From Our Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching - Mrs Amanda Deeps

New English & Mathematics Syllabuses K-2

From 2023 the new English and Mathematics K–2 syllabuses will be taught in all NSW primary schools. The new curriculum will give students more time to focus on key learning areas so that they can acquire a deeper understanding of central concepts. It will ensure students develop strong foundations for learning, life and work in a complex and fast-changing world.

English

The new English syllabus recognises that for most students, oral language comes before written language. Oral language outcomes and content are inclusive of students whose primary communication is not through speaking and listening.

Each research-based key to reading has an explicit outcome, including phonics. The teaching advice suggests that teachers should typically provide daily opportunities for students to practise reading.

There is a greater emphasis on writing and ensuring that students have a clear understanding of how to create a sentence.

‘Literature’ is highlighted as essential in the development of core knowledge for the  subject of English. Listening to and using literature can foster an understanding, appreciation and love of reading.

Content in the new syllabus is structured to highlight the parallel connections across oral language, reading and writing.

Mathematics

The new Mathematics syllabus clearly shows essential learning and supports students to make connections across concepts as outlined in the research for building foundations in Mathematics.

There is a focus on developing reasoning skills to support a deeper understanding.

Content is structured to highlight the parallel connections across Number and Algebra, Measurement and Space, and Statistics and Probability, underpinned by the latest research.

The new syllabus affirms the strong evidence base of outcomes and content, with an increased emphasis on place value.

Lost Property

We have an overwhelming amount of lost property at present. All items with names on them have been returned to their rightful owner but there are still over 50 jumpers in lost property. Some of these items look brand new. If your child/ren has lost of jumper of late it might be a good idea to remind them to have a look in lost property. We ask that you clearly label all your child/ren's property so in the event of it getting lost we can return it.

Pick Up and Drop Off

At St Carthage’s we strive to ensure that children, staff and members of our wider community are safe at all times. Additionally, it is our goal to make sure that our community is impacted as minimally as possible by school traffic. We have noticed some students being dropped off on the driveway near the staff carpark then walk through the carpark to enter school. This area is not a pick up or drop off area for parent’s use before or after school due to safety concerns. We ask that you park your car to drop children off and ensure that they enter school through the appropriate gates. Thank you for your support in this matter so that everyone remains safe.