Learning and Teaching News
Curriculum updates in Religious Education, English, Mathematics and People, Place & Purpose
Celebrating Learning!
What a wonderful way to end my week! I received a call from Bree today, one of our Prep educators, asking me to come down to the Prep classrooms. She quickly reassured me, “Don’t worry, Cath, it’s all good – you’re going to love it!”
With my stash of stickers in tow, I headed down to discover some very excited Prep students eager to share their writing. They had been writing about a frog and were celebrating their ability to write complete sentences. Some had even challenged themselves to write more complex sentences using the word because!
The students (and Bree!) were absolutely thrilled and so proud of themselves! It was a joy to share in their excitement. It is these little moments, taking the time to recognise effort, celebrate progress and share in the joy of learning, that remind us what it's all about!
TERm 4 PPP: Digital Technologies Curriculum
This term, students across all year levels are exploring Digital Technologies as part of their learning. When we think about Digital Technologies, we often think about students using iPads, computers or other devices. However, learning about digital technologies doesn't always mean being in front of a screen!
Throughout the term, students will also participate in 'unplugged' activities. These are hands-on learning experiences that develop important digital thinking skills without the use of a device. Through games, challenges, problem-solving and following or creating sequences of instructions, students learn how to think logically, recognise patterns, solve problems and understand how digital systems work.
These experiences help students develop the skills and understanding they need before applying them in digital environments.
We encourage you to chat with your child about what they are learning in Digital Technologies this term. Here are some questions you might like to ask:
- Why is it important to give instructions in the correct order?
- What happens if you miss a step or an instruction doesn't work?
- How have you used problem-solving in your learning?
- Can you teach me something you have learnt?
Term 4 Religious Education: Mary
This term, students across the school are exploring the life of Mary and her important place within the Catholic tradition.
Through Scripture, prayer, artwork and reflection, students are learning about Mary not only as the mother of Jesus, but also as a woman of faith, courage and trust in God. They are discovering how Mary listened to God's call, responded with faith and lived as a disciple of Jesus.
Across the year levels, students are engaging with different stories and experiences of Mary, including the Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel visited Mary, and the Visitation, when Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth. These Scripture stories invite students to consider Mary's choices, her relationship with God and what we can learn from her example in our own lives.
Our learning encourages students to see Mary as someone whose example continues to inspire us today, particularly through her willingness to listen, trust, show kindness and respond to the needs of others.
Staff have also engaged in professional learning to deepen their understanding of Mary as a disciple of Jesus, exploring Scripture and reflecting on how her example of faith, courage and trust in God can enrich their teaching and students’ learning.
Learning and Teaching Team:
Sue Burke
English Leader
sburke@shnewport.catholic.edu.au
Kim Dalmau
Mathematics Leader
kdalmau@shnewport.catholic.edu.au
Cath Palmer
Deputy Principal
Catholic Identity & Pedagogy