Level 2: Connect

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have been incredibly impressed by the perseverance, organisation and positive attitudes our students have demonstrated over the past few weeks. Balancing swimming lessons with their regular classroom learning has required flexibility, responsibility and resilience. 

The students have managed their belongings, followed changing routines and continued to approach their learning with enthusiasm. 

We are extremely proud of the way they have embraced each busy day and supported one another along the way. Well done, Year 2!

Kym Seccull, Zoe Whitaker, Jess Steel & Sean Daley

English 

Core Literacy

In Core Literacy, students have continued to build their knowledge of more complex spelling patterns, including ‘qua’ and the different sounds represented by ‘ear’. They have been applying these patterns when reading, spelling and writing a range of words.

Students have also been exploring the suffixes ‘-ible’ and ‘-able’, learning how they can be added to base words to create adjectives meaning “able to be”. In addition, students are continuing to expand their bank of heart words, strengthening their accuracy and automaticity when reading and spelling these words.

Reading & Writing 

Students have now finished reading Eagle, Crow and Emu by Gladys and Jill Milroy. They were deeply engaged with this Aboriginal Dreaming story and explored important themes such as sacrifice, friendship, bravery, cooperation and valuing the strengths of others. Throughout the novel study, students used questioning, predicting and personal connections to deepen their understanding of the story, its characters and key messages.

Next, students will begin exploring Swifty: The Super-fast Parrot by Stephanie Owen Reeder and Astred Hicks. This engaging text follows the journey of the endangered swift parrot and will support students in learning about migration, endangered species, conservation and resilience.

Throughout the unit, students will locate key information, explain migration patterns and consider why swift parrots need protection. They will also explore how Swifty demonstrates resilience throughout her journey. Students will use their understanding of the text to write informative sentences and demonstrate their comprehension of its important themes and messages.

Maths 

We have another exciting term of Mathematics ahead! This term, we will focus on multiplication, division and measurement.

Over the past few weeks, students have been developing their understanding of multiplication. They have explored multiplication through repeated addition and skip counting while learning their 2s, 5s and 10 times tables. Students have practised representing multiplication in different ways, including using equal groups, arrays, number lines and multiplication equations.

Students have also been introduced to the commutative law, learning that multiplication facts can be completed in either order and still have the same product. For example, (3 x 5 = 15) and (5 x 3 = 15). Understanding this helps students use known facts to solve related multiplication problems.

We encourage students to continue practising their 2s, 5s and 10s times tables at home to build fluency and confidence in recalling these facts by heart. Students can also practise representing each fact using drawings, equal groups, arrays, repeated addition or number sentences to strengthen their understanding of how multiplication works.

Inquiry

Year 2 students have begun an exciting History unit exploring how Australia became a nation and how our democracy works today. They have learnt about significant events and people involved in Federation, as well as what the Australian Constitution is and why it was introduced. Students have also developed their historical inquiry skills by asking questions to deepen their understanding of the past.

Wellbeing 

This term, students will be participating in the mandatory Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR) unit. Throughout this unit, students will explore topics including gender norms and stereotypes (Topic 7), respectful and positive relationships (Topic 8), inclusion, and treating others with kindness and respect.

If you would like to learn more about the content that will be covered, please refer to the link below, which outlines the lessons and learning activities that will be taught throughout the unit.

Swimming

Swimming will occur in Week 4 & 5 of this term. Please see the 'Level 2 Swimming Parent Helpers' document if you can support. If you are able to volunteer, All parent/guardian helpers must hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) and a copy supplied to the office.  

Students must come to school wearing their bathers underneath their school uniform. Please note, students will not be able to have a shower after their lesson, they will change in separate areas back into their school uniform. Additionally, students must bring the following items in a separate bag. 

• Towel 
• Goggles 
• Swimming cap (all students must wear a swimming cap for the lesson)
• Spare bag for wet items
• Underwear
• Crocs/Thongs - to be worn before swimming and after
• Ear plugs (if required)

Please ensure all your child’s belongings are labelled with their name.