Week 4 Term 2

Good afternoon all,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, the weather couldn't have been any better! We spent a bit of time in Margs on the mountain bike trails and I'm happy to report  that we all survived without any cuts and bruises!

I'm so happy to have the class back together again and now that we are all back, there will be a significant focus on developing those efficient learning routines and organisational skills again.

Recently, the children have been quite social due to their lack of interactions with each other during home learning. I feel that it is now time to readjust and establish responsibility for their actions in and out of the classroom.

WEEK 2/3 LEARNING 

ENGLISH

We have started the term studying the features and structure of Informative texts. Our plan is to write an information report, biography and explanation by then end of term.  

Last week in particular we focused on paragraph structure and how to construct a detailed paragraph using the four rules:

1. Topic Sentence - introduces the topic of the paragraph

2. State the facts

3. Elaborate and explain the facts further - provides evidence and examples

4. Concluding sentence which summarises the topic and makes a link to the next paragraph

The students have written many great examples, ask them to bring home their writing book for a look!

MATHS

Over the past 3 weeks we have placed a focus on Measurement: in particular converting between units, finding the lengths, perimeters and areas of regular and composite shapes. In addition, the students have learnt what a formula is and how to apply them. Interestingly we have found the students have found it challenging to find the area of a shape when having to multiply decimals together. 

This week we end this unit and begin to work on fractions, decimals and percentages. An assessment will take place on Wednesday 20th May to assess what they've learnt. Tomorrow we will complete a review session together and a review worksheet will be sent home for them to complete in preparation for the test the next day.

RELIGION

Even though all sacraments have been cancelled at this stage, we have began the unit on Confirmation identifying the key elements of this sacrament. So far we have studied the significance of the Pentecost Story, recognizing this was when the apostles received the Gift of the Holy Spirit for the first time to teach others how to live and act like Jesus.

This week the students will need to select a saint who's life and actions inspire them. They will study this saint and complete a writing piece and craft project in the coming weeks.

SCIENCE/STEM

This term we are studying Earth Sciences which focuses on the geological effects of natural disasters. We are currently studying a variety of natural disasters and I have been able to link it into our writing topic. Once the core learning has taken place, we have two STEM projects to carryout, the first being that they have to create an advertisement for the government on iMovie that educates others on how to prepare and act for a certain severe weather event. We began the planning for this last Friday and the students will continue this every Friday for the remainder of the term.

WEEK 4 REMINDERS

LEARNING GRIDS

Even though everyone is back at school, I am going to continue to put the Learning Grids onto OneNote for you and your child to refer back to at anytime. I have heard that parents are feeling more connected when they know what their child is learning in the classroom. So if you ever want to see what we are learning, you will always find it in their 'Learning Grids' folder in OneNote. 

HOMEWORK

Homework is currently on hold, however the regular Homework Learning Grid will begin again in Week 5.

This week I would like the students to carryout some research for their STEM task. This is due on Friday 22nd May. I ask that you please check in with them once or twice throughout the week to see if they have made a start on this.

They are also expected to read every night and note this into their diary. Diaries MUST be signed by you at the end of the week, to acknowledge that your child has complete the homework for this week.



DROP OFF AND PICK UPS
Unfortunately we still have been directed by the Western Australian Government that parents are not allowed on school ground. As directed by Admin via text last week, all parents must ONLY use pick up lane on Cape Naturaliste Drive (top car park) or via pick up on Sloan Drive. I know there was some confusion last week as it only changed on Thursday but please DO NOT drive in, park, then get out of your car to get your child from the pick up area. This would really help us as we can keep an eye on the children and make sure they stay safe away from cars driving in and out. We really appreciate your support with this.



MERIT AWARDS
Merit Awards will begin this week and as we are not allowed to have school assemblies, Mr. Lee and Mr. Torrese will be coming around to each of the classes to present the merit awards. I will be recording the presentation and popping it onto the blog later this week.


Have a great week everyone, please contact us if you have any questions.



Mrs Ricciardone & Mrs Martin