Year One News

Term 1 in Grade 1

Welcome Back!

We hope everyone had a restful holiday break and is feeling refreshed and ready for the year ahead.

This year, we have five Grade 1 classes located across the school:

• Platypus Building (portables near the basketball court):  1MC, 1HL
• Lorikeet Building (portables near the oval): 1LJ, 1CL

• Wallaby Building: 1HP

   

We have also introduced welcoming starts this year, which have had a positive impact on the beginning of the school day. Students are increasingly demonstrating independence by entering the room confidently, putting their bags away, and preparing themselves for learning.

Literacy

The Little Learners Love Literacy program will continue, with students participating in shared, group, and independent reading activities in class. Students are also encouraged to read and share books at home with their families. Throughout the term, students will continue learning new phonemes (sounds) and graphemes (how we write them). We will focus on using effective reading strategies for unknown words, developing comprehension skills, and building new vocabulary.

The main focus of writing will be sentence fluency and conventions such as grammar and punctuation. Students will explore nouns, adjectives, and verbs, and be encouraged to use these to make their writing more engaging. They will write recounts of shared experiences and events. Developing fine motor skills and correct handwriting formation will remain a focus in Grade 1.

Numeracy

We are using an Explicit Maths Program this year to support clear instruction, build strong foundations, and help every child feel confident in their learning. During Term 1, our main focus will be on developing strategies to build an understanding of numbers, in particular counting and place value. Students will also explore 2D shapes, Time, and Data. 

Knowledge

This term, we will focus on settling into routines, understanding classroom and school agreements, and helping students get to know one another. We will work on building resilience, friendships, and positive relationships while encouraging cooperative learning. Developing a growth mindset - understanding that learning takes time and that we may not be able to do something yet - will also be a focus.

We will implement the Respectful Relationships program, exploring emotions, kindness, friendship, and identifying personal strengths. Students will revisit concepts of body autonomy and consent. Grade 1 students will also learn about the appropriate use of digital technologies, online safety, and the school’s Acceptable Use Agreement. In addition, we will begin learning about and embedding our school values of Belonging, Respect, Resilience, and Responsibility.

Reminders

• Hats are needed for Term 1
• We would LOVE it if students could donate tissues for their classroom
• Please label belongings to avoid items getting lost

We look forward to working in partnership with all students and families throughout the year.

Kind regards,

The Grade One Team