Stage 2
A message from Stage 2
Welcome to Term 3! What an exciting way to begin the term with a Stage 2 camp to Dorrigo and Coffs Harbour. The students are very excited and slightly nervous about their first overnight excursion, but we are going to have the best time. We look forward to showing you all the fun we had in our next newsletter. Thank you to all the parents for putting your trust in us to take care of your children.
English
In English we are learning to:
- understand the purpose of informative texts
- understand the difference between fact and opinion
- identify the intended audience and features in a variety of informative texts
- identify the structure and features of information reports
- identify the main idea in a paragraph
- write a descriptive paragraph in an informative text including a topic sentence
Maths
During Weeks 1-5 of this term, students will be looking at a number of focus areas in mathematics including 2D space, 3D space, volume and capacity, chance, and length. These units of work will involve a number of hands-on activities as students measure, estimate, and conduct experiments.
Integrated Studies
In our integrated studies unit, we are learning about how living things depend on each other and the environment to survive. Students are looking at the impact we have on the environment and who is responsible for looking after it. They will also research information on endangered animals, to assist them in creating a pamphlet or poster. This information will assist them to present a spoken presentation to the class.
Stage 2 Sport
This term, during stage sport, students will be learning a number of traditional and contemporary dances. This unit focuses on rhythm, coordination, gross motor skills, and creativity. The wonderful Mrs Farmer will be teaching dances from her repertoire and experience.
Stationary Reminders
As we have been working so hard this year, please replenish your child’s stationary including pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and whiteboard markers.
Screen Time
We have noticed over the past few years that student engagement in online gaming and extended periods of screen time begins to increase in Stage 2, often establishing habits and behavioural patterns that continue to impact upon learning and social development into high school. Research suggests that excessive screen time, (more than 2 hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day for 5–17 year olds) is likely to lead to unhealthy outcomes in the short and longer term. Screen time may have negative effects on weight and diet, and while electronic gaming may support skills in stress management, it can have negative impacts on behaviour, self-esteem, anxiety, hyperactivity and attention span.
Please be mindful of the screen time habits your child is establishing and ensure that there is a balance of activities they are able to access after school and on the weekends. The articles below contain further ideas and support for managing screen time.
https://aifs.gov.au/resources/short-articles/too-much-time-screens
Amanda Swain, Susan Lye, Lauren Corby, Lyn Burgess, Ben Laurie, Sarah Farmer and Elliot Chapman
Stage 2 Teachers