Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members,
As we approach the end of Term 2, this will be our final newsletter for Semester One. The term has flown by, and there has been so much to learn and celebrate. Some highlights from the term include:
This week we have spent many of our lessons consolidating our understandings and embedding concepts. In Reading, we have continued to learn more about Aboriginal Dreaming stories, in particular – Why Koala has a stumpy tail.
Students have shown wonderful enthusiasm while listening to these stories! In Writing, students are describing, describing and describing to consolidate their understanding of adjectives. During Maths, we are counting by 10s using manipulatives while consolidating the understanding of 10 ones make 1 ten.
I know we are all looking forward to a break – only one more week to go!
As the weather has cooled off significantly, please ensure your child brings a jumper or jacket each day so they can enjoy outdoor playtimes comfortably. Staying warm helps us stay active and ready to learn!
Despite the chill in the air, our classroom is full of energy and enthusiasm. In our literacy learning, we’ve continued our adventures with the wonderful stories of Julia Donaldson. This week, we’ve enjoyed Superworm, Tabby McTat, and The Snail and the Whale, using these texts to explore exciting vocabulary and learning how to use the subordinating conjunction “if” in our own writing!
The focus in our Knowledge lessons, has been learning all about book reviews—what they are, why they matter, and how we can write one ourselves.
In Mathematics, we’re building fluency and confidence with number facts and comparing numbers. One of the week’s highlights has been our daily Maths Fluency Challenge—the students absolutely love it!
BUT.....the highlight this week was definitely our visit to the Ballarat Library, where Tam (our librarian) read us a story (Thanks Tam!). Students then were able to borrow two books each to add to our classroom library!
Grade 1's and 2's on Tuesday had a visit to the Ballarat Library, linking to their knowledge unit on Australian Literature. Upon arrival we were greeted by Tam the Librarian and taken to the kids’ section where she read to us The Smartest Giant in Town.
It was wonderful to listen to another Julia Donaldson book and have the opportunity to explore the local library. Students received their own library cards to keep and borrowed books to create a classroom library. It was a wonderful experience for all!
This week in the 3/4 room we have been writing a type of poem called a ‘Haiku’. These poems have only three lines to them, do not need to rhyme and have a 5-7-5 syllable structure. Here are some of our fine poems:
Loud and scary bombs, Soldiers hiding in trenches, Hope to stay alive - Dawn
Pretty red flower, Poppies grow where brave men stood, Wear to remember - Mia
Cannons were heavy, The bombs were triggered inside, Hoping to win war - Evalyn
This fortnight in Grade 5/6 we have been writing poetry about WWII. Here are just two fabulous examples of a couplet poem.
Mateship
The war was very loud,
The soldiers made their family proud.
The soldiers fought for peace,
They missed their nephews and niece.
The ground was muddy,
Soldiers helped their buddy.
The war came to an end,
The soldiers were with their friend.
The soldiers were with their friend,
Until the very end.
By A.S
If There was Another War.
Thank god there is no more war,
We better be sure there won’t be any more.
If there was, food would be sought,
Many people would be distraught.
Many people were caught in the strife,
Men on the front lines lost their life.
It was horrible and gory,
Thank goodness this is only a story!
By Tom
News in Sport:
Week 8 saw a visit from 3 players from the AFLW Bulldogs – Louise Stephenson, Kaylee Kimber and Naomi Ferres. The players met with Year 3-6 students and talked to students about their career as a professional footballer and students had the opportunity to ask them questions. Students then headed onto the oval for a ‘kick to kick’ with the players who passed on skill tips.
Students from Grades 1-6 participated in a football coaching clinic on Wednesday the 25 June. The clinic was run by George Beasley Development Officer for the Western Bulldogs. Students braved all the elements – rain, sleet and nearly snow while learning to kick, handball as well as developing their reaction time.
In the Art Room:
Students have commenced their weaving projects this week. Grade 1/2 have practiced weaving colour paper and are now working on a magic carpet using fabric.
Grade 3/4 have completed several smaller projects including a ‘Gods Eye’, Dream Catcher and Macrame leaves. Grade 5/6 have commenced weaving on a carboard loom to create a Monster. Student artwork is regularly displayed throughout the school for viewing.
BREAKFAST CLUB RULES:
Happy Birthday to the students who will celebrate their birthday over the holidays.
