Damascus Community

Dear Families,

What a wonderful second week of term!

Our Year 2 students have continued to settle into their learning, showing greater independence, confidence and a willingness to take on new challenges. It has been lovely to see the children working together, sharing their ideas and supporting one another throughout the week.

A special highlight was our Year 2 Mass, which was a beautiful celebration of belonging, welcoming others and including everyone. The children did a fantastic job with their reading and singing, helping to make the celebration meaningful and memorable. We were very proud of the way they participated and represented Year 2.

On Tuesday, the students had the opportunity to participate in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) Early Primary pilot where the students needed to apply mathematical knowledge, think reaticely and develop problem solving skills. Students had a go and enjoyed the challenge.

As we move further into our final term, we are encouraging students to continue making positive choices, taking responsibility for their learning and showing our school expectations of Safety, Learning and Respect. These are important skills as they prepare for the transition into Year 3.

Religious Education:

Everyone deserves to feel welcome and included. This will be an important message in Religion as we unpack a story Jesus told about invitations and belonging. The children will consider who was invited, what took place and what we can learn about welcoming others.

English:

Can one letter changes the sound of a word? Students will learn how a silent e at the end of a word can change the vowel sound, such as cap becoming cape. They will also practise adding word endings (suffixes), improve their reading fluency and expression, and use clues from texts to answer questions. Students will continue practising writing complete sentences with correct spelling and punctuation.

Using The Boy and the Elephant as inspiration, children will practise putting events in order and linking their sentences with before, after, when and if. Our attention will then turn to persuasive writing, discovering how writers use rhetorical questions, emotive language and other persuasive features to influence an audience. The children will use these techniques to plan an effective opening sentence. Regular opportunities for sustained writing will help them build writing stamina and develop confidence in organising their ideas into paragraphs.

Mathematics:

What happens when a collection is shared into four or eight equal parts? This question will guide our Mathematics learning as children work with quarters and eighths. They will use larger collections to find one quarter and one eighth, making sure each group contains the same number of items. Folding activities will also help them recognise halves and quarters in different shapes and lengths.

Integrated Curriculum:

What does Country mean, and how is everything connected? This will guide our Inquiry learning as students explore the meaning of Country for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. They will investigate Land, Water and Sky Country, discovering how these different parts connect and work together. Students will demonstrate their understanding by representing one part of Country, explaining its connections and describing how two parts work together.

Auslan:

How would you describe your favourite pet using Auslan? Students will build their signing skills by learning to name an animal first and then describe its features. They will practise describing a pet they have or would like to have, while building their confidence and memory of familiar signs through interactive games

Social & Emotional Learning:

Who can I turn to when I need help? This question will guide our conversations about trusted adults. Children will think about the qualities that make someone trustworthy, recognise situations when they may need support and practise ways of asking for help. An important message will be that children should keep reaching out until an adult listens and provides the help they need.

• Practise reading and following instructions carefully. This could be through board games, recipes, LEGO instructions or simple written directions. Encourage your child to read the instructions, explain what they need to do and then begin.
• Share and compare: Use fruit, crackers or toys to make equal groups. Ask your child to show you halves, quarters and eighths, explaining why the groups must be equal.
• Make a convincing argument: Let your child suggest a dinner choice or to pick a movie on TV to watch on a Saturday night and explain why it is a good idea. Encourage them to give a strong reason and use persuasive words to win you over

Important Classroom Reminders:

• Hats and drink bottles: As the weather becomes warmer, please ensure your child brings their named school hat and a refillale drink bottle. Students are only permitted to havewater only in their drink bottles. 
• Label belongings: Please clearly label all belongings, particularly hats, jumpers and jackets, so they can be easily returned if misplaced.
• Reading books: Please remind your child to change their reading books when they are ready for new ones.
• Spare clothes: Please keep a change of clothes, including socks and underwear, in the front pocket of your child’s school bag in case they are needed.
• Fidget tools & toys: Please leave fidget tools and toys at home unless they are part of an approved adjustment organised in consultation with the school and relevant professionals.

Important Dates to Remember:

• Fri 30th October- World Teacher's Day
• Mon 2nd November-  No school- School Closure Day
• Tues 3rd November- Public Holiday- Melbourne Cup
• Wed 11th November- Attending Mass @ 9:30 Year 1 are hosting
• Mon 30th November- P-2 Athletics Day @ Casey Fields

Keep yourself happy and enjoy your weekend.

The Damascus Team

Contact us @Damascus

damascus@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au  (all teachers) or