Preps

Hi families,

Welcome back to Term 2! We are so impressed at how well the Preps have transitioned back into school. During Term 2 we are really focusing on the school disposition of Independence. The children need to be walking into class independently and unpacking their own belongings to get ready for the day.

In Literacy, we have been focussing on reading and writing sight words. We have been looking at the text ‘My Cat Maisie’ and other texts by the author Pamela Allen. We have also started looking at syllables. The Preps had a go at counting the number of syllables in their names and the names of different characters from texts.

In Maths, we have started our new Addition unit. We have been learning how to use concrete materials to add simple numbers together. They preps have enjoyed working in small groups to investigate addition problems.

In Religion, we have been learning about the events that occurred after Easter. We have reflected on the story of Jesus’ resurrection and practised retelling this event.

In Inquiry, we have been continuing to our learning about ‘Healthy Bodies and Healthy Minds’. The preps have enjoyed looking through food catalogues and finding foods that belong to different food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy).

Have a lovely week,

Hayley and Amanda

Middles

Hi families,

Welcome to Term 2! We hope you had a restful break and a wonderful Easter and are excited about all Term 2 has to offer.

In Inquiry we have been working hard finishing off our ‘personalising’ stage of learning. We are

looking forward to showing off our work at our 3/4 Expo this Friday 3rd May which will run from 2:45-3:15pm in the Hall. All are welcome to attend the Expo and we would love to see as many people there as possible. Next week we will be commencing our new Inquiry Unit ‘We have Landed’. This unit will focus on Australian history including Aboriginal culture, local government and explorers. We are very excited for our excursion to the Melbourne Museum and Captain Cook’s Cottage next Monday and thank you to those who have already returned their permission forms.

In Literacy, we have been learning about the structure of a narrative. We have discussed settings and characters and how to make sure our writing is engaging for readers. We have been working hard on including interesting adjectives in our writing and identifying these in texts.

In Maths, we have begun our unit on Time. We have focussed on ways we can tell time and have looked closely at using calendars and dates. We will also be focussing on addition and subtraction and using this in real life situations. It has been fantastic to have Ms Sally work with us most Friday’s on Design and Technology and introduce us to a range of programs and resources to support our learning in all areas, particularly Mathematics.

Lastly, in Religion we are concluding our Easter Unit and are ready to begin our next focus on New Testament stories and scripture. We enjoyed coming together last week to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus through our Liturgy of Light.

Have a lovely weekend,

Jarrod, Tania, Carla, Vicki and Sophia

Seniors

In Inquiry the students have finished off our unit of work ‘Being a Tween’. Students presented their apps, which they designed last term, to their peers, teachers and Minister of Health (Mr Mullavey). Overall students did a good job of presenting their learning in a practical application. Ask your child about their app and what they learnt during their research. We are now beginning the Immersion phase of our new unit, ‘Our Hidden Story’, which will include Canberra Camp. We are very excited about camp and the opportunities it holds for the students.

In Mathematics the students have started the Term with a unit on Addition and Subtraction. Students will be exploring the connection between addition and subtraction, using estimation as a skill to solve equations and using efficient mental and written strategies to solve addition and subtraction problems. Using Mathematics in daily life with your child helps them to see the purpose of what they are learning in school and allows them to show you what they know.

Inter-school sport commences this Friday against Fairfield Primary School. The children will be eating their lunches early and departing by bus at 12:55pm. The Football Team will be playing on Parkside’s Football ground and the Soccer Team will be playing at Fairfield Primary School on a synthetic surface. Hence soccer will not need or be permitted to wear soccer boots this week only. Runners will be required instead. Netball and Newcombe Ball teams will also be at Fairfield Primary school. The games commence at 1:30pm and finish at 3:00pm where we then return to school for normal dismissal. Football jumpers and soccer tops have been given out already and will need to be brought back to school on Friday to wear. Anyone who was away will get their jumper this Friday.

Have a great week,

Stephen, Anne-Marie, Stephanie and Sally

Juniors

Hello Families,

Welcome back to Term 2. We hope you had a great Easter break and have come back as refreshed as we have.

In English, we continue to work on poems, with a focus on rhyming words. We are talking about how words that rhyme have the same sound ending. If you have any rhyming books at home, e.g Dr Seuss or Julia Donaldson books, have a read and investigate the rhyming words.

In Religion we have assessed the children on their knowledge of the Easter story, and are beginning to investigate the appearances of Jesus after his resurrection. The children have expressed many questions surrounding the events of Easter, and have invited Father Shabin to join us in a Q&A session next week to discuss.

We are very excited to be going to Scienceworks next Thursday for the immersion of our Science unit, ‘May the force be with you’. This will include an interactive show which investigates the actions of forces in the workings of different toys. All students are required to wear their sports uniform and must be in their homerooms by 8:40am. Thank you for the amazing offers of parent help at the excursion. Unfortunately we cannot take everyone - your class teacher will let you know as soon as possible if we require your help this time.

In Maths, we are continuing our unit on TIME with emphasis on clocks and duration - seconds, minutes and hours. Please do some incidental time related activities at home with your child, e.g. cooking, duration of television programs, time of different events such as bedtime and when extra curricular activities begin/finish.

Have a great week,

Naomi, Tracey, Julia, Renee, Bethany and Jason

St Mary's School

Issue 6 · 02 May 2019

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