Emma Clemens and Natanya Milner

Get Reading Right

“More than any other subject or skill, our children’s futures are all but determined by how well they learn to read” by Dr Alex Granzin.

Earlier this term, we were lucky enough to have Jo-Anne Dooner from ‘Get Reading Right’ present on the synthetic phonics approach that we have introduced into our K-2 literacy programs at Emanuel this year. Jo-Anne highlighted the complexity of the English language and the reasons that learning to read, write and spell in English can be so complex. She highlighted the main vocabulary that is important in this synthetic phonics approach:

–       Phoneme: The smallest speech sound in a word

–       Grapheme: The way we write a phoneme.

–       Blending: Joining phonemes together to read words

–       Segmenting: Pulling phonemes apart to spell words

–       Decodable books: Books with words that need to be decoded (without picture prompts) so children cannot guess

–       Camera Words: High frequency, irregular and high utility words eg. the, was, are, today, about

The main components of our literacy programs include: Oral Language (speaking, listening and oral vocabulary), Reading (phonological awareness and phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension) and Writing (handwriting, spelling, grammar and composing).

The five main areas of reading are phonological and phonemic awareness (including rhymes),  phonics,  fluency (automatic word recognition, ie. being able to read at a functional speed so that attention and memory can be used for comprehension), vocabulary and comprehension. Jo-Anne focused on the importance of the first four areas being automatic so that attention can be given to comprehension. She states that children should not move through camera words until they can very quickly recall them.

Jo-Anne reminded us that learning to read and write is hard so we need to remember to be patient, supportive and curious. Jo-Anne reminded us that our children need to be ‘learning resilient’ and parents need to support them calmly but also expect their children to ‘step up’.

Her final message was: Read with your child everyday!

Please see the article from the Year 1 teachers for some more insight into phonics in the classroom.

Sedarim

This week we had seven Sedarim celebrations from Year K through to Year 6. Each grade had their own special ceremony or performance. It was lovely to have so many parents and family members share in these wonderful events. Thank you to the Hebrew and Jewish Studies Department for their incredible work to organise the Sedarim. It takes such a lot of time and energy to create such a beautiful range of events and is truly a team effort within the Hebrew and Jewish Studies team. Thank you especially to Hagit Bar-On, Adam Carpenter, Stacey Rosenfeld, Holly Dillon, the P&F and parent helpers for their tireless efforts. Thank you also to Michelle Goldman and Danny Burley for their engagin accompaniment and Ofer Levy for taking such beautiful photos for us. We are so lucky you have them all in our community.

Year 6 Gratitude Day

On Wednesday Year 6 participated in Gratitude Day. This is a special event to thank the Year 6 students for their fantastic work in their leadership of the Primary School. Each Year 6 student has a leadership portfolio including Madrichim, House Captains, Jewish Life, Art, Chess, SRC, Debating, IT, Charity, K-2 Play and Gross Motor. For the Term 1 Gratitude Day, students visited a local park and spent time at  Attractivity. Thank you to the Year 6 teachers for organising this event. Thank you to the Year 6 students for your leadership of the Primary School and your innovative, exciting and creative initiatives in your portfolios this term.

Years 3-6 Cross Country

On Thursday this week we had the Years 3-6 Cross Country Carnival at Queens Park. All students were encouraged to participate in this long distance event. It was great to see such enthusiasm and house spirit throughout the races. Thank you to Stuart Taylor, Adam Ezekiel and Sharon Fairfax for organising the event.

iPad Golden Rules

In the Primary School we have ‘iPad Golden Rules’ to assist students in purposeful and valuable use of technology that enhances learning. These Golden Rules have been outlined below.

Years K-2

1. No iPad at recess or lunch.
2. Only use the iPad you have been given for the lesson.
3. iPads closed in 5, 4, 3, 2,1.
4. Teacher chosen apps only.
5. Store in iPad trolley.
6. Do your best work.

Years 3-6

1. Only use apps that form part of the learning activity.
2. Only use school email and airdrop for communication related to learning (ask for permission).
3. Only play educational games at school.
4. Close your case when requested by your teacher (by the count of five).
5. Store your device in the iPad trolley at the end of the day and plug it in for charging.
6. Only use your iPad during teacher directed learning time.
7. When walking your iPad must be closed.
8. iPads are not to be used at lunch unless you are completing a learning task with a teacher.
9. Do not listen to recreational music when using your iPad.
10. Use the photo/video/audio functionality of device appropriately. Always ask permission before taking or sharing photos or videos.
11. Use the internet responsibly. Remember that teachers have the right to search internet history, camera roll images and downloaded apps. Students are not to clear internet history.

Upcoming Dates

• 27 April: First Day Term 2, Primary Lice Check
• 1 May: Y3-6 Yom HaZikaron
• 2 May: YK-6 Yom HaAtzmaut Celebrations
• 4 May: Y4-6 Before School Sport Training Commences
• 4 May: YK for 2018 Showcase, 8:45-9:45am Angles Leadership and Learning Centre
• 4 May: Y5 for 2018 Information Night, 7:00-8:30pm Millie Phillips Theatre
• 5 May: Monash Commemorative Service – House Captains attending, 11:00-12:25pm St Catherine’s School
• 9 May-11 May: Y3 and Y5 NAPLAN
• 10 May: Y4 Pathways Parent Information Night, 7:00-8:30pm Angles Leadership and Learning Centre
• 12 May: Mother’s Day Breakfast and Stall

Term 2 K-2 Assembly 2:00-2:50pm Millie Phillips Theatre

• 5 May (Week 2): eActive Dance Group
• 19 May (Week 4): Y2 Hebrew
• 2 June (Week 6): Shavuot, school closed
• 16 June (Week 8) 2T Mrs Strub
• 30 June (Week 10): Music Assembly