Dear Parents and Carers,

The Science of Learning and Cognitive Load theory helps us understand how we learn and retain information (remember) through particular processes. One strategy that helps move information to long term memory is interleaving and giving spaced practice for the learning. 

In recent years we have been implementing reading practices based on the Science of Reading and in particular, the Simple View formula for reading success (Gough & Tunmer,1986). You may recall that we follow the Simple View in our teaching, it is that

Decoding (D) x Language Comprehension (LC) = Reading Comprehension (RC)

The Simple View formula makes clear that strong reading comprehension cannot occur unless both decoding skills and language comprehension abilities are strong.

**We must teach students to decode expertly as early as possible. When students can decode expertly, their reading comprehension capabilities equal their language comprehension abilities. This is where the synthetic phonic approach to reading is most beneficial and why at St Pat's we have implemented InitiaLit and all the MacqLit programs across the school.

** We must provide students with strong content knowledge in many domains at all grade levels in order for them to develop adequate language comprehension abilities. At St Pat's we continue to plan for teaching vocabulary and raising the bar on our knowledge rich curriculum.

What can you do at home?

• Use rich and varied vocabulary. 
• Challenge your children with new and interesting words.
• Praise your children when they experiment with new words.
• Talk about concepts that are new. Talk about them in depth.
• Research together. Let them know when you don't know! Tell them you can find out together!

Year 5 Leadership processes Year 5 recently enjoyed their Christian Leadership day during which they learned about the processes for applying for Year 6 roles and responsibilities. Students applying for school captain roles will present their speeches to the school community on Wednesday 23rd November at 12.35 in the school hall. Parents are welcome! 

Students applying for sport captain roles will present their speeches to their sport house in the classrooms on the same day at 2.15pm. Parents generally do not attend these smaller gatherings.

We have spoken with Year 5 students that our expectation is that they all will take a captain or minister role in Year 6 to develop their leadership and contribute to the life and growth of our school.

Blessings

Jo