​DEAR PARENTS...

During Week 11 staff worked hard behind the scenes to prepare for online learning. Delivering the curriculum efficiently online is important to us while also ensuring what we provide is as simple and stress free for you as possible.
Please familiarise yourself with the expectations for successful home learning and contact me should you have any questions. I will endeavour to address concerns as quickly as possible while still fulfilling my role with 'face to face' teaching, planning and connecting with students learning from home.
The two core areas of Mathematics and Literacy will be supported using recognised Australian websites. Maths Online and Literacy Planet are both aligned with the Australian Curriculum, are adaptive, can be programmed to individual student needs and provide me with real time results from each student. A selection of other sites and hands on activities will be provided.
It's important for students to complete online tasks independently for accurate collection of results. Student work will be collected in a variety of ways however this will be included progressively as we develop our capacity to do so.
​Please be aware this is a 'work in progress' - expect changes and refinements along the way.
I'm looking at ways of connecting with each student and their caregiver each week. Please ensure the 'weekly windows of availability' requested in the most recent APS communication, are as broad as possible so we can find a suitable time for everyone.
​Should you need to contact me, please use the email address below to ensure it isn't missed. This contact is dedicated to parents and caregivers .
Thankyou for your patience and consideration during these changing times. Your support is invaluable. Until we return next term, try and relax with your children and enjoy these days you share together.​
​
Parent contact: room22contact@gmail.com
Student contact: mholloway@ardps.com

WEEKLY TIMETABLE

OTHER CURRICULUM AREAS

SCIENCE - MUSIC - JAPANESE - PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Currently the expectation of Home Learning is to cover the areas of Maths, Literacy and Reading. Fortunately our Specialist Teachers are also making content available for those areas. Please refer to these sites via the APS Homepage.

ARDTORNISH PRIMARY SCHOOL

Direct link back to Ardtornish Primary School Homepage for further information.

EXPECTATIONS

  • Take a few minutes before you start each day to get  organised. Look over the tasks for the day to make sure you understand what to do and have everything you need to be successful.
  • Work in the morning while you're fresh and alert - it's the best time for learning. Save the 'downtime' and more relaxed actiities for the afternoon.
  • Have frequent short breaks to get up and move around and include some healthy snacks.
  • Try your best and always strive to improve on your last effort - the same as when you're at school.
  • It is expected daily tasks will be completed wherever possible. Circumstances are different for everyone and we understand this.
  • Weekly tasks will be available to preview on the Sunday prior to each week commencing. The link will only become visible in the header on that day, eg. Week 1.
  • Online tasks are to be completed independently.
  • Look after yourself and each other - this is the most important thing.
  • If your child is learning from home, phone catch up times will be scheduled according to responses received. I'll try to accomodate requests wherever possible.

MATHEMATICS

Core work will be drawn from Maths Online. We finished last term reading and writing Digital and Analogue Time. We'll start this term with some revision then move on to more Addition and Subtraction. As we usually do, we'll start with tasks that are easier and then slowly increase the difficulty. Remember when using Maths Online, you must watch the tutorial before attempting the questions - even if you feel confident. Please don't be tempted to skip this important requirement. Revision and listening carefully to instructions is an important part of all learning.
Extra support activities will vary for each topic and more information will be provided on the weekly programme. I'll pop in direct links to make this easier for you to access whenever possible.
I encourage all parents to access the link on their child's logon page to ensure weekly reports are sent directly to you.

LITERACY

​Literacy include reading, writing, speaking and listening. When planning tasks, areas will frequently overlap eg. I may ask students to view a video or read a text via a given link. Activities drawn from this may also include a writing task or a follow up discussion with you. Looking for information, giving an opinion or illustrating their understanding can bring together and consolidate new ideas. Where possible I will sometimes draw in elements of areas typically covered by our Specialist Teachers as part of our work in Literacy.
The time allocation for Literacy is separate to the Independent Reading required each day. 
An important new program we'll be using is Literacy Planet which covers the areas of Phonics, Reading, Writing, Spelling, Sight Words, Grammar and General Language. Individual tasks will be assigned to each student to work through at their own level and pace. Individual Usernames and Passwords will be sent to students via their gmail account and also to the parent email address provided to us.
Daily tasks and routines will be listed and clearly explained as each week is published online. Most daily schedules will follow a set procedure and won't necessitate an explanation every day.

INDEPENDENT READING

We know the benefits of fluent and independent reading skills influence success in all aspects of learning which is why this time in school is so highly valued. For many students this is one of their favourite times of the day and it's important to continue this routine at home as well. Fortunately reading at home might offer a more relaxed or varied environment for students to read. Sitting outside in the fresh air or in a comfy chair are often more difficult to provide at school and so please enjoy these moments and appreciate how great it is.
You might be interested in reading 'How to Encourage Good Reading Habits in Kids' or to view the Mom Fox video promoting and explaining the importance of reading to your child, even when they are considered an independent reader. 

Get Started...
​
Design a page in the blank book sent home in your Home Learning Pack to record each of the books you have read. I will be asking to see these and so it's important you think about the design carefully and write it up neatly. At least one book is to be read each week. On completion of each book choose one of the following options:
  • Write a book recommendation for a friend describing why you think they should read it.
  • Describe the setting using as much detail as you can.
  • ​If you could choose to be one of the characters in the book which one would it be and why?
Remember to miss a line in your book and give your writing a neat title and very importantly, the date.
​

Thankyou for your continuing partnership and support as we navigate our way forward - together.
Regards, Maggie