Term 2 Letter
3 Al Battani (AL)- Alex Lilly
Friday 6th May 2016
Dear Parents and Carers,
Your children have settled back into school wonderfully after the break and I have thoroughly
enjoyed hearing all about what they got up to during the holidays. My holidays did not go to plan.
You may be aware that I fractured my leg playing football which required surgery. I spent most of
the holidays in hospital and on the couch which allowed me to get plenty of rest and do plenty of
reading. The students have been tremendously supportive and willing to help out in any way, which
has made my job so much easier and I thank them for that.
We have had a busy start to the term. In week 1 we commemorated ANZAC Day at Turner with a
wonderful whole school ceremony. The children showed respect and had great knowledge of why we
honour this significant day. I was very proud of them. We have also been undertaking plenty of
reading and discussion about ANZAC Day to deepen our understanding.
For the Year 3 students NAPLAN will occur next week and everyone is to be congratulated with
their positive attitudes leading up to this. Please remember that this is only a ‘snapshot’ of your
child’s academic ability. Achievement and learning development, both academically and socially, is
also evident in the work displayed around the classroom, participation in learning experiences, and in
the children’s work books and portfolios.
We are looking forward to a positive and productive term. The purpose of this letter is to outline our
class program and to provide general information about this term.
Inquiry
This term our focus for inquiry will be on physical sciences. The year 3 students will be working
with heat sources in their unit “Heating Up”, looking at the various sources of heat and the concept
of conduction.
All children will be hypothesizing, conducting experiments and analysingthe results to build on their
knowledge of the concepts. Equipped with this information the children will form questions and
plan, research and present their information through a range of text types. This process will also
incorporate the skills of self-reflection, student assessment and evaluation. It will also focus on the
processes that can be used to investigate and problem-solve.
Our inquiry units link closely with our work in English and Maths. To present ideas in these units of
work the children will write to explain. This includes procedures, observations, factual recounts and
explanations as well as the language conventions (word use and grammar) associated with this type
of writing, such as nouns and pronouns, time connectives (e.g. first, then, following, finally), signal
words to indicate cause and effect, (e.g. if, then, because, consequently, as a result), action verbs
(e.g. pushes), and technical terms, (e.g. conduction). They will also apply the mathematical concepts
of measuring temperature and time and collecting and graphing data.
Literacy
The focus of our writing this term is to further develop the children’s ability to write a variety of
texts specifically explanation/procedural and report formats. The children will analyse, evaluate and
reflect on the use of these texts and their purposes. Persuasive writing will also be continued from
term 1. Through these writing experiences the children will be involved in the writing process which
we extensively worked on in term 1. This includes brainstorming, planning, drafting, editing,
revising, publishing and illustrating pieces of writing.
The children will also be involved in a wide variety of activities to develop their skills in reading,
spelling and oral language. The children were introduced to Reading Workshops in term 1 and these
will be continued throughout the year. The purpose of a Reading Workshop is to give children time
to engage with texts of their own choosing, and to support them in developing a range of strategies to
assist them in gaining deeper understanding and comprehension. The comprehension strategies that
we will focus on this term include; using prior knowledge to connect with the text, infer and support
with evidence, determine and analyse author’s purpose, compare and contrast with and between text
and summarise text. We use different elements throughout our reading workshops such as read to
self, read to buddy and listen to reading. These approaches assist the children in practising reading
for different purposes and audiences with a focus on strategies.
Spelling skills are taught within writing as part of the classroom program. There are five different
strategies the students can use to help with their spelling. Children are encouraged to sound out
words when they come across an unfamiliar or more complex word. Breaking the word down helps
them hear the different parts of the word. The connecting strategy is making connections with other
words. Does this new word remind you of any other words you know? Meaning is thinking about the
word structure and meaning, are any clues given in the spelling pattern? Checking making use of
other resources which includes live or electronic print, is there a chart or word wall that can help you
with the spelling of the word? And lastly visual which is focusing on the look of the word. We will
also continue to build our interesting word wall which helps students to expand their vocabulary with
students adding some terrific words in term 1. The students have also taken a keen interest to word
families this is when they look at common patterns of words with a similar sound.
This term oral recounts will continue. The children will be given the opportunity to share
information from our units of work, home learning and inquiry projects. I noticed great progress
throughout term 1 with all students becoming comfortable when speaking in front of the rest of the
class (which is quite a daunting thing to do!).
Mathematics
Areas of work we will cover this term in mathematics involve reading, writing, ordering and
understanding numbers up to at least 10,000 and applying our understanding of place value when
working with large numbers. This will involve using a number of different strategies that were
introduced last term, including the split strategy, number lines, counting on and bridging numbers to
the decade. The students will also continue to investigate the inverse relationship between the four
operations (+, -, x, ÷). This is where the children can check their answers independently, for example
when we subtract numbers we can use addition to check our answers, when we divide numbers we
can check our answers with multiplication. We will also undertake some work on decimals,
measurement, money patterns, shapes, chance and data and capacity and volume.
It is also important for students to be able to recall number facts quickly and efficiently. We spend 10
minutes a day practising this. Students are given an activity and they work on the number facts using
the four operations. We call this maths for 10. The students were sent home number cards with
activities on the back of them in term 1. I encourage the students to be doing these activities at home
which will help become more efficient and accurate when working with number facts.
Towards the end of term 1 we were working on multiplication number sentences (times tables). In
class we unpack conceptual multiplication so children develop an understanding of what it means.
We looked at groups, arrays, fact families and the inverse operation of division for checking. This
understanding assists them when problem-solving more complex number problems that may include
a number of steps to calculate the answer. Practicsing times tables at home is also encouraged to
support their learning and extend the repertoire of instant number facts.
We will also be focussing on problem-solving strategies to assist them in deep understanding and
breaking down information in questions. Some strategies include creating tables and charts, guessing
and checking, making list and drawing diagrams. These strategies will support the students with
problem solving across different strands of Mathematics.
This term our numeracy coaches Sam Hardwicke, Iesha Siotis and Carolyn Macleod will also be
presenting a Numeracy Parent/Carer Workshop where they will unpack Numeracy at Turner and
provide specific information about what Numeracy looks like at the different year levels. There will
be a morning and a night session held on Thursday 9th of June. More information will come in the
newsletter closer to the date. Please come along as this is for both mainstream and the small group
classes.
Enrichment
Every day in our classroom we plan for enriching learning opportunities across all curriculum areas,
ones that are engaging and challenging students to “work hard to make themselves smarter”. We also
have a range of other activities across the school to enrich learning such as chess, choirs, recorder
group (beginning this term) Green Rangers, our sport clinics and boot camp. As Robyn wrote in last
week’s newsletter, we are again beginning weekly enrichment groups this term. These groups will
have a focus on writing and Maths. Maths will run for 5 week blocks where those selected students
will work with Iesha for 45 minutes each Thursday on deep problem-solving strategies. At this time,
every other child will be working with their classroom teacher also on deep problem-solving
strategies. Also, as Robyn mentioned last week, writing enrichment will have a new look. Each child
in 3/4 has been asked to select an area of writing they are interested in and will work in smaller
groups for 9 weeks on that specific area. These areas include newspaper writing with Iesha, script
writing with me, poetry with Leonie, graphic novels with David, children’s books with Jess, creating
a 3/4 magazine with Salma, and writing brochures to persuade you with Angela. In week 10, the
children will present their published writing pieces to their peers. All families will receive a letter
with information about their child’s involvement in enrichment.
Health and Physical Education
The unit for health this term is ‘Action Packed’. We will be exploring, what is health and what do we
need to do to have a balanced lifestyle and how does physical activity and nutrition affect our health?
This will be an interesting unit which will relate with other key learning areas including English,
Science and Mathematics.
We have also had AFL clinics which started in week 1. The children have thoroughly enjoyed these
sessions. The clinic will focus on developing team skills and ball skills (catching, kicking, handball).
Children will participate in a range of activities for skill drills and mini games. Once the clinics have
finished we will continue to develop and improve on the skills learnt.
The 3/4 cohort also has Monday afternoon as their sport day. This involves children choosing a sport
that interests them and undertaking this sport for 5 weeks. The children will learn the rules to the
sport, skills involved and most importantly team work. The sports include; orienteering, T-Ball,
Netball, Golf, Lawn Bowls and Tennis. A note with your child’s selected sport should have arrived
home this week.
Learning Technologies
Individual login names have been established and the children have been practicing loggins on to our
system. Please have a chat with your child about their password and the importance of keeping it
safe. Maybe even write it down and keep it in a safe spot.
We will continue to explore with ipads, laptops and our Interactive Whiteboard as part of our daily
program across all learning areas. This will maximise the impact of the child’s classroom experience
and education as a whole.
Home Learning
I have been amazed with the quality of work that the children are creating with their home learning.
It is obvious that a lot of hard work has gone into both their Mathematics inquiry and the Indigenous
inquiry unit. Well done to everyone!
A new inquiry matrix has been sent home with open ended tasks relating to our new unit of work.
Mathematics inquiries will be sent home fortnightly, these are open-ended tasks where the children
can explore mathematical concepts linked to the real world. Part of Maths home learning also
includes practise of concepts taught in class which will involve number cards.
One of the key aspects of children’s home learning in the middle grades is reading. Time spent in
reading at home is important for readers who are still developing and establishing their reading
strategies. Please take time to share reading with your child. Talk with them about what they are
reading as well as what you might be reading. Be sure to write all home reading in the log so I can
also talk to your child about their home reading at school.
Music with Giselle Nathan
This term, the music program includes students’ practical exploration of rhythmic and harmonic
music elements through applying known marimba patterns, in order to play and combine them in
new ways in small group ensembles. They will work in the key of C. We’ll also continue with
introductory work on really accurate ensemble playing of body percussion rhythms that combine
with our African song repertoire. It all takes sustained focus and a developmental approach as
learners and this results in real musical enjoyment as the work moves closer to the students
identifying that “Wow, that was great!”
Indonesian with Ibu Jenny
Selamat Datang! Welcome! This term, vocabulary for Year 3/4 will focus on learning new games
where they can practise vocabulary about colours and numbers. The students will be playing
‘kelereng” in Indonesian and will make their own collection of colourful kelereng in their Visual
Arts lessons with Ibu Sally. The students will learn about the similarities and differences in schools
in Indonesia compared with Turner School. They will continue to use Indonesian courteous greetings
in and out of the classroom. This term looks like a lot of fun for Years 3/4.
Art with Sally Visser-Marchant
The year 3/4 Art classes will be starting the term with a reflection artwork on ANZAC, using mixed
media and water colours. We will then be linking with Indonesian learning by creating and making
an Indonesian game using clay and paint. Our work with prints and charcoal drawings this term will
complement learning about heat and force in the 3/4 inquiry unit.
Library with Norma John
In library this term, 3/4 students will begin to record books read for the Chief Minister’s Reading
Challenge 2016. The second half of the term will focus on carrying out mini information projects
using reference resources in the library and simple data bases such as Encyclopaedia Britannica
Online.
3/4 Recorder Group
This term we will begin the 3/4 recorder group. This is an opportunity for your child to begin
learning the recorder (or continue if they already play it) and understand how ensembles work
together, read music and play an instrument. Rehearsal will be every Monday at lunchtime run by
Cath Blake. Please talk with your child to see if they are interested in making this commitment to our
recorder group.
Green Rangers
Green Rangers will also begin this term each Friday at lunchtime. The group will work with Heather
Walker and Emily Gregory in our garden and around the school, looking at ways we can reduce
waste, explore and monitor solar energy, as well as continue to build green and sustainable practices
in our school. Again please talk with your child about their interest in joining this group.
Chess
Chess for Al-Battani will be on Tuesdays at 12.00pm with 3/4 Hippocrates. Jeff Suptet will lead the
sessions with support from classroom teachers.
Fruit Break
Everyday during the morning session we have a fruit break. Please make sure your child is bringing
fresh fruit or vegetables each day. When packing your child’s lunchbox please keep in mind that
students continue to work at their desks or sit on the floor and listen to a story during this time. So
the less mess is best during this time! It is also important that students drink plenty of water
throughout the day, so remind students to bring a water bottle to school, there are bubblers around
the playground and also a tap in our room.
Students are also required to wear broad brimmed hats when on the playground and during sport.
Just a reminder that Turner is a nut aware school. There are children with serious nut allergies in the
school so please keep this in mind when packing your child’s lunch and recess.
Communication
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me on the email listed below, I will
respond within a day or two. For non-urgent matters, I am usually best contacted through email as I
check this daily. For more urgent matters (such as changes to pick-up arrangements in the afternoon)
it is best to call the office and leave a message to ensure that it gets to the classroom in time. If you
would also like to have a one on one meeting regarding your child please feel free to make an
appointment. I will be available at times throughout the week and am happy to negotiate a time that
suits you.
Classroom Help
We love having visitors in the classroom! I welcome any parent or caregiver who is able to volunteer
their time in the classroom. Parent visits can be regular or a special one off occasion to suit. Please
be aware of the Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) legislation requirements which is
required if you are volunteering more than 7 times in a year. Please feel free to come in and talk to
me if you have any questions. The best time to usually catch me is straight after school, I generally
have staff commitments, so I am only available for about 5 minutes to have quick doorstop meetings.
But I can be available at other times for a meeting with a little bit of notice. I also access my emails
regularly so feel free to drop me an email for non-urgent matters.
Kind regards,
Alex Lilly
[email protected]
3/4 Team Dates for your Diary
Term 2 2016
Please note: These dates are correct as of time of printing this letter. Please regularly check the
website as well as the fortnightly newsletters for any changes and additions. Whole school events
are on the term overview calendar in the week 1 newsletter and on the website.
Week 3
Tuesday 10th May – NAPLAN Language Conventions and Reading
Wednesday 11th May – NAPLAN Writing
Thursday 12th May – NAPLAN Mathematics
Week 4
Tuesday 17th May – Musica Viva – 10am – 11am for 3/4 students
Week 7
Wednesday 8th June – Senior Assembly hosted by 5/6 classes
Monday
Morning
Middle
Afternoon
Tuesday
Wednesday
9.00am10.00am
(Indonesian)
Thursday
10.00am11.00am
Library
Friday
9.00am10.00am
(ART)
2.00pm3.00pm
(Music)