Junior Learning News
What's Happening in the F/1 Classroom?
Literacy
This fortnight we have focussed on the /y/ sound. We began by focusing on words and names we knew that had an /z/ sound at the beginning and then progressed to finding words with /y/ as the middle or ending sound, using visual assistance from Soundwaves.
Literacy Learning Goals
We are excited to share an important new initiative at our school: individualised learning goals for each student. Starting this week, our students will be introduced to their personalised learning objectives, which they will be working on throughout the week in the classroom.
Exploring Time in Numeracy
Our Foundation and Grade One students have been busy exploring the concept of time during numeracy lessons. They've focused on understanding the minute and hour hands and mastering the concept of o'clock. Each student created their own clock, which they used to practice setting times and discussing how long various activities take.
Incorporating the Olympics into their learning, students examined the times that determine first, second, and third places in races. This real-world connection sparked lively discussions about how athletes' performance is measured in seconds and minutes.
The students also explored daily routines, sequencing events like morning activities and school schedules. This helped them understand the duration of time and improved their organisational skills.
Overall, the students' enthusiasm and creativity have shone through, making their learning experience both enjoyable and impactful. We're excited to see their continued growth in understanding and managing time.
Celebrating Mary MacKillop Feast Day
Recently, our students had the joy of celebrating Mary MacKillop Feast Day in collaboration with St. Mary’s Rushworth. As a Josephine school, St. Joseph's has a special connection to Mary MacKillop, our founder. This event was a wonderful opportunity for our students to honour her legacy and share their beautiful school with new friends.
The day began with a whole school Mass led by Father, bringing both school communities together in prayer and reflection. Following the Mass, the students worked on a collaborative art piece depicting Mary MacKillop, showcasing their creativity and teamwork.
The celebrations continued with a variety of engaging activities. Students enjoyed playing olden-day games, experiencing a slice of history through fun and interactive play. They also participated in a meditative still-life drawing session, which provided a peaceful moment to reflect on Mary MacKillop’s life and values. Another highlight was the creation of vibrant stained glass windows, adding a beautiful and colourful element to the day.
Throughout the festivities, our students truly embodied Mary MacKillop’s teaching: "never see a need without doing something about it." They demonstrated this by being welcoming and caring hosts to their friends from St. Mary’s, ensuring everyone felt included and appreciated.
Overall, it was a fantastic day of celebration, reflection, and camaraderie. We are proud of our students for their kindness, creativity, and spirit, which made this Mary MacKillop Feast Day a memorable experience for all involved.
Exploring the Olympics and Good Sportsmanship
Our students have been immersing themselves in the excitement of the Olympics, using this global event to learn important lessons about fairness and sportsmanship. Through various activities, they have been exploring what it means to be fair and understanding the difference between right and wrong in the context of sports.
One of the key focuses has been on the features of good sportsmanship. Students have discussed and identified qualities such as respect, kindness, and integrity, understanding how these values play out in both winning and losing scenarios. They have looked at real-life examples from the Olympics, seeing how athletes demonstrate these traits on the world stage.
Through this exploration, our students are not only learning about the Olympics but also developing valuable personal and social skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Reminder
As we prepare to commence our exciting history unit, we kindly remind you to email in photos of important events in your child's life. These photos will be used to create a personal life timeline for each student.
Please send in images that capture significant moments, such as birthdays, family gatherings, vacations, or any other memorable events. Your contributions will greatly enrich our learning experience and help each student reflect on their personal history.
What's On?
Don't forget to check the reading diaries for up coming dates.
Thursday 8/8- Marry MacKillop Feast Day we welcome St. Mary's Rushworth
Thursday 22/8- Book Week Parade
Friday 23/8- Pupil Free Day
Don't hesitate to get in touch with us!