Fourth term seems to be racing by. We spent the last few weeks of Term 3 working on Maths and the Class 2's amazed me with their skill at vertical addition and subtraction. They are very quick learners and love maths, and really work well together to problem solve. The Class 1's are making progress on their multiplication skills and are beginning to transition to the more abstract art of written calculations.

We performed our play, “Saint Jerome and the Lion” at the end of last term and it was a great success. I was so impressed with the way all of the children  conducted themselves during the two public performances. Thanks go to Evie, Ashley and Jewels for all their help.

This term we've been doing a literacy Main Lesson, learning about other lands and their legends. I'm really impressed with both the children's written work and their work ethic. It's such a pleasure to be able to sit at my desk (albeit for very short periods!) in the quiet of the classroom and simply watch them at their work. We now start our day with a fitness activity followed by mental maths and the children are showing a significant improvement in their calculation skills. It's an enjoyable way to get minds into gear and they are always keen to get started.

In recent weeks I've noticed that the children are mixing and playing with a far greater range of their classmates. They are making friendships across the age groups and there is a real sense of the classroom being a “home” for us all. Having Evie with us for so much of the time has made a real difference to the feel of the class and she is making a wonderful contribution with her artistic and musical skills.

On Tuesday afternoons the children rush to Kristi's area and dive headlong into whatever activities she has prepared for them. They absolutely love it and she is teaching them  such valuable life lessons in her fun, gentle and very peaceful way.

The children really enjoyed swimming lessons last week in spite of the very long sessions spent in the water. It was wonderful to see the improvement in their swimming in such a short period of time. I hope that many of them will also go to vacation classes where they can build on what they have learned.

Just a reminder that brimmed hats are now compulsory for outdoor play.  I'm looking forward to seeing as many parents as possible at our Class Meeting on Tuesday.

Jan