Welcome to Week 5 of Term 1 – Early Years (Prep to Year 2)
Our Early Years learners are working hard and truly shining as Fernbrooke Stars, and Exceeding Expectations everyday. Here’s to another exciting fortnight filled with exploration, creativity, and learning!

Prep

Literacy
As part of our English Unit, students are exploring The Very Cranky Bear. They are examining the characters, setting, events, and discovering what the characters like and dislike. We were thrilled to welcome Rodney for a special visit, and the children shared why they enjoyed Rodney Loses It even more! In phonics, they began reading their very first words using the sounds a, d, c, and s. Some of the words they decoded include:
• s-a-d
• d-a-d
• a-d
At home, please ask your child to sound out and read these words. We are also focusing on name writing and improving pencil control.

Maths
In Maths, our Preps are building number sense by recognising numbers 0 to 10. They’re exploring the question “How old are you?” and practicing counting forwards and backwards from 0 to 10.

Year One

Literacy
Year One students are engaging with both informative and imaginative texts. They are learning to spot the unique features of each text type and using these clues to find the most important information.

Maths
In Maths, our Year One students are exploring addition and subtraction through hands-on activities using number bonds, tens frames, and other materials.

Special Event – Step into History
We are excited to announce that this Friday, Year One will participate in our “Step into History” incursion! This immersive event will take our young historians on a journey back in time. They will have the opportunity to dress up in historical costumes, sparking their imaginations and learning about the past in a fun, interactive way.

Year Two

Literacy
As part of the Year Two English Unit, our creative journey continues as students collaborate to craft a story about a character. They are focusing on describing the character’s appearance, personality, feelings, and actions to bring their imaginative narratives to life.

Maths
In Year Two Maths, students are exploring addition and subtraction by breaking numbers into parts using the split strategy. They are also practising counting forwards and backwards on a number line, which helps to strengthen their number sense.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

Our Semester 1 Parent/Teacher interviews are scheduled for Monday, 17 March 2025. You can choose to have your discussion over the phone or in person at the school. Each interview will last about ten minutes and will be scheduled between 2:45 pm and 5:30 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and explore ways to support their learning. Please be on the lookout for communication regarding interview locations.

If you cannot find a suitable time slot through the online booking system, please contact your child’s teacher to arrange an alternative. The online booking system will open at 9:00 am on Friday, 21 February 2025. To book your interview, please visit www.schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the code: x9yhb

Assembly – this Friday

Our Early Years assembly will be cancelled this Friday due to the hall being used for our Year 1 Incursion. Student of the Week awards will be presented to students in classrooms.

Swimming Lessons for Years 1 & 2
Swimming lessons will begin this term and run for three weeks, held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays according to your child’s class schedule. A detailed timetable will be provided soon.

Lesson Dates:

• Tuesday: 11, 18, 25 March
• Wednesday: 12, 19, 26 March
• Thursday: 13, 20, 27 March

The sessions will take place at the Goodna Aquatic Centre (137 Brisbane Terrace, Goodna 4300) with qualified instructors leading the lessons. Transportation will be provided via a seat-belted bus under teacher supervision.

Please ensure your child brings the following items:
• A towel with their name, swimwear, and optionally goggles
• A swimming cap (required for those with shoulder-length or longer hair)
• Thongs or slip-on shoes for travel
• A plastic bag for storing wet clothes

The cost for the lessons, which also covers bus transportation, is $12.00. This fee has been greatly reduced thanks to school subsidies. Payments must be made by the designated deadline; late payments will not be accepted, and refunds are not available for missed lessons.
Please provide your permission through Q Parents (a paper form is available upon request). Both payment and permission are due by Wednesday, 5 March.

We look forward to a wonderful fortnight of learning and fun at Fernbrooke State School!

Warm regards
Theresa Parker
Deputy Principal – Early Years