Inquiry Centre

Curriculum 

What a busy week we have had in Year 1/2! In Reading we focused on making summaries of a text. We used the acronym ‘SWBST’ - Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then’ to help us identify the main ideas of the story. In the story ‘Farmer Duck’ we came up with the summary, ‘Farmer Duck wanted a rest, but the farmer was lazy and did no work. So the animals chased him away, then they all worked together to look after the farm’. Summarising with ‘SWBST’ acronym might be a good thing to practise with your take home book at night!

In Writing we completed a Big Write around the topic ‘Running’. We had a variety of interesting and different ideas, from running away from somebody, running to catch the bus to running in a race! After several weeks of learning about planning for success, sizzling starts and exciting endings, we have been getting better and better at making our writing more interesting and exciting. We have also routinely spent time editing our writing, highlighting our VCOP and recently, publishing our work by typing it up on the iPad or writing a good copy. All the students can be very proud of their work!

We focused on place value in Mathematics last week. We played many fluency games to help consolidate our understanding of the relationship between ones, tens, hundreds and beyond. We also spent some time solving practical problems such as ‘If I have eight coins, how much money do I have?’ These open-ended problems have more than one correct answer, and more than one way to solve them. It was also great practice for Pleasant Snacks on Friday.

We also had a few special events last week. We enjoyed our Three Way Conferences between parents, teachers and students this week. Thank you to parents for taking the time to visit us in the classroom and chat about the wonderful start to the year we have had. On Thursday the Year One students enjoyed lunch with their buddies. It is lovely to see their friendships with the senior school students continue to grow, as they keep their buddy from Foundation into Year One. On Friday it was Harmony Day, and students came to school dressed in clothes from their nationality or culture, or from the colours of the flags from their origin, whether it is Australia or overseas. Students shared about where they come from, and we read a range of literature about how all are welcome in our school and country.

Premier’s Reading Challenge has started, and passwords have been sent back in yellow log books. Students can log onto website and record the books they read over the next few months. We are hoping that every student can read thirty books over the course of the challenge. Next week is Planning Week, and 1/2 Planning Day is on Tuesday. This means teachers will be out of the classroom, and students will have all their specialist classes on that day.

We have been working very hard on our Guided Inquiry showcase, creating a piece of art that highlights all the unique things about our identity. The whole school Guided Inquiry showcase will be held outdoors on Wednesday, 6th April at 2.30PM. 

We hope you had a wonderful weekend! 

Miss Glen, Mrs Martin, Miss Molloy, Mrs Seadon, Mr Shaw, Mrs Sutherland and Mrs Tang

Student Voice

• Rebekah L - "My favourite thing to do this week was Writing, because it’s fun and I get to practise my handwriting."
• Jayden L - "I love Listening Post because I like listening to audiobooks."

Reminders

• Premier’s Reading Challenge is starting - passwords have been sent home in orange folders or log books. Please enter all the books you are reading on the website.
• 1/2 Planning Day is on the 29th of March. Teachers will be out of the classroom and students will have all their Specialist lessons on this day.
• Guided Inquiry Showcase - 2.30PM on Wednesday, 6th of April. Come and see the work we have been doing around the topic of ‘Identity’!

Pupil of the Week

1/2ET: Lauren Z - 

For demonstrating teamwork during our Maths problem solving task. You and your partner experimented with different methods to sort the numbers from different languages. Keep up the fantastic work Lauren!

1/2G: Jarrod L - 

For demonstrating leadership and kindness when helping your peers edit their work. It was great to use your knowledge of codes and sharing your creative ideas. Keep up the outstanding work, Jarrod!

1/2K:  Anisha S - 

For your impressive writing this week. You worked hard in each stage of the writing process to publish your detailed story about the colours in the sky. Amazing, Anisha

1/2M: Neve M - 

For your fantastic Writing this week. You worked so hard to plan, draft and edit your writing and created an outstanding story that was a pleasure to read. I am waiting for the sequel already. Amazing work Neve! 

1/2SS: Anoshka - 

For always bringing a positive attitude and plenty of Zest to our class. You always have a go at tasks and persevere when things get challenging. Well done on listening to feedback and trying hard  to improve your handwriting. Amazing Anoshka!