Literacy Update

Literacy learning this term 

What a great term it has been in Literacy! There has been a lot happening across the school, and I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the wonderful work and effort of both our teachers and students.

Reading has been a real focus this term, with students reading novels, responding to their reading and developing their ability to think more deeply about what they are reading. One area we have been working on in Year 5 and 6 is extending responses so that students are not just giving an answer, but explaining their thinking and using evidence from the text to support their ideas. It has been fantastic to see this developing across classrooms.

There have been plenty of opportunities to celebrate books and reading along the way. Book Week, the Book Fair, Scholastic Book Club and the Premiers' Reading Challenge have all helped to keep books and reading at the forefront. The Prime Minister's Spelling Challenge has also provided students with an opportunity to challenge themselves and have some fun with words.

Writing has been another big focus this term. Students have either been working on persuasive or informative texts, thinking about how to organise their ideas, choose appropriate language and write for their intended audience. The use of rubrics has helped students Year 1 to Year 6 to look more closely at their own writing and identify what they are doing well and, importantly, what they can work on next. Looking at pre- and post-writing pieces has also given students a chance to see their own progress, which is great to see.

Spelling has continued to develop too, with students beginning to move beyond simply learning words and starting to unpack spelling rules and patterns. We have been looking more closely at base words, word building and how words change. Developing this understanding takes time, but it is helping students to become more confident and thoughtful spellers.

A big thank you to our teachers for the time, planning and thought that goes into all of this work. There is a lot that happens behind the scenes to support students in becoming capable and confident readers, writers and spellers, and I really appreciate the commitment shown by staff throughout the term.

And, of course, a huge well done to our students. They have worked hard, had a go, challenged themselves and made some great progress. It has been wonderful to see their confidence growing and to see them becoming more independent in talking about their reading, reflecting on their writing and thinking about how they can improve.

There is certainly plenty to celebrate from this term.

Library and Take home readers

A reminder that library books and take-home readers are due back during Week 10. Please have a little look around at home for any books that may have found their way into school bags, bookshelves or under the couch!

Thank you for helping us get everything back and ready for Term 4.

Reading and writing during the holidays

The holidays are a great time to keep reading going without it feeling like schoolwork. If you get the chance, pop into your local library and let the children choose some books they are interested in. Picture books, novels, comics, magazines, joke books or non-fiction it all counts! Many libraries also have activities running during the holidays, so it is worth checking out what is on offer.

A reminder that St Fidelis School has a subscription to Sunshine Online. Please be mindful of the login details. It is case sensitive: 

https://www.sunshineonline.com.au/ 

Log in: StFidelis

Password: read123

Writing can be kept simple too. Children might write a letter or postcard to a friend or family member, keep a holiday diary, make a list, write a book review or even create their own story.

And why not bring back the good old fashioned letter? Write a letter to a friend or extended family member, pop it into an envelope, add a stamp and put it into a red street posting box. There is still something pretty special about receiving a letter in the mail!

Most importantly, enjoy the break, enjoy some good books and have a well-earned rest. 

Happy reading and writing!

Bernadette Parnis | Literacy Leader bparnis@sfmoreland.catholic.edu.au