2February 2012
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Welcome back to the new school year at Sancta Maria Catholic Primary School. What an exciting term we have planned. I’m really looking forward to getting to know you and your child this year. My priority is that your child is happy, settled into school and is learning.
Our topics this term are:
R. E: Jesus gives Himself in the Eucharist
English: Recount and Description
Mathematics: Number (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division)
and Measurement
Inquiry Learning: Everything is Possible with God.
Physical Education: Athletics, Playball and Large Ball Skills
Visual Art: Sketching and drawing
Reading
Reading in Year 2 and 3 begins to have a greater emphasis on using reading strategies to gather information, develop concepts on plot, character, setting etc and to explore a wider variety of genre, eg. fiction, non fiction, biographical, historical, fantasy etc. There is also an emphasis on reading to the children, broadening their experiences of the world and encouraging them to read for pleasure. Home reading should occur each night and over time cover a range of genres. Books that are sent home need to be returned each day in your child’s book bag.
Reading should be an enjoyable experience so offer plenty of praise!
Maths
We have a strong focus on both number knowledge and strategies to solve problems. Strategy describes the mental processes students use to estimate answers and solve operational problems with numbers. Whereas Knowledge describes the key items of knowledge that students need to learn. It’s important that students make progress in both areas to achieve higher academic results. We encourage the participation of Mathletics as further practice of the teaching and learning that takes place at school. The children will also be given the opportunity to use mathletics during class time.
Some maths activities you could help with at home are:
Number –counting forwards and backwards,
starting at numbers like 998, 1001,
590. Count in 2’s, 5’s and 10’s
Money – recognising notes and coins,
counting, giving basic change.
Telling the time.
Fractions – find halves and quarters of
numbers and shapes.
Using language such as: longer/shorter
than, less/greater than.
Story Writing
This term we are focusing on recounts and description. Children are encouraged to attempt their own spelling by sounding out the initial and end sounds of a word. At the start of each lesson the teacher will model different styles of writing, include punctuation, grammar and spelling techniques. We value all children’s attempts and encourage a very high standard in writing/letter formation. Handwriting is practised throughout the week with an emphasis on correct formation of letters and pencil grip.
Physical Education
We have fitness and or P.E every day. Please unsure your child’s P.E uniform is in their bag each day and is washed on the weekends. Playball will take place from week 2 – 7.
Library
Our library day is Tuesday. Library books are to be returned to school weekly in their book bag. No bag-no books!!
The School Day
Prior to 8:30am I am preparing for the school day, in meetings and unavailable to supervise. If your child arrives before 8:30am they are to wait quietly by the Mary Garden. Between 8:30am and 8:50am children are to hang up their own bag. Children and parents are most welcome to interact with each other, show you their work and chose a quiet activity. At 8:50am children should be lining up for morning prayer. School finishes at 3:00pm. Please ensure you wait up on the concrete area near the fence to collect your child. Please be prompt. I will walk the class to meet you. Please do not come to the classroom to collect your child as this will hold the class up.
Family/Whanau Book
We sell the Family/Whanau book at the office. This is an excellent resource to help you to support your child throughout their Year 1 – 8 Religious Education journey. Only 1 copy per family is required. Please speak to either Mrs Boyle or Mrs James at the office should you need to purchase this.
Meet the Teacher Evening: 6pm
Please keep Wednesday 15 Feb free. There will be a opportunity to meet in Room 7 where I will briefly go over information I feel is important you need to know and you will have the chance to ask any questions you have.
If there is anything else you would like to discuss, please feel free to make an appointment with me. Alternately you can write me a note or send me an email at bernadettew@sanctamariaprimary.school.nz I am always willing to speak to parents about any matter they feel is important for the happiness and education of their child.
Kind regards
Bernie Wells
Room 7 Classroom Teacher.