Around The Primary

Dear Parents

I hope that you all had a peaceful Easter long weekend with your families. Even though we only have five days left until the end of the term, it is important that children arrive at school on time and ready for the busy days of learning.

Thank you to all of the parents that have already come along to a Parent/Teacher interview. These interviews are an important part of the reporting process and a great opportunity to celebrate the wonderful learning that is happening here at John XXIII. All staff have been so positive about the interviews this week – thank you most sincerely for arriving on time and for the wonderful way you have engaged with the teachers.

The Year 5’s have thoroughly enjoyed the ‘roar and snore’ Zoo camps. I hope you enjoy reading about 5B’s overnight experience at the Zoo. More updates from 5G will follow next week.

We look forward to seeing many parents at our Year 2G Assembly next Friday 13 April.

Kind regards

Antoinette De Pinto

Head of Primary

EMU

What is EMU?

EMU (Extending Mathematical Understanding) is an intervention program offered in our Primary school for children in Year One who have been identified as experiencing difficulties grasping mathematical concepts. By the age of six, some children have already lost confidence and belief in themselves as learners of mathematics and may not experience success during their Numeracy lessons.

The philosophy underpinning the Extending Mathematical Understanding approach is that all children can learn successfully given time and opportunities to engage in high quality mathematics programs that are designed to meet their particular needs (Gervasoni & Lindenskov, 2011).

Therefore, children who take part in this program get the opportunity to be part of a small group of three with a specialist teacher who tailors the lessons to their individual needs. It aims to boost the child’s learning so they thrive in the classroom environment as well as build a positive attitude towards mathematics.

Children who take part in the EMU program are withdrawn from their class to attend four 30 minute sessions a week. After 20 weeks, the children are assessed and either continue the program for another 20 weeks or are transitioned back into the classroom.

Mrs Gardner and Miss Joyce have completed the specialist EMU training and are successfully running this intervention program with selected students.

Year 6 Basketball Lightning Carnival

Last Wednesday our two Year Six teams participated in the IPSHA Basketball Lightning Carnival at Willetton Basketball Stadium. The focus of the day was on participation and fun for the students. There was no winning school but our girls team and boys team both played very well against the seven other IPSHA schools. Congratulations to all our competitors, we were very proud of their effort and sportsmanship throughout the day.

Special thanks to all parents who came along to support our basketballers and a big thank you to Ms O’Donnell for coaching the girls’ team on the day.

John Alderman

Primary Sports Coordinator

Dates to Remember

Monday 9 April                 Primary Interviews continue

Friday 13 April                  2G Assembly Roncalli Hall (9am)

                                                    Term 1 Ends