Primary News
- Mrs K Patton

- May 9
- 3 min read
T2, Week 2
Rotary Writing Competition
The Port Stephens branches of the Rotary club have extended an invitation to our students to enter in a writing competition. This is a great way for our students to express their creativity and imagination through storytelling. The topics are as follows:
THE MAGIC CARPET for 6-9 year olds
THE BIG STORM for 10-12 year olds
For more information please see the following information images:
Winter Uniform
Full Winter Uniform is to be worn by all students from Monday 12th May (Week 3). Refer to Whole School News.
Term Overviews
Please see the following Term 2 Overview documents which detail relevant information for your child’s class and how you can support the learning happening in their classrooms.

Mrs K Patton
Acting Head of Primary
Each week we are excited to hear from inside our Primary classrooms and find out what is happening. Please enjoy this week’s instalment from Year 1…
Term 1 was a busy and rewarding time for Year 1, and it was wonderful to see the progress made by so many of our children. As we reflect on the term, there were many highlights to celebrate.
Our theme for Integrated Studies was The Underwater World. At the end of the term, the children created dioramas to represent different ocean zones. It was exciting to see how well they recalled the details they had learned and brought them to life in their creations. One particularly fond memory was when I asked a student if they would like to add a jellyfish to their diorama, and they replied, “Seaweed is not found in the midnight zone, Mrs. Witenden.” How wonderful it is when our children become the teachers!
Another highlight was our Swimming Carnival. It was heartwarming to see the children’s enthusiasm and, more importantly, the way they encouraged one another. The cheering and excitement as they watched their friends participate was a joy to witness. For many, the bus ride to and from the pool was just as exciting—although much quieter on the way home!
A typical day in Year 1 begins with our Phonemic Awareness program, followed by Sounds-Write and Guided Reading. Writing and grammar-based activities are also part of the morning. The children’s engagement in these lessons is inspiring and helps build a strong foundation for literacy development.
After our first break, we move into Maths. These lessons often begin with teacher-led instruction of a new concept, followed by hands-on activities where children can apply their learning. There is a strong emphasis on number work, with frequent repetition that helps build foundational skills. Through games, songs, and puzzles, these concepts are approached with great enthusiasm.
In the final period of the day, we explore a variety of subjects including Art, Integrated Studies, Sport, and Library. STEM, our PD/H program, and Biblical Studies are taught during our RFF (Relief From Face-to-Face) periods.
Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all our mums and grandmothers a very special Mother’s Day. We pray your day with your precious children and families is truly blessed.
Mrs Witenden and Mr Wenham
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Primary | Key Dates: |
Wk 3 13th & 15th May | Prep Dental Visit “Smile Along with Margo and Friends” |
Wk 3 16th May | Stage 1 Excursion: Ranger Jamie Refer to information on the Sentral Parent App |
Wk 3 16th May | Primary Chapel 2:15pm. All parents are welcome. |
Wk 4 19th May | Primary Futsal Gala Day Refer to information on the Sentral Parent App |
Wk 4 22nd May | Kindergarten Excursion Refer to information on the Sentral Parent App |
Wk 4 23rd May | Athletics Carnival Years 3-12 |


















