Another busy term finished! It has been pleasing to see improvement for all students across different subject areas. We still have a lot of content and skills to cover next semester but it is a good motivation to see how far we have already come. To continue seeing improvement and growth in your child, it’s important to be completing the homework tasks. These tasks help consolidate skills and commit them to long term memory. Reading everyday has benefits for people of all ages but even more so for children still at school. Children are going through a time period where they are going through a lot of growth physically, emotionally and academically. To keep up with their classmates and state reading averages, regular practise is key. I have modified the reading program in the classroom and will continue to make changes as I discover what helps the students best. At the moment, the students are reading in their reading lesson and for about 15 minutes after lunch. We need your help and commitment by spending 20 minutes a night listening to your child read. Together, we can help your child succeed.

In the last fortnight, nearly three quarters of the class has been present every single day. This is great to see, especially around reporting time and to help the students succeed. Next term, I am hoping to have a full class every day!

We are continuing to work on poems in writing. The students have been learning about different poetic devices like alliteration, rhyme and rhythm. This week the students made poems using alliteration starting with the first letter of their name.

In maths, we have been working on developing our reasoning when solving problems. This is an important skill for a couple of reasons. This allows me to see how the child works out the problem and if the answer is incorrect, I can normally see where the error is in their explanation. It is also an important skill because it is transferable to other subject areas. A student who knows how to explain and justify an answer in maths may also find it easier to justify opinions in persuasive texts.

One last piece of housekeeping. The students have been working very hard in maths and have filled nearly two maths books! Next term, please send your child with another two grid books for maths. Please also check with your child if they need any more stationery items or headphones replacing. We would appreciate any boxes of tissues as well, especially with all the runny noses about.

Thank you for your support this semester and please feel free to contact me about any concerns you have with your child or their report card. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Miss Briody