Year One
We can’t believe we only have one month left of Term 2! The past few weeks have flown by with plenty of exciting learning opportunities and special events. From our excursion to Tribeca Village and our Walk for Reconciliation Day to a number of enriching incursions, students have had a wonderful time learning both in and out of the classroom.
Here’s a look at what we’ve been focusing on across different learning areas:
Reading and Writing
In Reading and Writing, students have been investigating the structure of information reports. We’ve discovered that these texts include a classification to introduce the topic, a description filled with factual information (often under helpful headings), and a conclusion to wrap it all up.
Using examples about emergency helpers, like police officers and firefighters, we explored how real information reports are written.
Students then researched and wrote their very own reports on a chosen emergency helper. They’ve loved sharing interesting facts and learning how to organise their writing in a clear and informative way.
Phonics and Spelling
In our Phonics lessons, we’ve been exploring the past tense and the many different rules English uses. While some words follow a simple rule (just add -ed), others are more irregular—like write becoming wrote. Students also discovered that the -ed ending can sound like /d/, /t/, or /id/ depending on the word.
It’s been a fun challenge decoding these patterns, and students are becoming more confident in identifying and using past tense verbs in their own writing.
Mathematics
Our Year One students have been hard at work building their subtraction skills in fun and interactive ways. Through hands-on learning experiences, they’ve explored different strategies to help them understand that subtraction means to "take away."
Using materials like counters, drawings, number lines, and tens frames, students have been solving number sentences and real-life worded problems with growing confidence.
Whether crossing out pictures or jumping back on a number line, they’re learning there’s more than one way to solve a problem.
One of the highlights this term was a bowling subtraction activity. Students took turns knocking down pins, then counted how many were left standing, turning maths into a real-world, engaging experience.
By linking everyday activities with key maths concepts, our learners are growing into curious, capable mathematicians who love to problem-solve!
Inquiry
Our Inquiry unit on community helpers has come to life with a special visit from local police officers. Students learned about the important role police play in our community, the tools they use, what their job looks like day-to-day, and what to do in case of an emergency.
The highlight? Getting to sit in the police car and try on different pieces of the uniform! We also discussed our responsibility in emergencies, like knowing how and when to call 000. It was a truly engaging, hands-on experience for everyone involved.
Wellbeing
In Wellbeing, we’ve been revising our understanding of how to recognise and regulate our emotions, especially during challenging or fearful situations, such as emergencies. Students have practised using a range of strategies including:
Taking a deep breath
Counting to 10
Talking it out
Walking away
Asking an adult for help
We also connected this to yard play and how to solve problems peacefully. It’s been inspiring to see students using these tools to support one another during play and learning time.
Reminders
Students are expected to bring their satchel to school every day filled with their take-home reading books, reading journal and homework book.
Students are also expected to bring their iPad to school every day fully charged, as well as a water bottle.
Premier's Reading Challenge has begun and runs until September 5th.
Year One Swimming Program: Consent and payment are now live on XUNO. Due by Monday, July 28th. No late payments will be accepted.
Classroom doors open at 8:20am and classes start at 8:30am. Students arriving late will require a late pass from the office. Dismissal is at 2:50pm.
If you child is absent, please ensure the reason is entered onto XUNO.
We’re looking forward to a strong finish to the term with even more great learning ahead. Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement at home, it truly makes a difference!
Kind regards,
The Year One Team