were delivered to the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds for judging ahead of public display throughout the Science Alive! Weekend on 8th - 9th August.

This year we have 11 individual entries and three group entries across all year level categories and including Games, Photography, Models and Inventions, Posters, and Programming, Apps and Robotics.

Congratulations to all entrants and their supportive family members for the range, depth of research and quality of presentation in all entries this year.

Andrew Harris

Specialist Science Teacher, Oliphant Science Awards Coordinator

Prayer Circle

Each Thursday lunchtime, it is a joy to share in a Prayer Circle with some of our students. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with others, reflect and pray for the wellbeing of our school community.

You may like to remind your child that they are welcome to join me for our Prayer Circle each week in the Indonesian Room.

Billie Jo Cook

Inclusive Education ESO, Chaplain

Flourish Lunchtime Activities

Flourish lunchtime activities are being held on Wednesday lunchtimes this term, from Week 2 to 9, in the Art Room. Students are welcome to drop in and enjoy a relaxed lunchtime with free drawing, mindful colouring-in, and board games. It's a lovely opportunity for children to unwind, socialise, and recharge in a calm space during the school day. No sign-up is required - students can simply come along on the day.

Premier's be Active Challenge

Pilgrim School will be running the ‘Premier’s be Active Challenge’ in 2026. This is the 20th year of the Premier's be Active Challenge which started in 2007.

The Premier’s be Active Challenge is a physical activity program introduced to:

encourage students to be more active more often
improve the health and wellbeing of South Australian students.

Guidelines to complete the Premier’s be Active Challenge:

Every student must have their activity recorded in the student recording booklet. These can be downloaded from Compass School Documentation or ask your child to collect one from the Front Office.
Complete at least 60 minutes of physical activity on at least 5 days of the week for at least 4 weeks between Week 1, Term 1 and Week 10 Term 3 and record it.
Please note there is an option for a 4 week, 10 week or special 20 week challenge (for 2026 only).
Students must have their record verified by a parent, caregiver or teacher.
Pass on the completed Student Record to the Front Office by the designated due date.
Receive an award in late November.

Research has shown that parental support affects how active children are. One of the biggest factors in helping children to be active is providing support to participate in physical activity. Whether that is getting them to sports, taking them to the playground, riding your bike with them, or simply encouraging them to play outside, these are all things that will help your child be active.

The Premier’s be Active Challenge is most successful when parents show interest and support their children. Help your child get 60 minutes of physical activity per day and you will be making a positive difference to their future. It’s also a great way to be more active yourself!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school.

Brett Middleton

Campus Sports Coordinator & Pilgrim Wellbeing Coordinator

Premier's Reading Challenge – Last Chance to Take Part!

There's still time to be part of the Premier's Reading Challenge – but not much! All forms need to be completed and returned by Friday 4th September.

If your child hasn't finished their reading yet, don't stress – there's still time to get those last few books read before the deadline. Every child who completes the Challenge receives a certificate or medal to celebrate their achievement.

For younger children, reading together each night is a wonderful way to build confidence and a lifelong love of books. Older children can read independently, building their reading stamina and choosing books that interest them - although older children often enjoy being read to as well!

What you need to do:

Finish reading the required books (8 from the Challenge list, plus 4 books of your choice)
Complete the reading record
Return the form to your class teacher or Front Office by Friday 4th September.

Let's get every child across the finish line. You've got this!

Yiota Chesterfield

Inclusive Education Coordinator