Foundation News

Foundation Students Learn About The Church

During the past couple of weeks, students in Foundation have been learning about the church and the artefacts, signs and symbols associated with it. Although we have not had the opportunity to attend Mass or celebratory events in our St Raphael's Church this year, students have been given the opportunity to view online images of significant and distinctive features of the church. These include the Baptismal Font, the Tabernacle and the Altar. It has been pleasing to see the children engage in discussion, ask inquisitive questions and make connections by identifying these religious items in churches they have visited. The children have learnt to recite 'The Our Father' and demonstrate reverent behaviour when praying and when talking about God.

This week, we look forward to viewing Deacon James' virtual tour where he will highlight religious artefacts inside Raphael's Church. 

We invite you to peruse through the photos to see the signs, symbols and artefacts that students identify in the church.

'Bobbie Dazzlers' in Foundation!

Our shared book this week is 'Bobbie Dazzler', written by our focus author Margaret Wild. Bobbie Dazzler is one remarkable kangaroo who can do many things. We think the Foundation students are 'Bobbie Dazzlers' too! The students composed mini books about themselves and showcased all the things they can do. Take a look at some of the 'dazzling' pages from the books that have been written.

Mathematics

Over the past few weeks, students in Foundation have been learning about subtraction. Just like with addition, students are given ample opportunity to practise using everyday language (such as 'take away' (for -) and 'is the same as' ( for =)), use materials and solve real life action stories. Signs and symbols such as - and = are not introduced until the concept of subtraction is secure. 

It is imperative when subtraction is first introduced, that a developmental sequence is followed. This ensures students' conceptual understandings develop and confusions do not arise. If abstract terms and symbols such as 'minus' and 'equals' are prematurely introduced, confusion can occur and difficulties may arise in future years.  

If you would like to practise the concept of subtraction at home, we encourage you to present some real life examples for your child to solve using real objects and every day language. 

E.g: Example One: We have 10 forks in the drawer. If we put 6 of them on the table how many are left in the drawer?

Example Two: We have some forks in the drawer. If we put 6 of them on the table and there are 4 left in the drawer, how many forks did we start off with?

It is also important for students to relate subtraction to addition and become familiar with fact families. 

E.g: 10 take away 4 is 6

        10 take away 6 is 4

         6 and 4 is 10

         4 and 6 is 10

Students use ten frames to solve action stories and to help them compare and identify missing parts. They have learnt to place counters from the top down and take away from the bottom up. This encourages students to recognise amounts immediately and it also introduces skills for future learning.

Week 6 & 7 Timetable

Open the attachment to find out what is happening in the next 2 weeks.

Week 6 & 7 Learning Intentions

Open the attachment to find out what students will be learning this week.

Important Dates

Wednesday 11th November - Remembrance Day (9.30am Zoom Mass)

Friday 13th November - Whole School Assembly (Zoom) 12pm

Wednesday 18th November - School Photo Day (Foundation to wear full school uniform)

Staff Contacts

Lorraine Uzunovski   uzul@srprestonwest.catholic.edu.au

Jackie Moloney          jmoloney@srprestonwest.catholic.edu.au

Melanie Pizzonia       mpizzonia@srprestonwest.catholic.edu.au

Please note, we will respond to emails Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8am- 5pm in here