Kindergarten – Early Stage 1 – Term 1, 2018

Dear Parent/ Carer, Welcome to Kindergarten 2018. We trust that you and your child are excited and feeling positive about starting school. The term is one that will be full of exciting learning activities and challenges. The following overview will outline the wide variety of activities to be covered across the key learning areas, reminders and general explanation of procedures.

KINDERGARTEN TEACHING TEAM

The Kindergarten teaching team: KA - Miss Caroline Anderson KC - Miss Megan Clayton [Grade Leader] KH - Miss Kate Hayward

KM - Miss Elizabeth Meys KS - Miss Laura Simpson

Kindergarten students will be supported by the following staff: LaST - Mrs Amanda Daffas EAL/D - Ms Jeanette Haverkamp and Mrs Amanda Brooks Library - Mrs Gabi Hodge Music - Ms Natalie Campbell

KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS

The Kindergarten programs will aim to:

nurture, develop and encourage the whole child;

develop confident students who are risk takers;

foster in all students a sense of optimism and openness; and

provide relevant, connected and challenging learning experiences that enrich individuals.

ENGLISH

Reading & Viewing – Students will be participating in a variety of reading activities including guided, whole class and individual reading activities. We will be sharing, as a class, a number of literal and factual texts. Where possible the texts will be integrated with our History unit. Aspects of effective writing techniques used by different authors will be discussed so that it may flow over into each student’s own writing. We will have a particular text that is studied in depth, and throughout the unit students will be completing a range of related grammar, writing, drama and art lessons.

Guided Reading lessons will occur five times a week. Students will be divided into ability groups according to their instructional level. Within reading groups students will be introduced to a text at their instructional level. Word attack skills, making meaning, decoding, comprehension and responding to text will be areas that we will focus on this term. Parent helpers are greatly appreciated during literacy groups. A roster will be created for Term 1. Please add your name to the roster outside your child’s classroom if you are able to assist.

Kindergarten students will begin Home Readers in Week 4. We will send the guided reader home each night for the students to reread. As the book will have been introduced and unknown words taught during a lesson with the teacher that day, they should be able to read the text with ease. This is an opportunity for the students to confidently read a book that they have already read. Please ensure books are returned every day.

During Term 1, 4 single sounds will be introduced each week. Time will be spent during the week talking about the sounds, writing them, blending them and manipulating them using such resources as magnetic boards and letters, whiteboards and markers and other exciting literacy game resources on the Interactive White Board (IWB). During Terms 2, 3 and 4 we will introduce blends.

The sight word program will begin the week of Monday February 19 and will involve the students learning sets of sight words from the Magic 100 Words (M100W) program. There are 12 colour coded sets of words that the students will work through at home. The students will need to bring their book back to school on Fridays once they have mastered their current list. Please be aware that we ask the students to read the words in random order, not in the order they are on the sheet. If your child rote learns them in order,

MOSMAN PUBLIC SCHOOL 27 Belmont Road Mosman 2088 Phone: 9969 9325 Fax: 9968 1324 email: mosman-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: www.mosman-p.schools.nsw.edu.au Principal: Mr Steve Connelly

they may not actually be able to read the words at school. Words need to be read without hesitation. If mastered, students will receive a certificate and the next level of words. These will be pasted in their sight word book.

Writing & Representing – The students will be involved in writing lessons each day. Students are encouraged to attempt their own writing after frequent demonstrations by teachers. Initially their writing may be pictures, scribbles and known letters or words. They may dictate a sentence or copy from the whiteboard or IWB at first, however as their skills develop they are encouraged to write independently using sound charts, sight word groups, word banks and their knowledge of letter/sound relationships to help them.

Handwriting – The students are encouraged to sit up straight and hold their pencils correctly. We use triangle pencils to encourage the students to hold their pencil between their thumb, pointer finger and middle finger with the other two fingers tucked underneath. They will practice their fluency patterns, tracing, copying and tracking the letters in the NSW Foundation handwriting style. Weekly handwriting lessons will relate to single sounds.

Speaking and Listening –Throughout the term the students will be involved in a range of informal talking and listening activities. We will be focussing on developing the students’ active listening skills this term and confidence in addressing the class. Students are encouraged to make eye contact with the audience and use a loud clear voice. The NEWS program will begin the week of Monday February 19 and the news topics are attached to this newsletter. Weekly topics will be based on the History and Science units.

MATHEMATICS

Concepts will be covered in the content strands of: Number and Algebra Measurement and Geometry Statistics and Probability

Specifically, during Term 1 students will cover:

- Whole Number

- Addition

- Subtraction

- Patterns and Algebra

- Data

- Time

- Position

- 2D Space

- Length

Teaching and learning activities will develop skills in the Working Mathematically area: questioning, applying strategies, communicating, reasoning and reflecting. The emphasis is hands on, which means the students participate in activities that encourage them to work with concrete materials (materials that they can touch and manipulate). The students participate in a wide variety of structured and open-ended activities which allow students to work at their own level. Each week our program consists of 5 lessons.

SCIENCE

Mosman Public School uses the Primary Connections Science program which uses literacy to teach science. Students will begin a unit entitled Staying Alive. Through an inquiry based approach students will be engaged in learning about all living things and what they require to survive.

CREATIVE ARTS

Music Music will continue to be taught by Ms Natalie Campbell and will encompass singing, percussion and basic theory.

Your child’s Music lesson is on:

KA KC KH KM KS

Monday Friday Wednesday Wednesday Friday

Visual Arts Students will have the opportunity to regularly explore their own creativity through making and appreciating artworks, as well as studying various artists.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT / HEALTH / PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PD/H/PE)

PE / SPORT

Your child’s PE / Sport day is: Tuesday Please ensure your child is in their PE uniform (including suitable footwear) each Tuesday. The students will participate in a program delivered by Sport in Schools Australia (SiSA), one of the largest external providers within the Australian education system. All staff

are qualified teachers who specialise in teaching sport. This enables students to be introduced to specialist teachers in this component of the curriculum who are 4 year trained and carry the necessary expertise and knowledge. Each SiSA session, the students will rotate through 3 programs, for the duration of 40 minutes. The programs in Term 1 are:

Athletics program offers a unique service of teaching students basic to advanced track and field skills with innovative and specialised equipment. The program places strong emphasis on fun and fitness.

Cooperative learning and social skills program addresses the following key skills: •Sharing •Co-operation •Trust •Adaptability •Visual communication •Verbal communication •Problem solving

The program is delivered using specialised equipment that gets students interacting in a fear free environment (no competition).

Fundamental Movement motor skills and physical activities of locomotion, throwing, launching, tracking, catching, hitting & striking, games, co-operative learning, balance, fitness, co-ordination and core stability.

The students will have their session with SiSA for 2 consecutive weeks and then sport with their classroom teacher in the third week.

PD Students will participate in lessons on Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) that are based on the school wide expectations. Rules for all areas of the school will be taught through role-play. To complement this, students will also have lessons where social skills will be taught.

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)

The students will have a lesson that is taught by the class teacher in the computer room weekly. Students will learn to log onto a computer using their Department of Education login details. They will learn what the computer components are called and what they do, how to open programs and navigate their way through the programs and the Windows system. Each classroom also has computers that are used. ICT is utilised across all Key Learning Areas to enhance learning. Students have daily access to iPads and we will be focusing on developing students’ skills to record their learning and demonstrate their understanding of what they have learnt.

LIBRARY

The students will have a lesson with Mrs Gabi Hodge in the Library each week. They will learn how to locate books and how to behave responsibly in the Library. The students will need to have a Library bag to keep their borrowed book in. The students will not be able to borrow if they have an outstanding loan.

Your child’s library lesson is on:

KA KC KH KM KS

Monday Friday Friday Monday Friday

HOMEWORK

It is recommended that students develop positive study habits by completing set homework each week. Students will be required to read their reader and revise sight words, and are strongly encouraged to utilise Internet sites, such as, Mathletics and Reading Eggs.

OTHER MATTERS

ASSESSMENT & REPORTING TIMELINE

Term 1: Parent Information night; parents return the completed Getting to know your child information sheet [optional informal chat afterwards – time is limited, so an appointment can be made to speak at a later time]

Term 2: Semester 1 report

Term 3: formal parent-teacher interviews

Term 4: Semester 2 report

ATTENDANCE: ABSENCE NOTES Written notes explaining your child’s absence are required the day on which they return to class. Students taking more than 10 days [ie 11+] leave for more need to notify Mr Connelly, in advance via the school office.

Our electronic attendance system prints notes for parents regarding their child’s absences. If you receive one of these letters, please complete the slip and return it to your child’s teacher. A doctor’s certificate is required for sickness-related absences of 3 consecutive days or more.

ATTENDANCE: LATE ARRIVALS / EARLY PICKUPS It is essential that students arrive on time as we begin our learning experiences as soon as we enter the classroom. Students are discouraged to be at school before 8.30am as teachers are not on playground supervision duties. On the rare occasion where it cannot be avoided, students must sit under the COLA near the hall until the 8.30am bell sounds.

If your child is late to school, parents must accompany their child to the school office to obtain a late note. If you are collecting your child early, you must sign an early leaver’s note from the office and then collect your child from the classroom or playground.

BEHAVIOUR MPS is a Positive Behaviour for Learning [PBL] school. PBL is an evidence-based whole school systems approach with a clear set of positive expectations. Throughout the year, procedures are in place to teach students these expectations, which address the academic and social needs of students in a supportive environment to improve learning outcomes. Our school expectation is:

At Mosman Public School we promote a positive learning environment where we accept the challenge to be respectful, responsible learners.

PBL systems at Mosman Public School for students following expected behaviours are:

School Spirit Focus of the week - weekly focus on a specific behaviour, announced at the Monday morning assembly

Caught You Being Good tokens - given out daily and contribute to the School Spirit Trophy

Weekly Merit Cards - presented to three students each Friday

Whale Mascot - presented to one class per grade / stage at lines each Friday

Principal's Attendance Award - names will be printed in the Whaler for students who have arrived at school on time and stayed for the whole day. Students who meet the expectation of school attendance all year will join Mr Connelly and the Deputy Principals for a morning tea and receive an Attendance Award.

School Spirit Trophy - won by the Sports House with the highest combination of House points from Caught You Being Good tokens and school-based carnivals.

PBL systems for students not following expected behaviours are:

Yellow Minor Card - given as a warning for behaviour which does not meet the school's expectations

Red Major Card - given as a consequence for repeated or unacceptable behaviour which does not satisfy the school's expectations

BELL TIMES Students have access to 3 playgrounds, Allan Border Oval, the school library and special interest clubs. The bell times are as follows: BIRTHDAY CAKES We welcome small individual cakes or the like if your child wishes to share his/her birthday with the class. Teachers are UNABLE to cut cakes.

CANTEEN The canteen is open every day for your convenience. Students may buy a ‘treat’ at lunch and afternoon tea. The canteen provides online ordering ONLY through Flexischools. You will need to set up an account to order online at www.flexischools.com.au

CLASS SUPPLIES It is important your child’s stationery supplies are refreshed regularly and they are at school every day ready for lessons. Please check with your child regularly to see if they require anything for the classroom. In Term 1, parents are asked to provide the following items: 2 boxes of tissues; 1 pump pack of soap; 2 packets of baby wipes.

K-6

Morning 9:00 – 11am

1st Break 11:00 – 11:15am (Lunch – eating time)

11:15 – 11:55am (Play)

Middle 11:55 – 1:55pm

2nd Break 1:55 – 2:25pm (Afternoon Tea)

Afternoon 2:25– 3:10pm

COMMUNICATION WITH TEACHERS Most often, teachers are busy before and after school with meetings and lesson preparation. If you wish to discuss any matters concerning your child, please contact the school either by phone, note or email in order to arrange a mutually convenient time. The Contacting the School – a guide for parents can be found on the school’s website in the rules and policies section.

CONTACTING THE SCHOOL – a guide for parents

CRUNCH AND SIP Students are encouraged to bring a small container of chopped fresh fruit or vegetables (ONLY) in to the classroom to ‘refuel’ during the first session of the day. Students are also asked to have a bottle of water with them each day.

HATS

The school has a NO HAT, SIT IN THE SHADE policy. Please ensure your child has a clearly labelled SCHOOL hat every day. A

spare hat in your child’s bag can come in handy.

HOMEWORK Students will be required to complete a number of activities throughout the week, as well as utilising Internet sites, such as Reading Eggs, Edmodo and Mathletics.

Regular reading is essential to the development of literacy skills. Students are strongly encouraged to read quality literature for up to 20 minutes per night.

MONEY If your child brings money to school, please encourage them to keep it in a safe place such as their lunch box or a wallet with their name on it. Keeping money in pockets is not encouraged as it can easily be lost and may be a distraction. It is also a good idea to discuss what your child might spend their money on and remind them that they are not to buy for others.

PARENT HELPERS Parent assistance is a valued part of many aspects of school life. Please note that all parent helpers are required to fill in a Declaration for Volunteers and Contractors form through the school office prior to commencing any voluntary work. This process also involves a 100-point ID check.

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY For the safety of all students please only use pedestrian gates when entering or leaving the school. In the interest of safety, at no time should you or students walk through the staff car park.

Questions relating to: Action to be taken:

My child’s welfare, learning or stage activities 1st Write a note to your child’s teacher. 2nd Contact the office to organise an interview with the teacher.

A school policy or practice Contact the office and the appropriate member of staff will respond in a timely manner.

The actions of another child towards my child on school grounds

1st Inform the class teacher. 2nd Contact the Assistant Principal if the matter is urgent.

The actions of another child towards my child while travelling to or from school

Inform the Assistant Principal or Deputy Principal.

The actions of a parent while on school grounds Inform the Deputy Principal or Principal.

The actions of a member of staff (for feedback or clarification)

1st Write a note to the teacher concerned or contact the office to organise an interview with him/her. 2nd Organise an interview with the Assistant Principal responsible for the stage. 3rd Contact the office to organise an interview with the Deputy Principal or Principal.

Playground accidents Contact the Deputy Principal.

Lost property 1st Ask your child to check the lost property box located in the Belmont building near the canteen. 2nd Check the lost property box yourself. 3rd Write a note to your child’s teacher.

School activities 1st Read the school newsletter and/or website calendar. 2nd Contact the office and the appropriate member of staff will respond.

High schools Contact the Assistant Principal for Stage 3.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS It is essential that every item that belongs to your child is labelled with your child’s name. In particular, lunch boxes, drink bottles, school bags, jumpers and hats. Please check lost property, located at the bottom of the steps in Belmont building, adjacent to the canteen, if your child’s items are missing.

SPECIALIST PROGRAMS: Learning Support The learning support program caters for individual students, whether it is learning English or supporting students with a disability or targeted learning needs.

The EAL/D (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) program provides English language support to students who are developing and consolidating their English language skills. Students in the New Arrivals program receive classroom support and are withdrawn for daily intensive English language lessons.

The Learning Support team consists of the EAL/D teachers [Ms Jeanette Haverkamp and Ms Amanda Brooks], the Learning and Support teacher [Mrs Amanda Daffas], the School Counsellor [Ms Glynis Saunders] and the Deputy Principals.

Library Students from Kindergarten through to Stage 3 visit the library for 40 minutes each week for a lesson with Mrs Hodge or Mrs Rowley. During this time, they browse, read and borrow as well as participate in lessons that support their classroom learning. They learn the procedures of how to use a library effectively. They listen and respond to quality literature. They learn to locate, select, organise and present information from various sources such as books and websites.

Students may borrow and return books during their library lessons and at lunch when the library is open. The library is also open for a short time after school for those who want to borrow or return quickly. Library bags are required for borrowing for all K-4 students.

Music Ms Campbell will teach music to all students with a focus on: addressing the fundamentals of musical concepts; delivery of vocal training in theory and performance; lesson delivery in the recorder and ukulele; and expression through the wonderful outlet of musical performance. Ms Campbell is a proponent of the power of music on creative development and the importance of musical expression both as individuals and as part of the school community. Therefore, all students will be given opportunities for self-growth, exploration, improvisation, and performance.

VARIATION TO ROUTINE At times there will be changes to the planned teaching and learning program due to unforeseen / unplanned / one-off events [eg evacuation drills, special ceremonies, etc.]. In Week 9 of Terms 1, 2 & 3, the teachers of each stage meet for a full day to plan together for the following term. To facilitate this, the specialist programs [music, library, Mandarin / STEM & Coding] are suspended for the week.

Kindergarten Teaching Team Ms Megan Clayton Steve Connelly Grade Leader Principal

Oral Presentations

Kindergarten students are being encouraged to plan their Term 1 oral presentations so they can present

their news confidently to the class.

The oral presentations (news) are important because they encourage speaking and listening behaviours,

develop effective questioning techniques and provide opportunities for peer, self and teacher

evaluations. Please assist your child by helping them plan news items from the list below each week. Ask

your child to think about ways of speaking and listening effectively. For example, speaking clearly,

presenting confidently and using eye contact and appropriate gestures.

When your child unpacks their bag at school, their news will go in the news box. It will stay in the news box

until news time. Then it will go back in the box until home time. News items must not be played with during

lunch time or afternoon tea. Please do not send precious or expensive items to school - we are very

careful with news items but cannot be responsible for breakages or loss.

Students present the following tasks on their news day each week. News presentations should be one to

two minutes long. It will be beneficial to practise at home with an adult.

Your child’s news day will be ________________________________

Week Beginning Topic

4 February 19 Bring in a photo of your family. Talk to the class about who is in your family

and what you like to do together. Please provide either a photo labelled

on the back or a USB.

5 February 26 Bring in your favourite toy and tell the class about it and explain why it is

your favourite.

6 March 5 Free choice

7 March 12 Bring in your favourite book and tell the class about it and explain why it is

your favourite.

8 March 19 Draw a picture or bring in a picture of your favourite animal. Tell the class

why you like this animal more than any other animal.

9 March 26 Talk about your favourite sport that you like to play or watch. Tell the class

why it is your favourite.

10 April 2 Free choice

11 April 9 Bring in a photo or draw a picture of your home. Share what makes your

home special and what is your favourite place within your home.

Thank you for your co-operation and support.

Kindergarten Teachers

Please use these prompts to help your child order their news.

Most weeks the students will be able to present their news and answer Who? What? Where? How? and

Why? Some weeks, you may not need to answer all the questions as they may not be applicable.