Castle Cove Public School
Stage 3 – Term 2, 2014 Newsletter
Term 2
This term, stage 3 will be involved in many great programs. As we approach Chatzfest (our local short film
competition) we will be providing students with a range of skills in movie filming and production. The
Apple Workshops will combine many of these skills and allow students to access knowledge and skills from
an Apple “Genius”.
We will be travelling to the Sydney Opera House to watch Pinocchio, a professional show that combines
acting and music. Students will also travel to the Sydney Writers Festival to listen to the experiences and
inspiration of many great authors.
The term will culminate with our Rhino Trial, which will be a whole school activity that involves an element
of art, technology and public awareness.
Key Learning Areas (KLAs)
English
All areas of the English program are integrated with each other and across the KLAs. This year we are using the new
NSW English Syllabus to program lessons. Through responding to and composing a wide range of texts and through
the close study of texts, students will develop knowledge, understanding and skills in order to:
Objective A communicate through speaking, listening, reading, writing, viewing and representing
Objective B use language to shape and make meaning according to purpose, audience and context
Objective C think in ways that are imaginative, creative, interpretive and critical
Objective D express themselves and their relationships with others and their world
Objective E learn and reflect on their learning through their study of English
Reading and viewing
Each class will be
Speaking and Listening
This term students will be covering a range of genres in writing.
Writing and Representing
In Term 1 our focus for Stage 3 students will be covering a range of persuasive and imaginative writing styles. This
will coincide with our Year 5 students participating in the NAPLAN test early this term. While the official response
writing genre has not been disclosed, we will endeavour to prepare our students with the essential skills as we do
each year. In Term 2 we will be attending workshops at the Sydney Writers Festival. This will provide students with
a great opportunity to gain insight into how professional writers gain inspiration for their writing. To coincide with
our upcoming work on Chatzfest, we will be responding imaginatively in genres such as, adventure, mystery, science
fiction and comedy.
Mathematics
Students work on a variety of tasks selected from the syllabus. The syllabus divides this subject into five content
strands: Number, Space and Geometry, Measurement, Chance and Data, and Patterns and Algebra. Working
mathematically encompasses five interrelated processes (questioning, applying strategies, communicating,
reasoning and reflecting) across the content strands. Students will also apply their knowledge to solve problems
through mathematical investigations. Explicit instruction of problem solving strategies is fundamental. Our
mathematics program is complemented by the Go Maths and iMaths program and the online website,
www.mathletics.com. Students are expected to be able to quickly recall times tables facts up to 12 as it is essential
for fast mathematical processing.
Chatzfest
Every student in stage 3 will be involved in creating a Chatzfest short film. Students have been involved in
workshops during weeks 1 and 2 and have a basic tool kit for movie production. Students will be beginning their
movie creation in weeks 3 and 4 of term 2. Students will be given weekly sessions at school to work on their films.
Movies are due by the end of term. Some students may choose to do an additional film at home.
Science and Technology
A sicence investigation will be due by the end of the term, Mrs Rao will provide more information on this
in the coming weeks.
Creative and Practical Arts (CAPA)
This term we will be continuing with our rhino sculptures. This unit of work will culminate at the end of term with a
rhino walk throughout the school. Information will be sent out prior to the event.
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
This term, students will begin PSSA sport, tennis and skills clinics on Fridays. Information on training and games will
be provided by Mr Horsley and individual coaches.
Moving Bodies
The students will participate in athletics and gymnastic programs taught by Moving Bodies. These programs will
begin in Term 2. Students wear their normal school uniform and school shoes on this day. Girls may wear bike shorts
(or similar) underneath if wearing a dress for the gymnastic component in Term 3.
Homework
Maths
This term we will be continuing with our Maths Mastery Badges. Once students have finished their badge book they
will be given a range of enrichment tasks to choose from and complete. Please see our homework policy for more
details.
English
Students will be expected to complete their reading each night and record their books for the Premiers Reading
Challenge. Teachers may also ask students to complete writing competition entries and/or book reviews at home.
Spelling will be done through Spelling City, if set by the teacher.
Extra-Curricular
Students will be offered a broad range of extra-curricular activities, including dance, debating, chess, band, library
monitors, debating, Tournament of the Minds, Carbon Cops, Robotics and Earth Kids, and are encouraged to
participate where possible to enhance their senior primary experience.
NAPLAN
Key Dates for Term 2 are 13, 14 and 15 May. Please try to avoid heading away during this time.
Reward System
Students are given Castle Cards for positive reinforcement and acknowledgement of best work. When they have 10
Castle Cards they bring them to school and receive a Merit Certificate. When 10 Merit Certificates are earned,
students receive a Bronze Certificate at our K-6 Assembly. This system continues through to Silver and Gold
Certificates. Students need to be encouraged to look after awards earned, so they can bring them to school to
receive their next award.
Students are also given praise, encouragement, stickers, stamps, house points as positive reinforcement.
Notes, Money and Clothing
If your child has been absent from school please send a note stating the dates and reason for absence within two
days of your child’s absence. If they are not in the classroom by 9.25am or they have to leave early please complete a
partial absence slip at the office and pass it on to the class teacher (we need these for our roll which is a legal
document).
Excursion permission notes with money enclosed are posted at the office in the silver letterboxes on the left hand
side as you walk into the administration building. Children in Stage 3 should be encouraged to be responsible for
putting their money/permission slips in the silver letterboxes before school.
When sending money to school, please place in an envelope, labelled with name, class, purpose and amount. If you
are paying for a brother or sister, please include permission note and indicate their name and class.
Please make sure your child’s clothing (especially hats and raincoats) is clearly labelled.
Academic Competition Dates
Participation in the University of New South Wales (UNSW) competitions is optional. Students are entered if their entry
fee has been paid prior to the closing date.
2014 competition dates are:
Computer Skills
Tuesday, 20 May
Science
Wednesday, 4 June
Writing
Monday, 16 June
Spelling
Tuesday, 17 June
English
Tuesday, 29 July
Mathematics
Tuesday, 12 August
Yours sincerely,
Mr Trent Moses
Mrs Sue Hiblen
Mr Joel Alexander
Mrs Smith