Middle School News

Middle school is aiming high!

We are well into term 1 now! Our classroom routines have been set up, our goals have been made and our expectations are being aimed high. Our middle school students have been looking at how they can be 5 star learners by setting a range of different goals and aiming high to meet them. It has been great to see the students actively using a range of strategies to work towards their personal goals, not only that, they have been looking at what collaboration means and how, when done correctly it can help to extend their thinking. We are looking forward to continuing to achieve goals and set new ones so that everyday we are aiming to be the best that we can be. 

Writing

This year, we have introduced a new writing approach. Our writing sessions are highly student directed, giving them the opportunity to embrace a range of different ideas and text types. Our writer's notebook is now being used for seeds. The seeds are little ideas that can be grown into big ideas and into a range of different writing pieces. Over the past two weeks the middle students have been creating a range of seeds in their writer's notebooks. Some of these seeds include: Going outside and writing down things we see, hear and smell, a blank plane ticket that could take them anywhere and reflecting on their most favourite toy. It will be great to see these writer's notebooks grow throughout the year. 

Maths

This week in Mathematics we have been focusing on shape. In particular, we have had a large focus on finding the area of basic 2D shapes. We have explored different ways in which we could find the area of a shape and have decided that length x width is probably the easiest. We gave the students a challenge, we wanted to have a go at working out the area of the down ball wall outside. We worked as a team to come up with a possible answer and then the students had a go at organising their own down ball wall in their books with an area of their choice. Next week we are going to continue looking at a range of shapes and their properties. 

Homework

We have had a few questions in regards to middle school homework. We do apologise for any confusion that has been caused. 

Each week the homework expectation is:

-30 minutes of home reading daily

-Using essential assessments: Uncompleted My Numeracy Activities and Sunset Maths 2-3 times a week

-Spelling Words

-Students will also receive a writing task (not this week).

Home work books need to be brought back to school every Wednesday ready for Thursday. 

Any questions in regards to homework, please see your classroom teacher.

Camp Update

All camp payment forms have now been sent home. The remaining balance is due by Wednesday 13th March. In the next week medical forms will be sent home and will need to be returned as soon as possible. More details, including camp lists will come home in the next two weeks. 

If you have any questions, feel free to get in contact with Miss May. 

Important Dates

Monday 4th March - Labor Day Public Holiday

Friday 15th March - National Day Against Bullying

Tuesday 19th March - Harmony Day Incursion

Wednesday 20th - 22nd March - Middle School Camp

Wednesday 20th March - Harmony Day

Thursday 28th March - Curriculum Day

Friday 29th March - Jump Disco

Wednesday 3rd April - School Photos

Friday 5th April - End of term