Year 2
Book week - Symphony of Stories
Symphony of Stories is the theme for Children’s Book Week 2026, celebrating the way stories bring people together through imagination, creativity, music and different voices. For primary schools, it encourages students to explore books in fun and engaging ways, including reading, dressing up as favourite characters, creating artwork and participating in performances. We were lucky enough to welcome performers to our school for an exciting and interactive performance based on the books Dear Broccoli, Dawn and A Loo of One’s Own. The performance brought these stories to life through music, drama and audience participation, creating a fun and memorable Book Week experience for our students.
InitiaLit
Throughout Term 3, students are continuing to strengthen their understanding and application of the code of reading through the InitiaLit program. There is an ongoing focus on consolidating letter–sound relationships, recognising and applying phonemes and graphemes, and using this knowledge to confidently read and write increasingly complex and multisyllabic words. Students are engaging in targeted teaching opportunities based on their individual learning needs, supporting them to develop greater accuracy, fluency and confidence when decoding and encoding words. They are working hard to apply their growing knowledge of sounds, tricky words and spelling patterns across reading and writing tasks. It has been wonderful to see so many students making progress and experiencing success in their learning.
Writing
Students have continued to develop their understanding of procedural writing, learning how to organise ideas clearly using a title, materials, and sequenced steps. They have been working on writing complete sentences, using correct punctuation, and including topic-specific vocabulary to make their instructions clear and easy to follow.
As part of this learning, students enjoyed a hands-on activity where they made cheese and broccoli scrolls. They followed the steps carefully and then used their experience to write their own procedures, describing the materials and steps involved in making the scrolls.
It has been wonderful to see students becoming more confident and independent in organising their ideas and communicating them clearly through their writing.
Numeracy
Throughout Term 3, students are developing their understanding of multiplication and division through practical and hands-on learning experiences. They are exploring equal groups, sharing and grouping, and using arrays to represent multiplication and division situations. Students are learning to write and solve number sentences using the correct mathematical symbols and are building their confidence in explaining their thinking and strategies.
Students are also exploring 2D and 3D shapes, identifying and describing their features and using mathematical language to compare and classify shapes. They are learning to identify and describe vertices, edges and faces and recognise these features in a range of familiar and unfamiliar shapes. It has been wonderful to see students developing their mathematical thinking and applying their knowledge to new and challenging situations.
Year 2 have been enjoying our warm-up games from Love Maths. You may like to watch the clip and challenge your child to a game of “1, 2, 3, 4 – Win Them All.”
Religion
Throughout Term 3, students have been exploring the life of Jesus as a child through Gospel stories such as Jesus Lost in the Temple. They have reflected on their own lives and experiences, making connections with Jesus’ childhood and identifying ways in which their lives are both similar and different.
As the term progresses, students have begun exploring Caring for Creation, developing an understanding of the wonder and beauty of God’s Creation. They will identify where they see and experience this wonder in the world around them and discuss why it is important to care for and protect Creation. Students will also explore practical ways they can show care for Creation in their everyday lives.
Inquiry
This term in Inquiry, Year 2 students have been exploring the world of Digital Technologies. We have been learning about how data is collected, represented and used to communicate information.
Students have also investigated algorithms and discover how step-by-step instructions can help us solve problems. Through hands-on activities, they have had opportunities to create, follow and improve their own algorithms.
We have also explored digital systems and safety, developed our understanding of the technology we use each day and how to be safe, responsible and respectful digital citizens.
PE
This term in PE, students have been developing their athletics skills in preparation for our upcoming Athletics Day. They have participated in a variety of track and field events, including high jump, long jump, discus and shot put.
Students have been learning the correct techniques for each event, developing their coordination, balance, strength and spatial awareness. They have also been encouraged to practise setting personal goals, showing persistence and celebrating their own progress, as well as supporting and encouraging their classmates.
Through our athletics sessions, students have developed a greater understanding that everyone has different strengths and abilities. They have enjoyed challenging themselves, trying new skills and building confidence as they prepare to put their learning into action on Athletics Day tomorrow. We are looking forward to seeing everyone have a go, give their best and enjoy the day!
RRRR - Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships.
The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) program supports students in developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to build positive relationships, manage emotions, and promote wellbeing. Through age-appropriate learning experiences, students explore topics such as emotional literacy, personal strengths, resilience, respect, diversity, inclusion, and positive relationships.
The program encourages students to develop empathy, confidence, and effective communication skills while fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment. Through engaging activities and discussions, students are encouraged to recognise the importance of kindness, cooperation, inclusion and respectful interactions with others.
Our students have enjoyed participating in a range of activities that provide opportunities to practise these important social and emotional skills in a fun and supportive environment. These experiences help students build confidence, strengthen relationships and develop strategies that support their wellbeing both at school and in their everyday lives.
Looking Ahead
We will continue to keep supporting all students to grow academically, socially and emotionally, while continuing to nurture their confidence and love of learning.
Thank you for your ongoing support throughout Term 3. Your partnership plays a vital role in your child’s success, and we truly appreciate your communication and involvement.
Important Dates
August
26th - Athletics Carnival
29th - Family Mass - All Welcome 6pm
September
3rd- Father's Day Breakfast
4th - Father's Day Stall
15th - Excursion to Shepparton 'Room on a Broom'
17th - Footy Colours Day
18th - Last Day of Term 3
ONGOING REMINDERS
No Hat, No Play
St John’s is a “No Hat, No Play” school, which means all students are required to wear their hats every day. Please keep this in mind when doing hairstyles in the morning—high ponytails and buns can sometimes make it difficult for hats to sit properly.
Label Everything
Please ensure all items are clearly labelled. You’ll hear this reminder often throughout the year! While we may all grow tired of saying it, labelled belongings can be quickly returned if misplaced.
Friday Treats
Zooper Doopers are available for $1, and Cake Raffle tickets are 50c. Both take place every Friday.
Lunch Orders
Lunch orders are available every Wednesday.
Library
Library visits are on Fridays. Please remember that borrowed books must be returned before a new book can be issued.
Birthday Invitations
We are happy to distribute invitations at school if the entire class is invited. However, if only some children are being invited (which we completely understand), we kindly ask that invitations be shared privately. While disappointments are a part of life, missing out on a party can feel especially significant at 7 or 8 years old, and we would prefer school not be the setting for that upset.
tramsden@sjeuroa.catholic.edu.au
kanderson@sjeuroa.catholic.edu.au
phone: 57952937
Thank you,
Thomasina, Kristy, Keira & Dee