From the Year 1 Classroom

Hello Grade 1 Families,

We hope this newsletter finds you well and keeping warm during these chilly winter months. Term 3 is always a special time in our school year — a term filled with growth, achievement, and the joy of learning. It’s during this time that we begin to see the wonderful progress our students are making, as their hard work and dedication really start to shine.

Literacy

In Reading, students have been working hard to build their confidence with tricky words. Some of the words we’re currently practising include: ask, about, and our. These words don’t always follow regular spelling patterns, so regular exposure and practice are key to mastering them.

We’ve also been exploring new letter combinations and the sounds they make:

aw as in claw

au as in autumn

Understanding these sounds helps students decode unfamiliar words and become more fluent readers.

Another focus we are moving towards is on spelling rules, particularly:

- Doubling letters at the end of words (like bell, fluff, pass)

- Using ck at the end of words after a short vowel sound (like duck, back)

These foundational skills are essential for both reading and writing, and students are doing a fantastic job applying them in their daily literacy activities.

We’re also looking forward to reading the fabulous book The Day the Crayons Quit. This engaging text will inspire a range of reading and writing activities, including writing a book review, expanding our vocabulary, and summarising the story.

In Writing, students have thoroughly enjoyed diving into the creative world of poetry. We’ve explored a variety of poetic devices such as rhyme, repetition, alliteration, and

onomatopoeia, helping students understand how language can be playful, expressive, and powerful.

Next week, we’ll be linking our writing to the much-loved text ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’, using it as inspiration for a range of writing pieces.

Each morning, we also begin our day with a focused handwriting session called ‘The Heat is on Handwriting’. During this time, students concentrate on the placement, size, and formation of approximately five letters. These short, targeted sessions help make handwriting feel more manageable and support students in developing neat writing.

Maths

In the coming weeks, students will be exploring the exciting world of patterns in Mathematics. Patterns are sequences that repeat, and they help us understand how numbers, shapes, and symbols work together.

Students will be learning to:

Recognise and create patterns using numbers, shapes, symbols, and everyday objects — including Australian coins.

Use skip counting (by twos, fives, and tens) to build number patterns and strengthen their understanding of number sequences.

Identify repeating parts of patterns and understand how repetition helps us solve problems and make predictions.

This unit encourages students to think logically, spot patterns in the world around them, and have fun with numbers!

To help tune into our Maths lessons and strengthen students’ mental maths skills, we’ve been playing a variety of fun and engaging games in the classroom. These activities are designed to build automaticity — helping students recall number facts quickly and confidently.

Here are some simple games you can play at home to support your child’s learning:

Religion

We continue to explore the unit titled ‘Jesus’ Story’. Students are engaging with stories from the New Testament, reflecting on their meanings and sharing their wonderings. One story we will focus on in depth is The Good Shepherd, which beautifully illustrates Jesus’ care and guidance for all people, much like a shepherd looks after his sheep.

Upcoming Feast Days

Over the coming weeks, we will also recognise and celebrate two significant feast days in the Church’s calendar:

Feast of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop – August 8 On this day, we honour Saint Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint and the patron saint of our Archdiocese. She is remembered for her deep faith and dedication to making education accessible to children across Australia. Her legacy continues to inspire us in our own learning and service to others.

Feast of the Assumption – August 15 The following Friday, we will gather as a school community to celebrate The Feast of the Assumption. This solemn occasion commemorates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. It is a time to reflect on Mary’s faith and her special place in the story of salvation.

Inquiry

Exploring the Solar System – Planet Experts in the Making!

Over the next two weeks, students will dive into the wonders of space as part of our exciting unit on ‘The Solar System’. Each child will become an expert on a chosen planet, researching fascinating facts and discovering what makes their planet unique.

Using their iPads and the digital reading platform Epic, students will gather information and present their findings in a poster display. This activity not only builds research skills but also encourages curiosity and creativity as they explore the mysteries of our solar system.

Important Dates for Term 3

Please see below for some key dates coming up this term. More information about each event will be shared closer to the time.

· 8th August – Feast of Saint Mary MacKillop A special day to honour Australia’s first saint and her incredible contribution to education.

· 13th August – Pupil Free Day No classes will be held on this day.

· 15th August – Feast of the Assumption A significant celebration in the Church calendar, commemorating Mary being taken into heaven.

· 26th & 27th August – Learning Conversations These sessions are a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and learning journey. Please keep an eye on your PAM account for booking details as the dates approach.

· 29th August – Book Week Parade A fun and creative day where students dress up as their favourite book characters!

· 4th September – Father’s Day Stall Students can purchase a small gift to celebrate the special father figures in their lives.

· 11th September – R U OK? Day & Family Breakfast A morning to connect as a community and promote wellbeing and support.

· 12th September – School Athletics Carnival A day of fun, fitness, and friendly competition!

· 19th September – Last Day of Term 3 Wishing everyone a safe and restful break!