Leadership Communication
My Lord and My God
St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School
Mathematics at St Thomas the Apostle
Our current mathematics focus is helping students show, explain and justify their thinking. Across classrooms, students are using VLS: Visuals, Language and Symbols to connect materials and diagrams with mathematical vocabulary and number sentences. Through daily review, the Number Fluency Program and rich mathematical tasks, students are strengthening their skills and learning to explain how and why their strategies work.
Our staff professional learning supports this approach. Teachers are exploring how precise mathematical language, purposeful diagrams and classroom discussion deepen understanding. By examining student work together, we are developing our ability to notice students’ thinking and use this evidence to guide questions and next steps in learning.
This term, we are also working with Dr Anita Green and Associate Professor Ann Downton from Monash University on a mathematics research project involving Years 1, 3 and 5. Across five lessons in Weeks 4, 5 and 6, students will explore connected mathematical tasks, while teachers investigate how to recognise and respond to their thinking about multiplication and division. Families in participating classes will receive further information about the research and consent process.
We are excited that our Year 1 and Year 2 students will participate in the Australian Mathematics Competition Early Primary pilot. This provides an opportunity for our younger mathematicians to explore unfamiliar problems, apply their reasoning and experience the enjoyment of a mathematical challenge. Each participating student will receive a certificate recognising their involvement.
Ben
Mathematics Curriculum Leader
Polite Reminder - Holidays in Term Time
As we move through Term 4, we kindly remind families that any holidays planned during school term require a formal leave request to be submitted to the school in advance.
If your family is planning to travel before the end of the school year, please ensure you submit your leave request as soon as possible. This helps our teachers plan for student learning, complete assessments that inform end of year reporting, and prepare for the final weeks of school.
Thank you for your cooperation and support as we make the most of these important final weeks together.
Sarah Chappell
Acting Deputy