Damascus Community

Dear Families,

In Week 8, students explored how the teachings of Jesus encourage love, forgiveness, compassion and inclusion, while also learning about the Rosary and different ways Catholics pray. In English, students investigated the suffixes -able and -ible, building vocabulary and using new words in meaningful sentences. In Writing, they explored The Gentle Genius of Trees by Philip Bunting, made and revised predictions, learned about photosynthesis, and continued developing their handwriting skills while creating a special Father’s Day card and gift. In Mathematics, students worked with additive number patterns within 1000, identifying and creating patterns that increase or decrease by ones, tens and hundreds. In Integrated Studies, they combined music, dance and drama to communicate ideas and create short performances. In Auslan, students continued practising Unit 6 signs and simple signed phrases through interactive games. In SEL, students learned about children’s rights, the importance of feeling safe and heard, and identifying trusted adults they can speak to when they need support.

We are so proud of how the students are improving their VSL during math lessons.

Assembly award winners:

Learning for the Week 9/Term 3:

Religious Education:

For Religious Education in Week 9, students will continue exploring the different ways Catholics pray, including through music, silence and gestures, and discuss how these forms of prayer can help people reflect and feel connected to God. Students will also learn about Jesus’ teaching to be peacemakers, identifying peaceful choices and considering how their actions can affect others. They will reflect on the values Catholics remember and live by, such as care, peace and forgiveness, and discuss how everyday choices can show these values in action. We also participated in the Community Mass on Wednesday.

English:

For Week 9 Reading, the main focus is on the prefixes in-, im- and non-, with students learning how these prefixes change the meaning of base words, often to mean “not” or “the opposite of.” Students will practise reading, spelling and building words with each prefix, then compare the three prefixes and decide which one is used in different words. They will also complete choral reading of The Impossible Bridge across four parts, develop vocabulary through words such as inconvenience, impatience, nonsensical and invalid, and apply their learning through sentence writing, small-group reading and fluency practice.

Mathematics:

For Mathematics in Week 9, students will explore three-dimensional objects and their features. They will identify and describe features such as faces, edges and vertices, and use these characteristics to sort and compare 3D objects, including through Venn diagrams. Students will also apply their understanding by selecting suitable 3D objects to build a stable tower and explaining which features make particular objects more effective for building and stacking.

Integrated Curriculum:

For Integrated Studies in Week 9, students will focus on how rehearsal and feedback help improve a performance. They will practise their performances, identify areas that can be strengthened, and make changes to improve their presentation. Students will also learn how to give and receive kind, specific and helpful feedback, using suggestions from others to refine their movement, expression, timing and overall performance.

Wala Connections Dance Workshop on Tuesday, our Grade 2 students participated in an engaging First Nations dance workshop led by Wala Connections. Through music, movement and storytelling, students explored how dance can share stories, celebrate culture and strengthen connection to Country. The interactive workshop encouraged everyone to move, create and learn together while developing a deeper appreciation of First Nations culture, language and contemporary dance. It was a joyful and meaningful experience for our students.

Auslan:

For AUSLAN in Week 9, students will review and consolidate their learning from Units 5 and 6, using visual thinking to communicate ideas and practising signs through familiar games such as Memory. Students will also complete their End of Cycle Assessments individually with the teacher. Throughout the week, they will watch a range of Auslan-interpreted programs and identify familiar signs, including signs relating to family, actions and key vocabulary, helping them strengthen their ability to recognise and understand Auslan in context.

Social & Emotional Learning:

For Social and Emotional Learning in Week 9, students will recognise R U OK? Day by learning about the importance of checking in on others and showing care when someone may be feeling worried, sad or upset. Students will discuss how to notice changes in a friend’s feelings or behaviour, practise asking “Are you OK?” in a kind and respectful way, and identify trusted adults they can speak to if they are concerned about themselves or someone else. They will also explore simple ways to listen, support and include others so everyone feels valued and connected.

What you can do at home

• Read together each night and talk about the message in a story. Ask your child what the author might want the reader to think, feel or learn.

   

• Practise maths in everyday life by noticing patterns at home or outside, such as patterns in tiles, clothes, blocks, counting, or nature. Ask your child to describe what repeats or what changes.

   

• Talk and share signs together by asking your child to teach you an Auslan sign or facial expression they have learned at school. Practising together helps build confidence and communication skills.

Important Classroom Reminders:

• Fidget Toys

  We kindly ask that students do not bring fidget toys to school unless their use is a planned adjustment in consultation with Allied Health Professionals. Students who bring fidget toys without an approved adjustment will be asked to place them in their school bag for the remainder of the day to take home. We appreciate your support in encouraging your child to leave fidget toys at home.

• Spare clothes/change of clothes

  Please pack spare clothes with a pair of socks and underwear to be placed in the front zip pocket of your child's school bag in case of a toileting accident or if they get muddy during recess and play time. 

• Please ensure that you are labelling all your child's belongings.
• Please remind your child to change their reading books when they need to. 

Important Dates to Remember:

• Thursday, 10 September - RU OK? Day
• Friday, 11th September - Deadline of submissions for Christmas Card Competition 2026
• Thursday 17th September - Coffee and Connect - Meet our Primary School Nurse, Erica McWIlliams at the Staff Room
• Thursday, 17th September - Last Day of Term 3
• Monday 5th October - First Day of Term 4

Enjoy your weekend,

The Damascus Team

Contact us @Damascus

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