Term 4, Week 10 & 11

Junior School Newsletter

CONNECT WITH THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

What a wonderful way to finish off the year! Our Wellbeing Celebration at Kidspace was a huge success with the children using the skills they learned through our Play is the Way program to challenge themselves and work with their peers. Children waited patiently for their turn on a range of equipment including the exhilarating ‘Drop Slide’, worked co-operatively to fill the elevated ball basket before agreeing when to push the button to let the balls fall, challenged themselves to try something a little out of their comfort zone and played with LOTS of different friends.

Our celebration continued when we returned to school to ‘party’ in the Kids Café and outdoor area. Again the children showed exemplary manners and displayed their understanding of our school values. A huge thank you to everyone for providing a magnificent selection of food. So many happy faces and so many rather full tummies!! 

We formally farewelled Sue Grisdale today, and we wish her all the best on her new adventures at Westall Primary School where we know she will be able to improve the lives of children, just like she did here. Thank you Sue 💓

The Junior Team would like to thank everyone for your wonderful support throughout the year. We would also like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and relaxing holiday with your families.

Thank you.

Junior School Newsletter: Term 4, Weeks 8 & 9

Junior School Newsletter: Term 4, Weeks 8 & 9

CONNECT WITH THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

It is a magical time of year to be in the Junior School as the children are abuzz with Christmas excitement. The joy of the festive season has certainly arrived at MPPS and we have been busy putting up Christmas trees, making decorations and preparing for our Carols Night on December 15th.

We still have just over two weeks left of Term 4 and continue to work hard on our learning. Students have been creating some fantastic Christmas poetry with a focus on the five senses and also rhyming poems. In Maths we are working on addition and subtraction, with a focus on the strategies we use to complete these problems. Students have enjoyed our Unit of Inquiry, 'Yummy, Yummy in my Tummy' which is now coming to a conclusion so we are able to focus on Christmas celebrations for the final few weeks of term. 

We are looking forward to our end of year excursion to Kid's Space which is fast approaching. Please ensure that you have returned your child's permission slip and paid the excursion fee via Qkr or at the office. It is important that all students share this fun outing with their peers where they will be able to implement the various Wellbeing strategies they have learnt throughout the year.

 

                                      

IMPORTANT DATES & NOTICES

7th & 14th December - STOMP 

8th December - House sports

11th December - A-Thon

12th December - Parent Helpers Morning Tea (11:30AM)

13th December - Limelight Drama Concert. 1:30 - 2:30 Performing Arts Room

15th December  - Carols night (arrive 5pm for 5:30pm start)

18th December - Final Up Day (meet 2018 teachers)

20th December - Excursion to Kid Space

20th December - Class Parties

20th December - Reports come home

22nd December - Last day of term (1:30 finish)

Reminder: Please return the Essential Education and Voluntary Payments 2018 forms as soon as possible, thank you.  

IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL WE ARE LEARNING TO: (WALT)...

READING – WEEK 8

F: I can use the beginning of words to help me solve unknown words in texts.

1: I can use adjectives to describe a character.
I can use verbs to explain what a character is doing and adverbs to explain how they

did it.
2: I can use nouns to tell about characters, places and things in texts.

READING – WEEK 9

F: Use comprehension strategies to understand and discuss texts listened to, viewed or

read independently. (VCELY153)

1/2: Synthesise what we have read to improve our understanding and comprehension

of important parts within the text.

WRITING - WEEK 8

F: I can write words that rhyme.

1: I can write creatively.

2: I can write creatively through poetry.

WRITING - WEEK 9

F: Create short texts to explore, record and report ideas and events using familiar

words and beginning writing knowledge. (VCELY160)

1: Listen to, recite and perform poems, chants, rhymes and songs, imitating and

inventing sound patterns including alliteration and rhyme. (VCELT209)

2: Identify, reproduce and experiment with rhythmic, sound and word patterns in

poems, chants, rhymes and songs. (VCELT243)

MATHS – WEEK 8

F: Represent practical situations to model addition and subtraction.

1: Represent and solve simple addition and subtraction problems using a range

of strategies including counting on, partitioning and rearranging parts.

2: Explore the connection between addition and subtraction.

Solve simple addition and subtraction problems using a range of efficient

mental and written strategies.

Extension: Recognise and explain the connection between addition and subtraction. Recall addition facts for single-digit numbers and related subtraction facts to develop increasingly efficient mental strategies for computation.

MATHS – WEEK 9

F: Represent practical situations to model addition and subtraction.

1: Represent and solve simple addition and subtraction problems using a range of strategies including counting on, partitioning and rearranging parts.

2: Explore the connection between addition and subtraction. Solve simple addition and subtraction problems using a range of efficient mental and written strategies.

3: Recognise and explain the connection between addition and subtraction. Recall addition facts for single-digit numbers and related subtraction facts to develop increasingly efficient mental strategies for computation.

INQUIRY - YUMMY IN MY TUMMY - Week 8 & 9

Identifying and categorising a wide range of foods, including Aboriginal bush foods, into food groups and describing tools and equipment needed to prepare these for healthy eating.

WELLBEING - WEEK 8

Foundation:

•Students identify some emotions felt by characters in a story

• Students name the strengths shown by different characters in a story

Grade 1 and 2:

•Students describe the kinds of actions that generate a sense of pride or accomplishment

• Students identify key strengths used in the school setting

WELLBEING - WEEK 8

Foundation:

•Students explore what it feels like when they have to do something they are

afraid of

• Students explore what everyday bravery looks like

Grade 1 and 2:

•Students describe how to use strengths to be a good friend and family member

      

ICT - Week 8 & 9

F: •I can use a keyboard/touchpad to create a simple sentence using key words

•I can use the keyboard i.e.use the delete, return, capslock button and space bar.

1/2:

•I can type in a specific web address to view information

•I can use the delete, return, caps lock button and spacebar.

SPELLING - WEEK 8

F: ow as in show

1: create own word list

2: create own word list

SPELLING - WEEK 9

Revision

ART

Mrs Unwin will be sending art smocks home at the end of the year to be washed, renamed and returned to school at the start of 2018

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK

All parents/guardians, visitors & volunteers to the school MUST sign in & out of the school and display their WWCC in a lanyard, which is available at the school office. The Department of Education requires any person involved in an activity where children may be present to have a current WWCC or have supplied proof that they have applied for a WWCC with the Department of Justice. All schools are required to comply with the Working with Children Act 2005. Volunteers are expected to carry the WWCC card with them at all times when working or volunteering at the school or during school related activities. There is no fee for this check. Apply now by visiting: www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au  The Junior School encourage and appreciate parent helpers. Please see your child's teacher if you are able to assist.

Junior School Newsletter: Term 4, Weeks 6 & 7

Junior School Newsletter: Term 4, Weeks 6 & 7

CONNECT WITH THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

It's hard to believe it's nearly December and only four weeks of school left until the end of the year. We are very proud of the student's achievements and we look forward to watching their learning journey in the future. 

We were very excited to have the 2018 Preps join us for some fun games and a sausage sizzle on Wednesday. The grade 5s did an outstanding job of leading the morning. The current Preps also joined in and felt like the big kids!

Our Transition 'Up Days' for 2018 have commenced for all Levels. All students came back very excited on Monday after experiencing their new Levels.

Students are very excited to be participating in the STOMP Dance Program in preparation for our Christmas Carols night. It's delightful to watch their enthusiasm as they learn a new dance sequence each week.

Not long until our end of year celebration excursion! Further details and payment required will be sent out shortly. We look forward to sharing this fun session with all our students.

IMPORTANT DATES & NOTICES

23rd, 30th, 7th, 14th November - STOMP every Thursday

28th November - Curriculum Day

1st December - A-Thon 
4th December - UP Day
8th December - House sports
15th December  - Carols night
20th December - Excursion to Kid Space
22nd December - Last day of term 1:30 finish

Please return the Essential Education and Voluntary Payments 2018 forms as soon as possible, thank you.  

IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL WE ARE LEARNING TO: (WALT)...

READING – WEEK 6

F:  I can identify some important parts of the story e.g.main characters and  setting

1: I can identify some important parts of the story including characters and  setting 

2: I can identify some important parts of the story including characters,setting, the problem and the solution

READING – WEEK 7

F:  I can identify words in books and songs

1: I actively listen, contribute ideas and pose questions when discussing texts

2: I listen for specific purposes and information to discuss and extend my ideas

WRITING - WEEK 6

F: I can write a letter using familiar words 

1: I can write a letter using correct structure

2: I can write a letter organising my ideas in the correct structure

WRITING - WEEK 7:

F: I can use known words in my writing

1: I can write interesting stories. 

2: I can work out the beginning, middle and end of a story

MATHS – WEEK 6:

F: I can understand how money is used in everyday situations

1: I can recognise, describe and order Australian coins

2: I can count and order a small collection of Australian coins

3: I can represent money values in multiple ways and count change for simple        transactions

MATHS – WEEK 7:

F: I can understand how money is used in everyday situations

1: I can recognise, describe and order Australian coins

2: I can count and order a small collection of Australian coins

3: I can represent money values in multiple ways and count change for simple        transactions

INQUIRY - YUMMY IN MY TUMMY:

Week 6: exploring how plants and animals are grown for food, clothing and shelter (VCDSTC015)

Week 5: identifying and categorising a wide range of foods (VCDSTC016)

WELLBEING:– WEEK 6:

Foundation:

• Students describe characterisitics of good behaviour

• Students identify ways in which individual strengths are use in play

Grade 1 and 2:
Students recognise partnership skills used in a collaborative task. 
Students describe where these social skills are needed in the playground and classroom. 

WELLBEING:– WEEK 7:

Foundation:

• Students recognise the kinds of characteristics that may trigger emotions

• Students identify partnership skills that are needed in the playground

Grade 1 and 2:

• Students practise listening and self-regulation skills

• Students identify listening as an important skill for learning

      

ICT:

F:  I can use a keyboard/touchpad to create a simple sentence using key words. I can use the keyboard i.e.use the delete, return, capslock button and space bar.

1/2: I can type in a specific web address to view information. I can use the delete, return, caps lock button and spacebar.

SPELLING - WEEK 6

F: wh as in wheel

1: all as in ball

2: ll as in bell hill

SPELLING - WEEK 7

F: oo as in book

1: ss as in grass

2: i-e as in white

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK

All parents/guardians, visitors & volunteers to the school MUST sign in & out of the school and display their WWCC in a lanyard, which is available at the school office. The Department of Education requires any person involved in an activity where children may be present to have a current WWCC or have supplied proof that they have applied for a WWCC with the Department of Justice. All schools are required to comply with the Working with Children Act 2005. Volunteers are expected to carry the WWCC card with them at all times when working or volunteering at the school or during school related activities. There is no fee for this check. Apply now by visiting: www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au  The Junior School encourage and appreciate parent helpers. Please see your child's teacher if you are able to assist.

Junior School Newsletter: Term 4, Weeks 3 & 4 & 5

Junior School Newsletter: Term 4, Weeks 3, 4 & 5

CONNECT WITH THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

Term 4 is flying past and with exciting events like our Play is the Way Open Day, the Art Show, 2018 Prep Transition, new lunchtime clubs (Chess, Drama, Coding, Choir and Mandala drawing), Nude Food Week, and the fantastic Market Fresh in-visit, we are thoroughly enjoying it so far! We are looking forward to STOMP commencing next week, and Grade 2s attending the Remembrance Day ceremony tomorrow at Mentone RSL. Big Writes continue to be a fun and engaging task for our students and we are so proud of the creative and imaginative work they are producing as part of the VCOP program! Across the Junior School, we are watching our plants grow and we are looking forward to some delicious school-grown produce at the end of the term!

Thank you to our parents who came and helped!

Helping out with our new chicks!

Enjoying the Market Fresh in-visit

Presenting at assembly - sharing our experience of Nude Food Week

Keeping our school tidy!

Wow! Look at those carrots and cucumbers go!

Making observations about our plants

We LOVE Coding Club!

We LOVE Coding Club!

IMPORTANT DATES & NOTICES

10th November - Grade 2s walk to RSL for Remembrance Day Ceremony

16th November - STOMP commences

20th November - Future Care Mobile Dental Clinic this week
28th November - Curriculum Day

1st December - A-Thon 

Please send in forms for the Future Care Mobile Dental Clinic ASAP if you would like to utilise their services. See the office for a new form if required.

Please return the Essential Education and Voluntary Payments 2018 forms as soon as possible, thank you.  

IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL WE ARE LEARNING TO: (WALT)...

READING – WEEK 3

F:  I can predict what might happen in different parts of a story (VCELY186)

1: I can use clues from the text to make inferences and predictions (VCELY186)

2: I can use clues from the text to make inferences and predictions (VCELY222)

READING – WEEK 4

F:  I can predict what might happen in different parts of a story (VCELY186)

1: I can use clues from the text to make inferences and predictions (VCELY186)

2: I can use clues from the text to make inferences and predictions (VCELY222)

READING – WEEK 5

F:  I can use the beginning of words to help me solve unknown words in texts

1:I can sound out different letter combinations.

2:I can change the end of words to help me read and understand words

WRITING - WEEK 3 

F: Understand that language can be used to explore ways of expressing needs, likes and dislikes (VCELA166)

1: I can write informatively (VCELY194)

2: I can write about my opinion and convince people to agree with it (VCELY230)

WRITING - WEEK 4

F: I can use known words in my writing

1: I can write interesting stories.  (VCELY194)

2: I can work out the beginning, middle and end of a story (VCELT219)

WRITING - WEEK 5

F: I can reread my own writing most of the time

1:I can check my writing to see if it makes sense.

2:I can check my spelling using a dictionary.

MATHS – WEEK 3:

F: Name and order days of the week & connect them to familiar events and actions (VCMMG080)

1: Describe duration using months, weeks, days and hours (VCMMG096)

2:  Name and order months and seasons (VCMMG118)

     Use a calendar to identify the date and determine the number of days in each month (VCMMG119)

3:  Tell the time to the minute & investigate the relationship between units of time (VCMMG141)

MATHS – WEEK 4:

F: Compare and order the duration of events using the everyday language of time (VCMMG079)

1: Tell time to the half-hour (VCMMG096)

2: Tell time to the quarter-hour, using the language of 'past' and 'to' (VCMMG117)

3:  Tell time to the minute and investigate the relationship between units of time (VCMMG141)

MATHS – WEEK 5:

F: Foundations: Sort, describe and name familiar two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects in the environment - sorting and describing squares, circles, triangles, rectangles, spheres and cubes

Level 1: Recognise and classify familiar two-dimensional objects using obvious features

Level 2: Describe and draw two-dimensional shapes, with and without digital technologies

Describe the features of three dimensional objects

Level 3: Make models of three dimensional objects and describe key features

INQUIRY - YUMMY IN MY TUMMY:

Week 3 & 4: developing an understanding of food that keep us healthy

Week 5: Explore how food is selected and prepared for healthy eating (VCDSTC016)

WELLBEING: Play is The Way Open Day

Foundation:

• Students are able to name emotions

• Students express emotions through facial and body expressions

• Students practise recognising other people’s emotions

Week 3 & 4 Grade 1 and 2:

• Students identify emotions in others

• Students empathise with others

• Students suggest ways to help others

Week 5 Grade 1 & 2:

·         Students recognise what sorts of sounds are associated with different emotions.

·         Students identify times when they have shown an act of kindness to a peer or family member

·         Students describe what emotions they felt at this time

·         Students suggest emotions that others might feel when people show kindness to them

ICT:

F:  I can use a keyboard/touchpad to create a simple sentence using key words. I can use the keyboard i.e.use the delete, return, capslock button and space bar.

1/2: I can type in a specific web address to view information. I can use the delete, return, caps lock button and spacebar.

SPELLING - WEEK 3

F: oa as in boat

1: ch as in chair

2: f as in fish

SPELLING - WEEK4

F: oo as in moon

1: ch as in chair

2: f as in fish

SPELLING – WEEK 5

Review week – no homework

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK

All parents/guardians, visitors & volunteers to the school MUST sign in & out of the school and display their WWCC in a lanyard, which is available at the school office. The Department of Education requires any person involved in an activity where children may be present to have a current WWCC or have supplied proof that they have applied for a WWCC with the Department of Justice. All schools are required to comply with the Working with Children Act 2005. Volunteers are expected to carry the WWCC card with them at all times when working or volunteering at the school or during school related activities. There is no fee for this check. Apply now by visiting: www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au  The Junior School encourage and appreciate parent helpers. Please see your child's teacher if you are able to assist.