Learning & Teaching
Literacy News
We have begun the year with a strong focus on READING. At planning sessions, teachers are discussing, planning and working together to put into practice the best strategies for improving reading and comprehension.
Our mantra is READING IS THINKING.
Look for this banner in every classroom and working space throughout the school.
Reading comprehension skills increase the pleasure and effectiveness of reading. Comprehension skills help in all subject areas at school.
At home, you can assist in the development of your child’s comprehension when reading by asking key comprehension questions while reading.
Here are a few ideas:
Before Starting
-Look at the Cover & Title. What do you think this book will be about?
-Do you know anything about this topic?
-What types of characters do you think will be in the story?
During
Stop periodically (every paragraph or page) and ask:
-"Who?"
-"What just happened?"
-"Where?"
At key points, you can also ask "How did it happen?" and "Why did it happen?"
As you progress through the story, make sure that your child is holding on to the story by asking "What has happened so far?"
After: Check to see if your child understood the text by asking
-“What was the main message in the story/text?”
-“Tell me the story in your own words”
“What were the most important events in the story?”
Literacy Leader
Sue Slavin
Maths News
Dear Parents,
I would like to keep you informed of the topics each year level will be completing during Term 1.
Foundation | 1/2 | 3/4 | 5/6 |
Number Identification
Counting
2D Shapes
Collecting & Using Data | Skip counting/Counting
Measurement
Number
Place Value
Money | 2D shapes and 3D subject
Number and Algebra
Number Patterns
Place Value | Number and Algebra
2D shapes and 3D subject
Number and Place Value |
This week I would like to bring your attention to an absolutely fantastic website.
The Mathematical Workshop.
http://www.mathematicshed.com/warm-up-shed.html
This site provides excellent activities covering many different Mathematical concepts.
They are sorted into ‘Sheds’.
The Sheds are very beneficial if you know that your child is struggling with a concept, plus they are very fun!
I hope you find this site as good as I do.
Numeracy Leader
Bernie Turner.
Yalada
House Spirit Afternoon - Foundation Students
On Thursday afternoons the Year 6 students have time with their buddies in Foundation, however, this week was a little different. This week it was run by the Year 6 House Spirit Leaders.
Conroy - Alex S, Tabitha P, Stephanie H
Shepherd - Tex A, Caleb W, Briana O
Thornell - Eddie B, Lola S, Flynn S
Sage - Abi G, Scarlett M, Christian H
The students introduced themselves and their houses to the Foundation students showing them what house they will be in for the rest of their time at St Brendan’s. They created keyrings, organised games and showed some real house spirit.
I’d like to thank the House Spirit Leaders for running the afternoon, the remaining Year 6 students for being so supportive and the Foundation students for giving everything a go!
Student Representative Council
On Monday, the SRC students from Foundation to Year Six met for the first time. We discussed what the role of an SRC was and how they will be utilised in our school.
We also discussed the fundraisers and initiatives that the students are going to be running within the school. We are hoping to meet each Thursday to plan and implement the different items, we will keep you posted with what these are!
Students are seen working collaboratively with each other, across the various year levels.
Isea Icare Ambassadors and Gardening Group Leaders
This year I had many applications for the isea icare program. Reading through the letters given to me, gave me a wonderful insight into the thinking and passions of many of our children. We had many many worthy applicants and it was quite difficult to choose this year's ambassadors. When I announced to the children who would be a part of this group I was extremely pleased that the children who missed out were happy for their friends and congratulated them.
I would like to announce the isea icare Ambassadors for 2020.
Darcey W
Sarah C
Jed G
Mathues P
Abbie B
Maddy M
Leela M
Noah D
Emmerson P
Chanelle D
Jorja S
Our Gardening Group Leaders for 2020 are
Lailah D
Brianna O
Tex A
Abbie G
Anni O’B
Stephanie H
Rhiley M
Library News
Book Fair
Private Instrumental Music Lessons at St Brendan's
Please click on the link if you are interested in undertaking private instrumental music lessons at St Brendan's on at Tuesday or Wednesday after school. - https://forms.gle/R6bDdR1UBhjb3mf37