MAI - Maths Assessment Interview - What is it?

The Maths Assessment Interview (MAI) is an assessment which is undertaken by each individual student prior to the commencement of Term 1 and focuses on four main areas of Mathematics- Counting, Place Value, Addition/Subtraction and Multiplication/Division. It is designed to provide the teacher with valuable data which is then used to guide our teaching. This information is entered into a database which allows us to track the progress of each student and target learning experiences at their point of need. 

Our aim is to provide engaging learning experiences which help students develop a conceptual understanding of numbers ie. understanding that each ‘number’ consists of a numeral/symbol (eg.7), a name (eg. seven) and a quantity (eg. ///////). Many children learn to count rote (just like learning the words to a song). The problem with this is that they may not develop an understanding of the number concepts. They will often not be able to give the number before or after, or understand the concepts of ‘more/less than’, and will experience difficulty grasping addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills without this foundational knowledge. 

Please remember to book your MAI Interview for your child using the link below www.schoolinterviews.com.au using the Event Code e9qdc

WATER SAFETY OVER THE HOLIDAYS

As you plan your holiday adventures remember to keep water safety at the forefront of your mind.  It is always a lovely time of year to enjoy the beach and pools together as a family.  Here are just a few tips to assist over the holiday break:-

• CEO Supervision (Constant Eyes On) - Never turn your back on your child around water. It takes just seconds for him/her to be in serious trouble. Segment the supervision responsibilities so there are never questions about which adult is responsible for watching the child and be aware of the distractions unique to the winter months: holiday parties, house guests, etc.

• Educate Others - When traveling to relatives' and friends' homes they may not understand the importance of keeping gates closed, doors locked, closing toilet seats, emptying buckets, etc. Visiting family, holiday parties and celebrations can lead to breakdowns in routine supervision and effective barriers to the water.
• Decoration Hazards - Decorations and lights can pose problems with young children around the house and water. Watch for lights and electrical cords around water, make sure no outside decorations provide a means for a child to climb over a fence or open a locked gate.
• Bathtubs - Do not allow anyone who is uneducated about bathtub safety to bathe your child. Consider bathing an infant or young child in a tub with a handheld shower attachment, eliminating the risk of drowning in accumulating bath tub water.
• Self-rescue Skills - Teach young children self-rescue skills. For an Infant Swimming Resource - Pool Safety please click here.

Please visit the infants swim  site for more information.

Please add this link https://www.infantswim.com/assets/docs/FamilyAquaticSafetyList.pdf

Thank you for all your support throughout what has been a unique year.  Have a very happy and safe holiday break with your family and friends. We look forward to seeing everyone back in 2021.

Jeannine Ucdereli
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching