Monday 17 October 2016

Term 4 Overview








Welcome to Term Four! Stage One is looking forward to a fun and successful term of learning. This term there will be swimming school for Year 2 students, a community Christmas Carols night and Presentation Day for our stage. More information about this will be in the newsletter which can be accessed via Skoolbag or the school website.

Here is an overview of the subject areas and content for this term:

Literacy

Students are taught a balanced Literacy program which focuses on:



  • Speaking and Listening- daily news, class discussions, answering questions on texts to build comprehension skills, questioning based on using Edward De Bono’s Thinking Hats as a method of critical thinking.
  • Reading and Viewing- guided reading activities, big books and multi modal texts such as e-books, websites, blogs, using QR codes and comprehension activities based on texts.
  • Writing and Representing- modelled, guided and shared writing based on the Diversity Literature unit for Year 1 and a unit on Persuasive texts for Year 2. Students will be analysing high quality texts such as ‘Window’, ‘Whoever You Are’  and ‘The Day The Crayons Quit’. Writing lessons for Year 1 will focus on texts that entertain such as narratives, texts that inform such as procedures and descriptions and for Year 2, texts that persuade such as expositions. Handwriting lessons will continue to focus on making sure letters are a consistent size, shape and slope.
  • Grammar, Punctuation and Vocabulary­ Students will be revising nouns, verbs and adjectives and checking their writing for correct punctuation usage.  Year 1 students will be learning about how to use similes when writing. Year 2 students will be learning how to use speech marks and persuasive verbs and adverbs when writing.
  • Spelling- includes phonological, visual, morphemic and etymological words with grammar and writing activities related to specifically treated words.


     Numeracy 

      Numeracy lessons involve ‘hands on’ activities, group work, problem solving, maths drills and mixed mentals questions and written work in the Targeting Maths text book.

       
      This term, Year 1 will be focusing on:
      Addition and subtraction, place value, multiplication and division, 3D objects, time, volume and capacity, mass and chance and data.
       
      This term, Year 2 will be focusing on:
      Addition and subtraction, place value (2 and 3 digit numbers), number patterns and algebra, division, 3D objects, mass and chance and data.


      History
      Our History Unit is called ‘The Past In The Present.’ Students will be learning about heritage sites in Newcastle such as Fort Scratchley. Students will also be looking closely at the new court house in Newcastle and how technology has influenced its design. Students will think critically about why we should preserve heritage sites.

    Sport/P.E and Health
    Each Friday, students will be participating in sport activities. Year 2 students will be participating in the Swim School Program. Year 1 students will continue their dance lessons. Students will continue to consolidate the fundamental movement skills in P.E lessons throughout the week.  


    The P.D/ Health program for this term is road safety and awareness.

     

    Information Technology
    Students will be using a range of educational software websites to enhance learning such as Jolly Phonics, SpellingCity, Galaxy Kids and Study ladder. Students will be using iPad apps to reinforce and consolidate skills. Students will be learning how to publish documents using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. During Library and History lessons, students will be learning how to use the Internet safely and as an effective research tool.


    Creative Arts
    Students will be participating in visual art lessons and drama activities linked to all areas of learning. Each week students participate in community singing as part of the K-2 assembly.




















    Friday 23 September 2016

    What we have loved learning in Term 3.....


    Pim T- I loved learning about the water cycle. I didn't know any of this. We did a funny play about the water cycle.


    Callan P- I loved doing the computer work in writing groups.


    Thomas M- I loved when we got to draw the water cycle.


    Taj A- I loved Book Week. I loved everything about it and everyone's costumes.


    Kade C- I loved the science and learning about the water cycle. We did art about it.

    Molly H- I enjoyed creating butterflies which helped me learn about symmetry.

    Samia B- It was great to wear dress ups for Book Week and read some new books.

    Austin M-It was great fun to learn times tables and I love mathematics.

    Ruby F- I love going to my maths group after recess. I enjoy being challenged. Book Week was interesting and fun to dress up as characters.



    


    The 2016 Olympathon

    The Olympathon was a huge success at Belair Public School. Each class created their own country and paraded their flag at the opening ceremony. Then students participated in fun, sport activities, led by senior students. Some of the activities were thong throwing and the pool noodle javelin! We also raised a huge amount of money for our school. Well done Stage One!






    Wednesday 7 September 2016

    Book Week 2016

    Stage One had a fantastic day to celebrate Book Week. Students wore amazing, creative costumes which they proudly displayed when we had our parade. Parents and carers were invited to the classrooms to hear a shortlisted story and complete an activity. We love reading and enjoying books in Stage One!






    Monday 22 August 2016

    The Olympics 2016


    Stage One have had a fantastic time learning about the Olympics. We have seen the Olympic torch that was used in Sydney as well as seeing the actual uniform that was worn in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics by the captain of the Australian hockey team!

    Students have been inspired by the dedication, talent and teamwork skills of the athletes. A big thank you to parents who have brought in Olympic memorabilia- it has been very much appreciated and has engaged the students in their learning about the Olympics.












    Tuesday 28 June 2016

    Gosford Reptile Park

    This term years 1 and 2 travelled to the Reptile Park to consolidate our unit of work on living things. It was great seeing and touching the animals shown at the reptile and spider show. We enjoyed exploring the different animal habitats and learnt so much. Thanks to our parent volunteers.



     




     


    Thursday 16 June 2016

    Grandfriends' Day

    Stage 1 had an amazing day celebrating with their Grandfriends. Grandfriends were entertained by our students with singing and fun classroom activities.




    Wednesday 30 March 2016

    Information about the Stage 1 Teachers

    
    Find out about our talented teachers........


             
     

    Ms Pritchard- Assistant Principal, Year 2 Teacher
    I’ve been Assistant Principal at Belair for nine years. Before that I taught at other schools in Lake Macquarie and on the Central Coast. I believe that teaching is one of the most important and rewarding professions. It is very special to help our children grow- academically, socially, emotionally and develop their skills in becoming more independent.
    Outside of school I love reading, travelling, theatre and spending time with friends and family.


    Mr Baker- Assistant Principal, Year 2 Teacher

    I’ve been teaching at Belair for eight years and like to create a fun and exciting classroom. I am interested in technology and using this in the classroom.  I have a strong personal interest in all physical activities and promote a healthy lifestyle within the school.


    Jenny Ray- Learning Support Teacher


    I have been at Belair a very long time! I started in 1989 doing two hours ESL(English as a second language.) I love seeing students believe in themselves and that look on their face when they ‘get’ something.
    I love the beach, family, travelling, hockey, boxing  and line dancing(don’t tell anyone about the line dancing!)




    Zena Sutcliffe- Learning Support Teacher

    I have been at Belair for over three years and have loved every minute of it. I love to have a positive influence on the students, giving them a feeling of self -worth and a 'can do' attitude.
    I love music, drama, having fun, being creative, English- writing children’s stories and writing songs.

    Keira Bale- Year 2 Teacher

    This is my fourth year at Belair Public School. My passions are about helping students follow their interests and needs. I enjoy Literacy groups and H.S.I.E  lessons.
    I enjoy classroom discussions, hands on learning, Australian geography and history and reading.

    Alison Loredo- Year 2 Teacher

    I’ve been at Belair since 2010 and have taught across all stages. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed leading the school band and drama during my years here. I am passionate about instilling a love of life- long learning and developing creativity and resilience in my students.
    I’m a passionate reader and love a good chat! I have formal training as a graphic designer and enjoy any opportunity to be creative.

    Rosemary Swinburn- Year 1 Teacher

    I have been at Belair for six years.  I love having the children work with me and seeing them reach their goals I have set for them. Teaching reading is my real passion.
    I like the outdoors, watching thriller/drama programs and reading mystery books.

    Trish McNeil- Year 1 Teacher
    This is my third year at Belair Primary. I’ve moved back to Newcastle after teaching in Canberra for 11 years as well as teaching in Western New South Wales and overseas. I love teaching engaging lessons that integrate subjects such as science and history. I strive to inspire a love of learning.

    I love swimming, art, music, travelling, camping and spending time with family and friends.

    Bridget Bruce- Year 1 Teacher

    I have been a teacher for the last 17 years in Queensland. My family and I have moved to Newcastle making this my first year full time at Belair. I have a passion for Early Childhood Education and strive to motivate students by teaching the curriculum in a way that students are enthusiastic and positive about learning. I aim to meet the diverse needs of all students.
    I love anything outdoors, especially camping, hiking in remote areas and travelling to new destinations.


    Amanda  McNulty- Year 1 Teacher

    I have been at Belair for almost five years. I enjoy seeing the children grow socially, emotionally and academically. It is exciting to see them realise their full potential. I love to create a nurturing and warm classroom environment.
    I love cooking, gardening, artistic pursuits and spending time entertaining with friends and family.




    Wednesday 10 February 2016



    WELCOME TO STAGE 1. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A FANTASTIC YEAR OF LEARNING!