Weekly Memo: Week 5, Term 3 2023

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info@mcs.catholic.edu.au

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Literacy - Phonics

Phonics is the relationship between the 26 letters (graphemes) of the English alphabet and the approximate 44 speech sounds (phonemes) they represent, also referred to as the alphabetic principle.

There is overwhelming research evidence that demonstrates early reading progress is most likely to occur when the early reading instruction includes systematic and explicit teaching of phonics, especially for those children who are at greatest risk of reading difficulties. (Castles, Rastle & Nation, 2018; Ehri, 2020).

At McAuley Community School we teach phonics daily as part of our Word Study lessons. Phonics is taught in a structured and systematic way using a scope and sequence from Reception to Year 6. Learners are explicitly taught how our speech sounds map to different letters and letter combinations in a logical and sequential order progressing from simple to complex. Learners use this knowledge to blend and segment sounds in words to read and spell proficiently.

Our Word Study lesson structure includes daily review of previously taught phonics concepts and explicit teaching of new concepts. This is critical in supporting learners achieve automaticity and fluency when reading words and texts.

We monitor learners’ phonics knowledge using DIBELS, PLD spelling screenings and the Phonics Screen Check in Year 1.

Save the Date - Learning Conversations

Learning conversations will be occurring in Week 9 (18-21 September).

These conversations are optional and provide an opportunity for Educators and families to discuss learner’s growth and progress across the curriculum. Further details, including booking information will be provided to families via Audiri in the coming week.

Catholic Schools Open Week – 21 to 27 August

“Catholic Schools Open Week is an opportunity for any parent considering a Catholic education for their child to meet their local Catholic school and discover how we work in partnership with families to educate and nurture young people,” says Dr Neil McGoran, Executive Director Catholic Education South Australia.

Principal’s Tours

This week are inviting prospective families to McAuley school community through Principal’s tours on Wednesday and Thursday at 9:30am. It is a privilege to welcome families and share what a Catholic Education at McAuley offers every child. This includes a welcoming and inclusive school environment, commitment to high quality teaching and learning, opportunities for faith formation and outstanding facilities and resources.

Learning Open Afternoon

We look forward to families and friends attending our Learning Open afternoon on Friday 25 August from 2:20pm to 3:05pm. This is an opportunity for families to join our lessons and to view and celebrate children’s learning. Entry to the school will be available via the side gate off King George Avenue, next to the office.

Book Week

This week we celebrate the richness that stories and literature bring to our lives. Our Book Week Parade was a magnificent community event including learners from our playgroup, school and co-located Alive Catholic Early Learning centre. The parade was full of colour, delight and creativity and our Year 1, 2, 3 and 5 neighbourhoods continued the parade to our neighbours at Townsend House.

Thank you to our families, learners and staff for your costumes and joyous spirit.