School of Foundations
School of Foundations - Week 9, Term 4
A message from the Head of School
Dear Parents,
As the school year comes to an end, I want to express my gratitude for your support and celebrate the incredible growth and achievements of your children. It has been a joy to see their curiosity, resilience, and dedication flourish. Together, we’ve shared milestones, overcome challenges, and nurtured a love for learning that will carry them far.
Looking ahead, we’re excited for the new opportunities and experiences that await in the coming year. Today, on Wednesday this week there was much excitement in the air as the students visited their 2025 Classroom spaces and met their teachers. Here are a few of the smiles we saw…
Thank you for your partnership and encouragement, which have been vital to creating such a vibrant school community. Wishing you a holy and joyous Christmas Season, and we look forward to welcoming you and your children back in the new year!
Warm regards,
Ms Nicole EmertonActing Head of School
The NET
Early Stage 1, T4, W9
English
In literacy students have been writing recounts of different events. They have been working on sequencing their ideas using first, next then, after and finally. They are also working on adding more information to each idea.
Mathematics
In mathematics, students have been learning about forming groups. They are working on making equal groups with a given number
by using concrete objects, drawing representations, and solving simple problems to understand the concept of equal grouping.
Religion
This term in Kindergarten, we have been learning about Advent and Nativity. The students have explored the story of Jesus' birth, focusing on the significance of this special time in the Christian calendar. Through storytelling, role-playing, and creating Nativity art, the children are deepening their understanding of the Christmas story and the values of love, joy, and giving. We have also been making Advent wreaths and counting down to Christmas by reflecting on acts of kindness and gratitude. It’s a meaningful way to prepare for this joyful season together.
The NET
Stage 1, T4, W9
English
In literacy students have been learning to write poetry. In the last few weeks students have been writing poetry about Christmas. Students have been learning how to make the poetry which flows by using rhyming words, rhythm and imagery.
Mathematics
In mathematics, students have been learning to draw and label the features of 3D objects. They also explored the concepts of volume and capacity through hands-on activities. By experimenting with containers, they discovered that containers with similar shapes can have different volumes but the same capacity. Students investigated this topic using informal units.
Furthermore, students have been revising place value. They have been looking at the values of each digit within three digit numbers. They have been recording three-digit numbers on a number line, in words, using mab blocks and on a place value chart. We are looking at the role of zero and how this holds a place.
Science
In Science, students have been exploring changes in the sky, weather, and the sun, and how these changes impact the environment. They have been observing how the land transforms across different seasons. Additionally, students have been developing an understanding of the moon and the sun’s rotation around the Earth and learning how various parts of the world experience different weather conditions.
Religion
In Religion, Stage 1 students have been exploring the season of Advent, a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus at Christmas and His birth. They have also been learning about the Annunciation of Mary, reflecting on how she said "yes" to the Angel Gabriel to become the mother of Jesus. Additionally, students have studied the Advent wreath and the significance of its five candles. Over the past two weeks, they focused on the first two purple candles, which symbolise hope and peace, traditionally lit on the first and second Sundays of Advent.
Students have also engaged with the story of Christmas, setting up a class nativity scene. They then created their own individual nativity scenes and collaborated to construct them together.
PE Sport Students have been engaging in free-choice play activities. Due to the weather, some sessions have taken place indoors, featuring Just Dance and other indoor games.
The Net Stage 2 Term 4 Week 9
English - Story Year 9 visit
This week, Year 9 students had the wonderful opportunity to connect with our Stage 2 students during a special reading session. As part of their studies, the Year 9 students designed and illustrated their very own picture books, showcasing their imagination, storytelling skills, and environmental awareness. Our Stage 2 students were delighted to listen to these stories. This interaction not only brought the stories to life but also fostered a sense of mentorship and community between our older and younger students. It was heartwarming to see the pride in the Year 9 students as they shared their work and the excitement in the Stage 2 students as they experienced the joy of storytelling.
Mathematics
Stage 2 students are embracing the holiday spirit in their learning with Christmas-themed maths tasks! From solving festive word problems to designing symmetrical decorations and calculating the costs of gifts in a pretend holiday shop, students are applying their mathematical skills in fun and creative ways. These activities not only strengthen numeracy skills but also inspire collaboration, problem-solving, and a touch of holiday cheer in the classroom. It’s wonderful to see the students engaging with their learning while celebrating the season.
Religion Stage 2 Liturgy
In Week 8, we gathered for a beautiful liturgy to celebrate our Year 4 students as they transition from the School of Foundations into the School of Leadership. This special ceremony marked an important milestone in their educational journey, filled with heartfelt prayers, shared memories, and reflections on their learning experiences.
The event was a moving tribute to the growth and accomplishments of our students, highlighted by a collection of photos that captured the joy and friendships formed throughout the years. From laughter-filled moments to meaningful achievements, it was a time to honor their hard work and resilience.
We are proud of each Year 4 student for embracing this new chapter with courage and curiosity. As they step into the School of Leadership, we pray for their continued success and personal growth.
Thank you to all who contributed to making this liturgy a memorable occasion, and to the parents for your ongoing support in nurturing these bright young leaders.
Christmas craft
Stage 2 students have been busy spreading Christmas cheer through creative craft activities! This week, they showcased their artistic flair by making festive baubles and constructing adorable gingerbread houses using paddlepop sticks.
These hands-on projects allowed students to explore their creativity while developing fine motor skills and teamwork. From painting and decorating to assembling their creations, the classroom was filled with excitement and holiday joy.
