Welcome back! We’ve had a terrific start to 2026. Students have been busy settling into their new classrooms, establishing routines and making new friends. Our level this year consists of 3 grades with Mrs Jen Smith (1S), Miss Mollie Taylor (1T) and Ms Caitlin Eagleton (1E). We are fortunate to have the support of our Education Support Staff and the help from our Reading Lab.

Literacy 

This term in English, we will be continuing with Writer’s Workshop. If you hear your children mention ‘seed’ writing, they are talking about a picture, object or small clip/sound that they are using as a writing prompt. The aim is to give the children more choice with their writing.

Students will be building their knowledge and understanding of Phonics everyday through our Phonics Plus program. We will use explicit instructions, and a structured approach to focus on connecting sounds (phonemes) and letters (graphemes) for reading and spelling. Students will also focus on high frequency words, dictation, handwriting and morphology.

In Reading, students will continue to grow at their own pace using reading strategies explored through our Reader’s Workshop and conferences.

Mathematics 

Our Maths focus in Number will be developing our place value knowledge. Students will do this by counting and sequencing, subitising, investigating patterns and comparing numbers. Students will learn how to play various dice and counter games that will help establish this area. Our grade ones will use and play with lots of hands-on materials to build, model, make and represent different numbers.

Measurement will also be introduced including exploring length and location.

Integrated Learning 

This term in Geography, students will explore their local area. Learning about what is all around them. They will learn about natural and built features, how places change, and the special connections people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, have with them.

Students will also investigate how places are linked locally and beyond, explore seasons and weather, and consider different ways people understand them. Through this, they will develop a sense of responsibility for their environment and community.

Leadership Block

On Thursday afternoon the grade one and two students are lead and taught by our very own Grade sixes! The grade six students together with the help of their teachers carefully plan a fun and engaging lesson for the eager grade one and twos. The student leaders teach a variety of areas Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Environment/Building, Mental Heath & Wellbeing, Digi Tech, Cultural Studies, Science and Library.

New Bell Times

This year we have a new timetable and bell times. Please be aware that our eating and play times are different.

11:30 – 11:40 Lunch eating time

11:40 – 12:20 Lunch play

2:00 – 2:40 Recess Play

Home Reading 

Nightly reading is an important part of your child’s learning. It assists them with building confidence, fluency and word recognition, while giving them an opportunity to celebrate their achievements. Reading at home should be fun, so the books your child brings home will be easier than the ones they are reading at school. Please don’t forget to record this in their Home Reading Diary each day.

Passwords for Reading Eggs will be sent home in the coming weeks, so your child can have access to these programs from home if you choose to do so. 

Parent Involvement 

We have opportunities for you to help with excursions, incursions, classroom support and other school events. Should you wish to volunteer your time, we do require parent helpers to hold a current Working with Children’s Check. This needs to be lodged at the office.

You are always welcome to come and talk with us. Please feel free to make an appointment if you have any bigger concerns. We are looking forward to getting to know our Grade 1 families throughout the year. Thank you for supporting your child’s learning.

Jen, Caitlin and Mollie

TERM 1 SPECIALIST TIMETABLE

Term 1 Newsletter