Literacy News
Term 2 Novel Study Books
This term, students in Years 3–6 have been engaging with a range of novels as part of their Literacy program. These novels serve as a key stimulus for learning, supporting the development of reading and writing skills.
Lessons are delivered using explicit instruction, focusing on key areas such as reading fluency, vocabulary development, sentence construction, and text-level writing. A structured and systematic approach ensures that new concepts are introduced gradually, allowing students time to understand and apply their learning.
Built-in review opportunities help to reinforce knowledge and support the transfer of skills from short-term to long-term memory. This carefully designed approach ensures all students are supported to make steady and sustained progress in their literacy learning.
The novels that have been studied this term include;
Year 3
- Yirra and her deadly dog, Demon by Anita Heiss
- Finding Our Heart by Thomas Mayor
Year 4
- Uncle X Box by Jared Thomas
- The Arrival by Shaun Tan
Year 5
- Dirrarn by Carl Merrison & Hakea Hustler
- Black Cockatoo by Carl Merrison & Hakea Hustler
- Waves by Donna Rawlins
Year 6
- The Silver Donkey by Sonya Hartnett
- Us Mob Walawurru by David Spillman
Thank you
Thank you to the amazing parents that offered to drive to Clayton and deliver the old take home books. I am always so impressed with how many people are prepared to help us out.
Pen Pals
Thank you to the students that have taken some time to write a small letter to the residents of Sacred Heart Community. The current batch are thoughtful, colourful and oozing with kindness. I continue to be very proud of the students who take the time to share a little bit of sunshine for others. I will be delivering the latest batch of Pen Pal letters this Friday. If there are any final letters to be sent, please get them to me as soon as possible. I will let you know when we receive the responses.
Book Reviews
Picture Book
The Truck Cat
By Deborah Frenkel | Illustrated by Danny Snell
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the heartwarming story of Tinka, a cat who lives on the road with his human, Yacoub. Unlike most cats who have houses or apartments, Tinka is a truck cat, travelling far and wide.
As they journey through a new country, both Tinka and Yacoub are searching for a place to call home. When they are suddenly separated, their determination to reunite shows the power of friendship, resilience, and belonging.
The Truck Cat gently explores themes of immigration, identity, and kindness—making it a perfect read for sparking thoughtful conversations with young readers.
The Truck Cat is another book that has been shortlisted for the Children's Book Week awards and will be available in classroom libraries and the school Library shortly.
Picture Book
Small Acts
By Kate Gordon & Kate Foster
From acclaimed authors Kate Foster and Kate Gordon, a special story about being kind to others... and yourself. There are people everywhere who need help, who might seem okay on the outside but aren't on the inside. People whose whole entire day can be changed ...Josh wants a friend but he doesn't know how to find somewhere to belong .Ollie wants to express herself but doesn't want to be noticed.
Small Acts introduces two kids with great hearts who know that helping others can start with one small act of kindness. Josh has a plan to start with just that. So does Ollie. What Josh and Ollie don't know yet is that they need each other to make their plans work.
Small Acts was shortlisted this year in the 'Notables' section which aims to promote quality reading for young Australians of a wide age-range and reader ability. This book has been selected by Meerkat productions as one of the performances that will be presented to some of our students during Book Week. This is another title that will be readily available in the classroom libraries soon.
Jac Morphy
Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Instruction