A splash of paint!

Over the holidays, our courtyard received a colourful makeover! It is feeling fresh and inspiring, with more improvements already underway. Below are some pictures of the Preps, who wholeheartedly approved of the changes, their excitement was very encouraging.

The Prep Team

Library Borrowing Reminder

As Term 2 starts, just a reminder that every library book out is now due for return.  Please return all books on Thursday. If books are not returned then students will not be able to borrow new ones.

Thank you,

The Prep Team

End of Term Japanese Party!

As a special, end of term treat, the Preps had a Japanese party with Ben. First off, the Preps learnt about the history and rules of Sumo Wrestling (even real Sumo Wrestlers aren't allowed to hit, scratch or punch). Then it was the Preps turn to be the wrestlers! 

At the beginning of each wrestle, Ben measured up each pair of wrestlers to check if the contest would be fair. Next, the wrestles had to stomp their feet, as loudly as they could, to scare off any bad spirits, and to scare their opponent as well.

It is very important to show respect to your opponent, so before any wrestling occurred, the Preps bowed.

Then the audience yelled "san, ni, ichi" (3, 2, 1) and the wrestling began!

Here are some (very cute) videos which show the whole process (only viewable on the blog):

After all of that hard work, the Preps built up an appetite. Ben served some delicious miso soup and the Preps were asked to rate their soup in Japanese.

What a great way to learn about Japanese culture!

The Preps

Parent Helper Sign Up List

Thank you to all of the parents who attended the information session on Monday, the sign up list has been placed just inside the door to the Prep room. Please feel free to place your name next to dates that you are available, we are able to have a maximum of 3 parents each session.

The Prep Team

Parent Reminder

Parent Helper Information session

Monday 31^st March
3.45-4.30pm

In the Prep room.

Hope to see you there!

The Prep Team

Prep Assembly Video

Thank you to all of the parents who attended assembly this morning, the Preps did such a great job and were very happy to see so many parents there.

Below is the video that was played for those who couldn't attend and also for those who want to watch it again :)

The Prep Team

Prep Assembly - Earth Hour

On Monday at 9 am, the Preps will be running their first assembly which will focus on Earth Hour. A video will be presented that will include pictures and videos from the session with their buddies, where together they made a poster about how we can help the earth. Below are some pictures from the session, however we hope to see as many parents there as possible to support the Preps.

Numbers to 10

Over the last few weeks, the Preps have been learning how to count, collect and write their numbers to 10. Below, you will find some pictures of the activities we did. These include making numbers out of play dough, writing numbers in sand, collecting objects and matching them to numbers (just to name a few).

Home Readers

Today, your child will receive their new home readers.  

Inside their home reader bag you will find a home reading log book, which is used to keep track of their reading at home. Each day students will receive a new book, so it is important that the bags are brought to school everyday. Readers are about enjoying reading, so they should not be too difficult for your child.  The focus for home reading is to help your child remember what has been read, to understand the text, begin to read fluently and finally to enjoy the experience.

Here are some pointers when listening to your child read at home:

• Try to set a regular time when you are both relaxed
• Get your child to do a picture walk (look at all the pictures) before reading the book.  Discuss the pictures and what they think the book may be about.
• Tell your child the title of the book and any names of characters, places etc…
• Remind your child that reading should sound like talking (smooth and joined).
• Only draw attention to an error if it affects the meaning – otherwise come back to it at the end of the story.
• Praise all good reading behaviours (fluency, expression, use of punctuation, self-correction).
• Encourage your child to try a strategy when having difficulty i.e. what sound does the first letter make? Can you see a clue in the picture? What word might make sense here? Does it sound right?
• If your child cannot solve the word fairly quickly, tell them the word so that it does not affect fluency.
• After reading ask them about how the book sounded, and what it was about.

If you have any questions or concerns about home reading, please do not hesitate to contact any members of the Prep Team.

Kind Regards,

Miss Jennah, Kellie, Freya, Jeff and Mary