It has been another wonderful and busy period in our Grade 2/3 classroom, filled with engaging learning experiences, exciting events and opportunities for students to demonstrate our school values. As we finished Term Two and returned refreshed after the school holidays, it has been fantastic to see students settle quickly back into their learning routines with enthusiasm and curiosity.

To conclude Term Two, our Literacy learning centred around our class novel ‘Matilda’ by Roald Dahl. Students compared and contrasted the novel with the film, using evidence from both texts to justify their thinking and strengthen their comprehension skills. They also proudly published their persuasive writing after spending several weeks planning, drafting, revising and editing their work.

As part of our community connections, students learnt about the role of postal workers and the structure of friendly letters before writing thoughtful postcards to the residents of Calvary Care in Colac. They introduced themselves, shared their interests and asked questions, recognising how a simple act of kindness can brighten someone's day.

In Mathematics, students became young statisticians by collecting data, organising it into tables, picture graphs and column graphs, and interpreting the information they collected. It has been wonderful to see students grow in confidence using mathematical language to explain and analyse data.

Our Inquiry learning focused on the diversity of Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and the impact colonisation has had on First Nations Australians. Students approached these discussions thoughtfully and respectfully while developing a deeper understanding of Australia's history.

The final weeks of Term Two also included several memorable whole-school events. Our school community came together for the Big Freeze for MND Awareness, raising more than $3,000 for this important cause. Families were welcomed into classrooms for our Learning Showcase, where students proudly shared their work and celebrated their achievements from the semester. We also enjoyed our Swimming Sports, with every student participating enthusiastically and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and house spirit.

Following a refreshing two-week holiday break, students have enthusiastically begun our new Literacy unit based on ‘The Sugarcane Kids and the Red Bottomed Boat’. They have explored the unique setting of Far North Queensland, learnt about mangroves, investigated the mystery surrounding Jacob Wilson, and analysed how authors use setting, clues and character interactions to build suspense and mystery. Students have enjoyed making predictions and sharing thoughtful ideas as the story unfolds.

In Mathematics, students have begun an exciting unit on skip counting. They have been practising counting forwards and backwards by 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s and 10s, recognising skip counting as repeated addition and identifying number patterns through games, investigations and problem-solving activities. Their confidence and fluency with number patterns continue to grow each week.

To begin the term, students celebrated NAIDOC Week by learning about its significance and creating a collaborative artwork celebrating the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. We have also begun our new Inquiry unit on Sustainability, where students are investigating natural resources and exploring ways we can care for our environment.

There has also been plenty happening beyond the classroom. Our Milo Mondays and Toastie Tuesdays have been enthusiastically supported by students and families, helping to raise funds for our upcoming Sovereign Hill Camp. Clubs have returned, offering a variety of activities including critical thinking challenges, outdoor games and creative craft projects. Students also enjoyed participating in Pyjama Day, helping to raise money and awareness for children living in foster care.

Thank you to our wonderful families for your continued support throughout another busy and rewarding period of learning. We are incredibly proud of the effort, resilience and enthusiasm our Grade 2/3 students demonstrate every day and look forward to the many exciting opportunities still to come this term.

- Miss McLaren