Week 3 Term 1

Good afternoon all,

Where did that weekend go? I am sitting in disbelief that it is Sunday afternoon, and we are about to begin Week 3 of Term 1! Let's hope this year slows down at some point!

CLASSROOM

Last week we completed some key activities that helped launch us into our Persuasive writing genre. As a class, we are learning a model text called 'Pet Sloths at School is a Must', through the use of genre mapping. This is where we map out (see pic below) the text using symbols and actions, allowing the students to learn the text autonomously. Thus when analysing this and other persuasive texts,  it will be easier for us to draw back to the key features, such as time connectives and rhetorical questions, within the model text.

Spelling is now in full swing! Testing has been completed and groups have been set. In class we are explicitly learning our spelling rules in small groups each week and then practicing these words through word sorts, games and activities from the Homework grid. This is to familiarise the students with some of the unknown activities. Once swimming is completed, we will begin to incorporate Reading Groups into our Literacy session.

In History, we have started to learn about Australia's first people, in particular, the oldest archaeological sites that still exist. We will learn more about the people who lived at these sites and the significance of their rock paintings.

HOMEWORK 
As you are aware homework began last week, and after checking it on Friday evening I saw many students had not completed the required items in full. I do ask, that if the students are unable to complete their homework for the week, that you send a note or email to inform me. This will be clarified further at Tuesday's Parent Information Evening, where I will go through expectations.

WEEK 3 -

1. Reading - 10 minutes each night. Students are to use a home/library book for this week and complete the appropriate section of their Reading Log after their reading. The book is to be a chapter book. We ask that you initial the Reading Log each night.

2. Mental Maths - Think Mentals 4 Student Book, Week2: students are to complete a column each night. These will be marked the next day in class, so we are able to discuss the more challenging concepts.

3. Spelling - Complete LOOK, SAY, COVER, WRITE, CHECK with their given spelling words. They are to also complete one spelling activity into their homework book from the spelling grid (Please remind the students to colour the grid once they have completed an activity).

Everything they need will be glued into their Homework book tomorrow morning.

NOTICES

PARENT INFORMATION EVENINGAs you are aware our Parent Information Evening is on Tuesday 13th February, starting in the Hall at 6pm and preceding in our classroom at 6.30pm. I look forward to seeing you all then:) If you are unable to make it, I will post the Power Point and Handout Notes on the blog for you to access. Please see me if you have any questions.

iPad’s

iPads are available for collection tomorrow, have you booked a time with Mrs Johnson? The students are required to bring their iPads to class on Wednesday 14th February.

ASH WEDNESDAY MASSThis Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and there will be Mass at 9am in the hall.

SWIMMING

Just a reminder that our swimming lessons finish on Wednesday 14th February. Thank you for ensuring the students have had everything they needed each day! Our first two days of swimming ran very smoothly, lets hope this continues! 

COVERING OF BOOKS

Just a reminder that all books are to be covered by Monday 19th February.

Thank you for being so friendly and welcoming, I have had a great start to teaching at OLC and look forward to the year ahead!

Sandy Ricciardone