Dear Parents and Carers,

Literacy: Our school journey in developing literacy for all students has had a strong focus on rich literature, and the development of libraries in every classroom. In recent weeks a number of our teachers have undertaken the intense 2 day training for teaching the Initialit program. Initialit is a synthetic phonic program. Synthetic phonics along with rich literature supports strong literacy development. As part of our Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn system wide Catalyst program we are implementing Initialit in the K-2 classrooms at St Patrick’s in 2021. We have taken a step forward by beginning the program with our Kinder students in Term 4 this year.

Reading: Our school expectation for homework is that each child reads each day. Please schedule time with your child to help them meet this expectation. It is very beneficial for children to have 3 reading experiences as they develop their reading skill.

1 – Read to self

2 – Read to another

3 – Be read to.

What is your favourite book? Take some time to tell your children what you like to read!

What is your favourite quote about reading?

    

A piece of advice that I believe is worth repeating is that for children to grow a positive attitude about reading they need to see people valuing - and engaging in reading. Seeing role models engaging purposefully in reading is really positive and powerful. Families can do something simple like scheduling a reading time (eg. once per week) where everyone is engaged in reading. Maybe this weekend there will be time to relax and read?

Blessings

Jo