This document provides information for parents about Term 1 at Footscray Primary School. It introduces the 3/4 teachers and bilingual teacher and outlines general information like fruit breaks, sunsmart policy, and attendance. It describes the PYP Learner Profile attributes that students are encouraged to develop. It also summarizes the units of inquiry that students will study in 3/4 and provides details about parent involvement, specialist programs, camps, helpers, homework, and Mathletics.

1. Welcome to Parent Information Night Term 1, 2012

2. Teachers 3/4A – Felicity Maxwell 3/4B – Tim Hawkins 3/4C – Rachel Reilly Bilingual – Ms Chau Cong

3. General information Fruit and water break – varies in each class, usually between 10-10.30am Sunsmart policy: During Terms 1 and 4 please make sure your child wears a hat Attendance – very important to attend every day and arrive ten minutes before class commences

4. At Footscray Primary School, students are encouraged to develop their skills and attitudes in accordance with the PYP Learner Profile, with the aim that students become: Inquirers Knowledgeable Thinkers Communicators Principled Open-Minded Caring Risk-Takers Balanced Reflective The Learner Profile has become part of the school’s classroom practice, assessment and reporting practices, daily life, management and leadership.

5. These themes are built upon each year through different central ideas. Who we are An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, mental, social, and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human. Where we are in time and place An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of human kind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives. How we express ourselves An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic. How the world works An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment. How we organise ourselves An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; social decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment. How we share the planet An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.

6. 3/4 Units of Inquiry - 2012

7. Parent Involvement (PYP) Parents can make the Learner Profile part of the home life by modelling behaviours and making the language explicit. Parents are often a fantastic resource and can be an ‘ expert visitor’ in the classroom. Parents are encouraged to assist their child in contributing to the Artefact Table . Objects from home can really stimulate classroom discussion and further develop the inquiry. Parents are invited to the ‘ Celebration of Learning ’ that happens at the end of each unit. These take place during the day and are a great way to share your child’s successes in an exciting setting. Talking about the sorts of Inquiries that are happening at school in your family can really motivate students to find out more. Encourage your child to ask questions and try to find the answers together. Read books that relate to the topic, and bring them to school to share. Encourage your child to take ACTION . Help them realise that the way they act really does influence the way others feel, think and act. They can make a difference!

8. Vietnamese Bilingual Programme The Vietnamese Bilingual programme encompasses many areas of the curriculum, enriching students’ learning

9. Specialist programs Library - Janine Bell Library skills P.E. – Nathan Cuthbertson Health-related activities, Body control and Spatial awareness, Athletic Activities, Games, Movement to music, Adventure challenge Art – Nancy Ventrice Creative processes, Elements & Principles of art & design, Reflection and appreciation, Visual Art in Society Italian – Virginia Gardner Emersion in the Italian language and culture Specialist programs compliment the Program of Inquiry where possible. One hour session per week.

10. Multimedia Room is also used by each grade for 1 session; Library lessons Online maths and literacy activities Further research Presentation of student learning through movie making, podcasts, music programs, photography programs etc Lunchtime computer use. Art Room is used by each grade as required; Responding to their learning through Art Cooking using the fully –equipped kitchen Science activities Theatrette and Gym are used by each grade as required; Drama Music including African Drumming (30 mins per week) Dance Please Note: Small group music tuition is also offered

11. Camps & Excursions 3/4 – Camp Doxa, all children are expected to attend Wednesday 13 th – Friday 15 th June

12. Parent Helpers All teachers and students appreciate having parents help the class in some way: Classroom – reading, writing, mathematics, inquiry Guest speaker Covering books Helping with supervision on excursions Reading with students Bilingual sessions

13. Homework 30 minutes per night: Home reading Number facts/tables Inquiry ( eg survey, interview, research) Writing ( eg diary, shopping lists, letters) Spelling Homework should be regarded as an extension of your child’s learning. It should be enjoyable, challenging and strengthen an interest in learning. It should provide opportunities in which you and your child can share school learning.

14. Mathletics Make sure you do not pay for this! School has a licence, each student has login and password Use as often as you like Does eat up download time. Probably better if you have unlimited download. We encourage this as a home learning task.

15. 3/4 Garden Planter boxes Seeds Organic gardening Organic pest control

16. Question Time