Term 1 2026

Welcome to Term 1 in Prep at Sunny Heights!

Term 1 is always a busy and important term as we learn to adjust to our new environment, new routines and new expectations. The first few weeks of school set the foundation for the year ahead, and we have been so proud of how beautifully our students have launched into school life.

During our first two weeks, we focused on building strong routines to help everyone feel safe, confident and ready to learn. We have been practising putting our personal belongings away independently, walking to and from our classroom in SHAPE, and sitting in STAR ready to learn. It has been wonderful to see how quickly these routines are becoming habits, and how relationships are already being formed and strengthened within our classroom community.

One of our more amusing challenges has been navigating our lunch boxes — zips, wrappers and containers can be tricky! 😊 😊We are already seeing great improvement as students build their independence.

Just as a reminder, we have a short brain break (fruit break) at around 10:00am, followed by indoor snack time at approximately 10:50am. To assist in these routines, we ask that students have a separate 'brain food'  container/zip lock bag to keep on their table as they commence. Thank you for reinforcing these routines at home and for ensuring your children arrive at Sunny Heights happy and ready to learn each day. Your support makes a significant difference.

We look forward to meeting with you on Tuesday the 24th at our Parent Teacher meetings, where we will be happy to clarify any questions and share more about your child’s start to the year.

It has been such a joyful beginning to our Prep journey together, and we are excited for all that is ahead in Term 1.

Our Literacy block is divided into two important parts: Core and Applied.

During our Core Literacy sessions, we follow the Sounds-Write program. We have begun Unit 1 and have already been introduced to the first five sounds: /s/, /a/, /t/, /i/, /m/. Students are learning to say the sounds clearly, recognise them in words and begin blending them together. It has been wonderful to see their confidence growing as they start to realise they can read!

In our Applied Literacy sessions, we read and respond to rich mentor texts. We are currently reading Come Over to My House, a beautiful book that helps us develop awareness and understanding of the different needs people may have, and the tools and supports that help them access the same experiences we do. This has prompted thoughtful discussions and is helping us build empathy and inclusion within our classroom community.

Handwriting has also been a strong focus. We are working carefully on forming our letters correctly and starting to write our names using a capital letter followed by lowercase letters. Developing correct letter formation early is so important, and we are proud of the effort students are putting into this.

In Numeracy, we are following the EMP (Explicit Mathematics Program). Each lesson is carefully structured and consists of three key parts: our Daily Review, the Main Lesson, and Independent Practice.

During our Daily Review, students revisit previously taught concepts through retrieval practice. This repetition is intentional and supports students to strengthen their understanding and build confidence over time.

The Main Lesson introduces or extends a key concept, and students are encouraged to respond together, think aloud and actively participate. Following this, students complete Independent Practice in their own workbooks, allowing them to apply what they have learned.

At this early stage of the year, an important focus is building stamina — both sitting on the floor during explicit teaching and working at tables during independent tasks. We are practising listening carefully, responding together and staying engaged for increasing periods of time. We are already seeing wonderful growth in students’ ability to focus and participate as a whole class.

Thank you for supporting your child to develop independence and persistence as they build these important learning habits.

Systemic Knowledge

What we previously referred to as Units of Work are now called Systemic Knowledge units.

In Term 1, we will be covering two topics.

We have begun with our Health and Human Biology unit, where we are learning about emotions and the body. Students are identifying different emotions they experience and recognising how these can feel in their bodies. Alongside this, we are explicitly practising personal and social skills to help us interact respectfully with others, build positive relationships and navigate social situations with confidence.

Later in the term, we will move into a History unit focused on Family Stories. Students will explore where their family members were born and raised, how families are connected, and how family histories help shape who we are. This unit supports students to develop a sense of identity, belonging and appreciation for the diverse backgrounds within our classroom community.

PICKUP ROUTINES

Students are picked from our Prep lineup area at the end of the school day. Classroom teachers or specialists (if they have a specialist class at the end of the day) will bring the students to the Prep lineup area. Please ensure you are waiting to collect the students from this point and not from inside the hallway or at their classroom doors. 

After collection, you are more than welcome to walk back through the halls so the students can share with you their work on display in the hallways.

If you're arriving at school near the final bell time, please still walk around the lineup area and not through the hall to ensure the corridors are safe. 

We will wait with the students until they are collected. If you are running late, please call the office to notify us so we can relay this message to your child and ensure they do not worry. 

Upcoming Calendar Events

Prep Picnic - Thursday 19th February

Parent Teacher Interviews - Tuesday 24th February 

Harmony Week - 16th - 20th March 

Colour Run - Thursday 19th March 

Block Party - Friday 20th March