Prep Term 1 Overview
Prep 2025 Term One
“Hope is passion for what is possible.”
Welcome to Term 1 andthe start of the 2025 school year at St. John’s Primary!
It has been such a joy to witness the Preps' smooth transition into our vibrant learning community. I’m truly looking forward to continuing to build a strong, supportive relationship with each and every student in our class.
Important Dates
- Friday, 14 February - Opening School Mass, 10am
- Tuesday, 18 February - Parent Information Evening
- Sunday, 23 February - Founders Day Mass, 9:45 am
- Tuesday, 27 February - Parent Teacher Interviews
- Monday, 3 March - Twilight Sports, 4:30 - 7:30 pm
- Wednesday, 5 March - Ash Wednesday Mass
- Thursday, 6 March - Prep Welcome Dinner, 6 - 7pm
- Monday, 10 March - Public Holiday, Labour Day Weekend
- Wednesday, 12 March - Preps Start Wednesdays
- Thursday, 13 March - Professional School Photo Day
- Monday, 17 March - Harmony Day
- Friday, 21 March - St Patrick’s Day Mass
- Tuesday, 25 March - Prep Class Mass, 10 am
- Monday, 31 March - Stations of the Cross
- Friday, 4 April - Last Day of Term 1
Specialist Teachers Timetable
Please ensure your child brings their Reader Bag daily. | ||
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Religious Education & Inquiry Learning
At St John’s, we teach Religious Education through the Horizons of Hope curriculum, fostering faith, prayer and community.
This year, our whole school focus is HOPE, inspired by the Jubilee Year in the Catholic Church. Throughout the year, students will explore how they can bring hope to others and the world, by reflecting on their unique gifts.
This term, Preps will establish Prayer Time, learning to participate respectfully and set positive intentions for the day. They will also explore sacred prayer spaces, attend Mass and school prayer services, and engage with Bible stories like the Good Shepherd through Godly Play, deepening their faith journey.
Literacy
In Term 1, our Prep students will begin developing essential early literacy skills, with a strong focus on building correct pencil grip, fine motor control and letter formation. They will engage in activities that support emerging writing behaviours, such as controlled mark-making and practicing early handwriting strokes. As their confidence grows, we will introduce the genre of recount writing, guiding them to construct meaningful sentences about their experiences. In Reading, students will explore foundational concepts, including distinguishing between letters and words, identifying parts of a book, and developing early reading behaviours that support their literacy journey.
Mathematics
To start the school year, each child’s mathematical skills were individually assessed on the assessment days to inform teaching and monitor progress throughout the year. This term, our key areas of focus will include patterns, measurement (time), counting, foundational place value, and location. Establishing strong mathematical foundations will support students in developing fluency, problem-solving skills, and reasoning, setting them up for success in this learning area.
Social & Emotional Learning
At St John’s, Prep students will begin the term by being introduced to our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Matrix, which focuses on the expectations of Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. These values guide and shape our school community. Students will engage in explicit teaching, role-playing, and drawing activities to deepen their understanding of these behaviours.
As part of our whole-school approach, they will also be introduced to The Resilience Project, where they will explore emotional literacy and personal wellbeing strategies through their own journals and workbooks.
Communication
Please feel free to contact me via email at cwoolley@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au with any school-related enquiries. I will make every effort to respond promptly during weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm. If you would prefer to discuss face-to-face I am more than happy to schedule an appointment at your convenience. Your communication is valued and appreciated.
Please read our school newsletter which comes via email every fortnight on Monday.
Facebook and Instagram are also a great way to see what is happening at St John's.
With faith and love,
Cara Woolley
Prep Teacher