The K/1/2 students have all enjoyed a wonderful first term in 2021. All students have settled into school well and are enjoying all the educational experiences and opportunities on offer to them. It has been a busy but exciting term thus far, having participated in our school Swimming Carnival, Opening Mass, SwimSafe program, Book Fair, Cross Country, and St Joseph’s Feast Day, to list a few!

This term, Religious Education and History were studied together. The students focused on the various signs of faith evident in our school. The students then looked at seasons of growth and change, including examining an Aboriginal seasonal calendar, and the Church liturgical seasons, such as Lent. They explored the concept of change, discovering ways in which the past has made us into who we are and how and why society changes over time. This led to a visit to the local Grenfell Museum, where students were fascinated with objects from the past, and how these have changed. The students also explored Biblical stories, with a primary focus on Moses and his faith experiences.

In English this term, the students have commenced their respective InitiaLit programs. This is an evidence-based whole-class literacy program which provides all children with the essential core knowledge and strong foundations to become successful readers and writers over a period of time. The students are enjoying the lessons, as are the teachers! The students also focused on how to develop effective sentences, before turning their attention to both imaginary and persuasive texts.

This term, in Mathematics, the students have been learning about several concepts, including number, addition and subtraction, 3D objects, and area and length. At the beginning of the term, the students recorded addition and subtraction using drawings, words, numerals and mathematical symbols. They then used strategies to solve addition and subtraction problems i.e., the jump strategy, doubles, and near doubles, and counting back. They identified, named, manipulated and described three-dimensional objects, including cones, cubes, cylinders, spheres and prisms. The students also recognised the need for a formal unit to both measure and record lengths and areas.

In Creative Arts, the students have been learning about the styles and techniques used by many well-known artists, including Ken Done, Thomas Gainsborough and Joseph Stella. They were intrigued by the variety of styles evident. The students then had the opportunity to create artworks based on their own styles and preferences, thus creating their own artistic influence! Based on their resulting artworks, there could very well be another Claude Monet artist or two in our midst.

This term, in Personal Development and Health (PDH), the students learnt to recognise that everyone is unique and special. They measured and recorded their heights, foot lengths and eye colours, to determine similarities and differences between the students in our class. The students also became aware of ways in which people grow and change over time. We had a visit from Ms Martens, Eadie, and Harry, to ask questions about what babies and toddlers can and cannot do. The students also identified ways they have changed since they were born.

In Physical Education (PE), the students were taught a variety of gross motor skills necessary for controlled body movement and participation in basic games. They participated in activities aimed at developing their spatial awareness, body awareness, locomotor skills and hand eye coordination. The students then moved within defined areas using locomotor movements. They participated in a simple obstacle course. The students will also develop their ability to throw, catch and bounce balls. Both the SwimSafe program and school Cross Country event were great highlights for the students.

With the term fast drawing to a close, all of the students are very much looking forward to the upcoming Easter raffle. If you have not purchased any tickets yet, make sure you do, so as not to miss out on some of the wonderful Easter prizes on offer! Mrs King and Miss Schneider, along with all the K/1/2 students, would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very safe, happy and holy Easter!