3. Opening Prayer
Dear St Mary of the Cross,
We know that you are close to God our Father.
Help us to find happiness in making others
happy. We offer our prayers today for those in
need in our family, our school, our community,
our country and our world.
We ask you to hear our prayers.
Amen
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5. Our Team
Chris Hewett- Warren
Jen Ryan - Simmons and Wellbeing Leader P-6
Rachael Bourke - Seton
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6. Scientific endeavor and
beyond...
In celebration of the contributions Australian scientists have made
to our lives, the Grade 2 community have named their classes in
honour of scientists who have who have excelled in their field of
scientific discovery.
David Warren
David Warren (born 20 March 1925 – 19 July 2010) was responsible for
the design and creation of the black box or flight recorder
Michelle Simmons
As the most recent recipient of 2018 Australian of the year, Michelle
Simmons work has proven instrumental in achieving breakthroughs
in the realm of quantum physics and quantum computing
Maria Setton
Maria's research continues to extend our understandings in the field
of geophysics and the relationship between plate tectonics and the
earth’s mantle movements.
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8. Shared Reading
One of the ways our community seeks to encourage greater
student engagement and enjoyment of reading is through
shared reading. This involves the reading different texts to
the whole class at the start of our reading block. The same
book is revisited everyday with a different focus in order to
model literacy strategies.
Guided reading
In order to target individual needs, the students are
organised into guided reading focus groups depending upon
the skill or strategies that need developing. Rotational
activities are also set up to help students consolidate these
skills and develop greater independence in their learning.
English
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9. THRASS
As a Thrass centered school, phonetics, phonological awareness
and analysis inform the basis of our school literacy model. In
reading, writing and spelling, the THRASS approach is used to build
a toolbox of strategies for students to draw upon to develop their
literacy.
In support of the thrass philosophy and practice, parents are
encouraged to become familiar with the IPA (International Phonetic
Alphabet).
High Frequency Words
As well as reading 20 minutes per night, students are expected to
practice reading and writing their high frequency words that have
been provided by each homeroom teacher. If you have not received
any please don’t hesitate to inquire through dojo and we will be
happy to sent a set home with your child. Please also support your
child to see spelling patterns in these words and to write them.
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10. Mathematics
In 2017, we started a new journey with Michael Ymer as our mathematical
consultant. Our mathematics block is filled with hands on activities that
brings maths alive to your child.
Through relatable and real life experiences and problems, students are
connecting mathematical concepts. We aim to develop your child’s
mathematical concepts and application of knowledge in a problem solving
mindset.
At home we encourage you to use mathematical conversation in your
everyday lives and find practical situations to utilise, addition, subtraction,
sharing, multiplying (skip counting), time and money throughout the day.
To learn more we invite you to our mathematics night hosted by Michael
Ymer.
Date March 22,2018
Time 07:00:pm - 08:00:pm
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Inquiry
As part of our Inquiry investigation the Mackillop community will be
investigating what shapes their identity, their preferences and the
different ways students are able to express themselves.
The topics covered in this unit are designed to help students
- Identify their likes and dislikes
- Distinguish between needs and wants
- Recognise their strengths and abilities
- Develop resilience when confronted with challenges
- Build problem solving strategies
Religion
The Mackillop community will be exploring the religious concepts
around LENT and the PENTECOST that include
- Fasting
- Self-discipline
- Almsgiving
- Charity
- Sacramental practices and rituals
- Repentance
- Forgiveness
- Faith
13. Working With Children
Check
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We acknowledge that parents have very busy lives and are often
time poor. However we welcome any parents who relish the
opportunity to come into our community to offer assistance
where needed. We only ask that you are able to provide a valid
Working with Children’s Check card or documentation
supporting your approval. Failure to do so will prevent you from
being eligible to volunteer. You can apply for one for free at:
http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
14. iPads and Technology
We use iPads as a tool for learning.
Although we ask your child to bring
their ipad each day, it is important
they charge their iPads We ask
that this task is your child’s so you
are developing independent skills.
We have very clear expectations of
the appropriate use of iPads and
the approved school apps. You
received this information via dojo.
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15. Communication
We are always available for brief chats before school.
We do spend that time support your child to settle
into the day, so longer discussions need to be booked
in for. You can also use Class Dojo as a way to
communicate to us. We will regularly update the dojo
so please check it.
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