One Last Note from Room 11

It is hard to believe that it is the end of the year already. It seems like yesterday that I was meeting all the students and families for the first time!

I would like to say a huge thank you to the students for all of their hard work and dedication over the year. The students have worked brilliantly, both individually trying their best and coming together as a whole class to create a fantastic learning environment in Room 11.

Thanks also needs to go the parents and families who have supported the students’ learning through out this year.

It has been quite a big year for me, adjusting to a new school and overcoming some health hurdles, but I have felt supported by all of you through this.

The students have certainly earned a nice break over the summer holidays, but don’t let their brains go idle. There are some amazing places to visit in our city, mostly for free, such as the Western Australian Museum, State Library and Art Gallery.

After going somewhere or catching up with friends and family, talk to your child about it and help them to orally recount what you did. Keeping a small diary is also a great way to encourage writing.

The Premier’s Summer Reading Challenge will be run over the holidays. Reading or being read to for just 15 minutes every day over the break will assist your child in improving reading skills, develop a love of reading and keep their minds active. Go to the website:  summerreadingchallenge.org.au to register and find out more. The Forrestfield, Kalamunda, High Wycombe and Lesmurdie libraries are all just around the corner, so pop out with your children and grab a book, for them and for you too!

Don’t forget that your Mathletics log in will work all through the holidays. There are many different activities and games to explore and don't forget to challenge people from all over the world in Mathletics Live!

Once again thank you for all of your support during 2013 and I hope you have a fantastic holiday.

Miss Ruddick

Important Dates

Here is a list of important dates to add to your diary!

Monday 16th December- Class performances of Readers Theatre, 2:30pm in the classroom

Tuesday 17th December- Edu Dance Rehearsal during the day

                                          - Presentation Night, Camp Wattle Grove, 6:30pm

Wednesday 18th December- Whole School Assembly, 8.45am, Undercover Area

                                                 - Class Party, 1.30pm, Classroom

                                                 - Reports to go home

Thursday 19th December- Last day of school

There is a lot going on, so it may help to write it all down!

Parents Art Session

On Thursday, 21st November, Room 11 were lucky enough to be able to invite their parents to an Art Lesson with them. Ariel's Nana, Angus' Step mum  Jake's, Ryan's, Shae Lyne's, Chloe's, Ethan S's and Logan's Mums all came along. They got an insight into what an art lesson is like with Miss Larkin and they also got to make a marvelous creation.
The class and parents used special paper that you could wash and reuse to make a new picture. We used paint, dye, different tools and even sugar and salt to create patterns on our work.

Here are what some of the students thought:
"It was very fun and it was nice getting to see our parents during school time." Angus

"It was great having Mum come to Art. My favourite part was when we got to use the Edicol Dye." Jake

"My favourite part was when I got to mix everything together. It was great to have Mum there because she helped me." Logan

"My Mum was really artistic and it was really fun. I hope we do it again." Chloe

Term 4 Science- Night and Day

This term in Science we have been looking at Night and Day. We started the topic by brainstorming all of the difference between night and day. We have learnt about how shadows are formed and did an investigation to see how shadows change over the day. Here are some pictures of us recording our shadows out in the sun and also recording the shadows of a 'shadow stick'.

We have been learning about how the Earth rotates to make day and night and how the Earth orbits around the sound.
Did you know:
That the Earth rotates on it's axis once every 24 hours, which makes one day.
The Earth orbits around the sun once every 365 1/4 days, which makes one year.
We have leap years every 4 years to make up those 1/4 days.
Shadows change over the day. They are the longest in the early morning and late evening and are the shortest at midday.
Shadows start on the West side of an object in the morning and then move to the South at lunch, then the East by the end of the day.
WOW!

Early Years Learning Framework — Continuity of Learning

Learning experiences that link over time are the most valuable. Children learn best when they have the opportunity to practise new skills and apply new knowledge.

It is important that we provide children with routine and a predictable environment. That way, students feel safe and are more responsive when new things are introduced.

At Wattle Grove, we provide open ended activities that are adapted to every child’s individual learning style. We provide multiple opportunities for children to engage in learning            experiences and build on prior skills and knowledge. 

Think about how you provide your child with opportunities to practise and build their skills. Plan an activity could take place regularly to see how their knowledge and skills develop.

If you would like to find out more ask your child’s teacher, or jump on the website:

http://deewr.gov.au/early-years-learning-framework

Mrs Jessica Munro

K-3 Team Co-ordinator