Literacy Update
Writing
Year 1 and Year 2 students are currently learning to write recounts.
A recount is a piece of writing that retells something that has already happened. It explains the event in the order it occurred and includes details such as who was involved, where it happened, and what took place. Students are learning to organise their ideas, use time words (for example: first, then, after that, finally), and write clear sentences about their experiences.
You can support your child by talking with them about their weekend. A helpful time to do this is on Monday morning, perhaps on the way to school. Asking simple questions such as “What did you do first?”, “Who was with you?”, and “What happened next?” will help them remember the sequence of events. This short conversation can make it easier for them to plan and write their recount once they are in the classroom.
Foundation students draw and write about their weekend each Monday. Please take a few moments on Monday morning to remind your child about something they did, so they feel prepared and confident to share their ideas.
If you have any photos or small artefacts from weekend activities or special experiences, you are welcome to send them to school. These items can help prompt your child’s memory and give them something specific to write about.
Focus teacher groups
At our school, all students participate in small teacher-led groups throughout the week. This is part of what we do in Literacy and Numeracy. These groups help every child get the support or challenge they need to continue learning successfully.
Sometimes the group work is used to extend students who are ready for more challenges, while at other times it reinforces skills or provides extra practice. Working in small groups allows teachers to give clear guidance, check understanding, and support students more closely.
This approach is part of good teaching practice and reflects how we make sure all students receive the right level of support or extension to build their confidence and skills.
Take Home Readers
Take-home readers will start later this week or early next week as we finalise our new resources. While we get everything ready, students can continue learning their spelling words, practising handwriting, and revising letters and sounds at home. These activities are a great way to keep building reading and writing skills in the meantime. In addition, you may wish to use our school subscription to Sunshine Online. There are a range of levelled decodables and non-decodables available on Sunshine Online for your child to read. The student's login details are:
Username: Stfidelis Password: Read123
We really appreciate your patience and support as we prepare the new readers.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Bernadette Parnis