Science

In Science we have been studying shadows and light. We learnt that shadows are caused by an opaque object that blocks the sunlight from reaching the ground. This then causes a black shadow. Translucent objects cannot create shadows because the light can pass through them like windows. 

We also learnt that shadows move and change shape. This is because the Earth is constantly spinning on its axis. Have a look at some of our shadow crafts. Next week we will be making sun dials to see how people used to tell the time using the sun.

The Importance of Home Reading

Dear Parents,

As students get older, home reading is still equally as important as when they were learning how to read in the early years of schooling. I would like to encourage you to revisit home reading with your child and ensure they are reading out loud daily with guidance and support. 

A research study on independent reading and young students by Nagy and Herman shows that simply reading for 20 minutes every day can significantly increase the chances of your child’s educational success in the future.

Learning to read is about listening and understanding as well as working out what’s printed on the page. Through hearing stories, children are exposed to a wide range of words. This helps them build their own vocabulary and improve their understanding when they listen, which is vital as they start to read. It’s important for them to understand how stories work too. Even if your child doesn’t understand every word, they’ll hear new sounds, words and phrases which they can then try out, copying what they have heard.

As children start to learn to read at school, you can play an important role in helping to keep them interested in books. Find out what interests them, help them to find books that will be engaging and fun, and spend time reading the books they bring home from school together.

For more information please go to https://www.pearson.com/uk/learners/primary-parents/learn-at-home/help-your-child-to-enjoy-reading/why-is-reading-so-important.html 

Thank you and happy reading!

Mrs Caris Szczepanik

Literacy Pro

This week we resat our Literacy Pro test to see if our reading has improved. We have loved doing Literacy Pro and earning many certificates. We have been working very hard on our comprehension skills this year with great success.

Mrs Szczepanik can’t believe that we have done nearly 1,000 quizzes and read nearly 700,000 words! 

Have a look at us completing our Literacy Pro test.

Homework - Week 3

Due to NAPLAN being held next week, students will not be receiving homework throughout Week 3 or spelling words. They will still be required to do home reading. If students would like some further practice over the week they can also log in to Study Ladder.

NAPLAN

Dear Parents,

As I am sure you're aware of by now, NAPLAN testing will be conducted next week. During this somewhat intense time for your child, there are a few things you can do to assist them at home. 

- In the mornings having a healthy, nutritious breakfast is also beneficial

- They need to be at school by the first siren at 8.30am so they are relaxed and can prepare for the test calmly as the tests are timetabled to start at 8.50am

- Encourage them to give it their absolute best

- Discuss any feeling and emotions they have coming up to and after the tests

Below is the NAPLAN timetable.

Tuesday 9th of May

8.50am Language Conventions

10.50am Writing

Wednesday 10th of May

8.50am Reading

Thursday 11th of May

8.50am Mathematics 

Catch up tests will be done on Friday, but please try and ensure your child is there to complete their assessment.

If I can assist you or your child in any way, please come and see me.

Thank you,

Caris Szczepanik

Term 2 Overview

I hope you and your family had a relaxing holiday and took the time to unwind from a busy term. This term our main focus will once again be on developing strong Literacy and Numeracy skills.

Below, I have broken down the key concepts that we will be focusing on this term for each Learning Area, to give you an understanding of what we will be doing throughout this term. As you can see, we are going to be very busy this term!

Maths:
- Addition and subtraction with regrouping
- Mental maths
- Multiplying and dividing 3 digit numbers
- Place value to 10 000
- 6 and 7 times tables
- 2D and 3D shapes
- Measuring length and converting measurements
- Money

Literacy:
- Procedure writing
- Report writing
- Homophones and homographs
- Using a variety of punctuation when writing
- Building vocabulary 
- Collective nouns
- Spelling rules and phonics sounds
- Reading comprehension

Science:
- We are going to continue to learn about the Solar System, light and shadows. We will be doing lots of investigations.
- Super Scientific Competition will be held again this term.
- Students will also have a speaking and listening project about the planets.

HASS:
Our focus this term is on Geography
- Naming the states and capitals of Australia
- Looking at regional centers of Australia
- Identifying major natural landmarks and features

If you have any queries please feel free to come and see me. I am looking forward to another fantastic term together!

Thank you for your ongoing support,
Mrs Caris Szczepanik