35. Who we are Choices and circumstances can affect how people live. Impact of circumstances Circumstances affect/influence choice Choice and responsibility Concepts: Causation consequences and impact Responsibility choice Reflection interpretation; how does one person’s choice affect other people’s choices
Introduce and talk a little about yourself. Outline the other teachers and assistants on the grade. Grade Level Coordinator – Ms Colleen.Talk about your class and your approach to teaching.
We had some questions regarding the ESL program at NIST. The first ESL Parent seminar will be held on the 21st September. You should attend this workshop if you want to find out about the ESL program. For more information about times and venues please refer to the NLC handbook on the elementary portal. NIST will hold several ESL seminars throughout the year. The first 4-6 weeks of the school year will be spent assessing the ESL needs of students and supporting them in the classroom while they are learning the routines of Year 2.
Introduce and talk a little about yourself. Outline the other teachers and assistants on the grade. Grade Level Coordinator – Ms Colleen.Talk about your class and your approach to teaching.
Discuss the Essential Agreements
Discuss the Essential Agreements
Discuss the Essential Agreements
Discuss the Essential Agreements
Discuss the Essential Agreements
There are 3 ways we will be communicating to you this year. The most important will be via email. We will use emails to communicate with you individually, send Year 2 newsletters and also to notify you when something new has been posted on our Year 2 blog. Please ensure you have updated your details on Veracross. There will still be some paper letters sent home but these will only be used when we require returned information or signatures. The NIST news will still be sent home for the time being.Currently there is only one Blog for Year 2 – ie not one blog for each class.
The parent portal is a good place to find information regarding curriculum and school activities. For example you can find the Programme of Inquiry, the Parent Handbook, information on 3 way conferences and general communication.
Encourage parents to update profile
NIST Learning CommunitySeminars on ESL and the PYP programme as well as workshops by the counselling department. We encourage you to attend these seminars to find out more about your child’s education at NIST. The updated Programme can be found on the Elementary page on the portal.
Lines of communication – if at any point in the year you have a concern regarding your child please speak to me the classroom teacher, if after speaking to me you feel that the problem is not resolved then you need to speak to Ms Colleen, the Year 2 coordinator who will then speak to the Elementary Admin if necessary.
All Year 2 timetables can be accessed on the Year 2 Blog. We have also sent out a paper copy for you to display at home and to help your child become more responsible for preparing for the next day at school.
Our new unit of inquiry looks at the choices people make and what impact these have on their lives. The concepts of causation, responsibility and reflection are a focus for this unit. We also look at circumstances identifying with the children the different circumstances people live in and how these might impact on their lives. From location to climate, socio economic background, cultural influences, family size etc. Inside your pack there is a unit letter which outlines how the different curriculum areas such as math and literacy are also linked to this unit. These letters will be sent out at the beginning of each unit so you will have an understanding of the learning your child will be engaged in throughout the year. Refer parent to the Unit Letter and Yearly Overview.
Ways of our students showing independence:These pictures all show the different types of independence that take place in and around the classroom. Taking care of the classroom. Working cooperatively. Packing/unpacking bags. Choosing lunch and eating independently. Remembering to wear a hat outside.
Examples of IndependenceAs a parent we encourage your support in developing the previously mentioned strategies with your child. Here are some examples of ways you can help at home. Encourage and allow your child to grow in these areas which are usually carried out by adults rather than the child prior to Year 2. Now that your child is growing, it is time for them to take on these responsibilities for themselves. Being on time to school is important –it is crucial for setting the tone for the day. When children have a chance to play before school they have an opportunity to establish a connection with a peer that will carry them through the day. We also mark the roll during the homeroom period 7:30-7:45, if your child arrives after that time they must go to the office to get a late slip and for admin to change your child’s status on Veracross. It is essential that your child develops the habit of arriving to class on time. Please help them become aware of time management.
A big change in Year 2 is that students get to choose their lunch. If your child is on a meal plan you need to ensure they are aware of good food to eat. We have spent some time during the first 2 weeks monitoring and encouraging students to choose a balanced meal. One way you can help your child is to talk to them about the menu which can be found on the portal. Perhaps ask them what they plan to eat and give them suggestions. You need to talk with your child to find out if they like and are eating the food. (school lunch/home lunch) There are duty teachers who monitor students to ensure they make good choices and behave sensibly in the canteen. *need to insert photos of healthy eating choices
Reading is an essential component of the Year 2 curriculum and will be the primary focus of homework set by the class teacher. Reading for Pleasure (10 mins)NIST expects that all children will enjoy at least 10 to 15 minutes of uninterrupted reading at home each day. Reading together before bed time, while you are in the car or before and after school are all examples of reading for pleasure.
Home Reading Assignments (show examples)‘Just Right’ reading books Monday to Thursday students will bring home a ‘Just Right’ book to read independently. Show examples of just right booksLiterature Response Each Monday students will bring home a picture book from our class library. Please read this book to your child. Following reading, students are expected to complete a short reading response about the story. Show examples of real literature from the class libraryReading homework set by the class teacher is normally given each Monday and needs to be turned in by Friday.*Homework will begin on Monday 30th August
In January, a spelling program will be added to the class homework assignments.Also, occasionally children will be gathering information for the Unit of Inquiry. We appreciate your support and will allow several days for you to complete these tasks.
If your child is interested in doing other activities at home you can direct them to the online resources on our Year 2 Blog. These activities used to be on the Year 2 wiki pages.Rainforest math – username: NS8998 password: nist
There are many ways you can be part of your child’s learning at school. If you have a special talent or interest please inform your child’s classroom teacher. We are always looking for people to share what they know particularly when if relates to our unit. For example last year during our materials unit we had parents volunteer to teach children about sewing. When you receive the unit letter and if you see a way in which you could be involved please email your class teacher.If you are interested in becoming the NIPTA class parent please email Jim Marshall
As a way to start our partnership together,Year 2 students and teachers would like to invite you to our ‘Open Morning’ on Wednesday, 1st September from 7.30-8.15am. This will give you an opportunity to visit your child’s classroom and see how independent he/she can be at school. Following the open classrooms Ms Julia will host a coffee morning in Building 4 (secondary) 3rd Floor , room #2. Ms Julia will discuss what is developmental appropriate for year two and how you can support your child during this transitional phase.
*Check that parents have read our initial newsletter posted on the blog & the Parent Handbook*Remind parents that children must be off campus at 2:30 unless registered with an eca. Or with a responsible adult.
