22nd May 2014

Dear Parents and CaregiversSome of you may have seen me around the classroom since the beginning of the year, but I would like to take this opportunity to formally introduce myself. My name is Sasha Claughton, and I am a Pre Service Teacher studying a Master of Teaching at the University of Western Australia, Albany. I completed a degree in Environmental Science in 2010, and also have a background in running small businesses. I also currently work part time at the Western Australian Museum in Albany as a Visitor Services Officer. I am now embarking on the official component of my practicum, which means I will be in the classroom full time for 6 weeks. During this time, I will be teaching the class in a number of key areas. In Literacy this term, we are investigating non-fiction texts, and students will have opportunities to further develop their non-fiction writing skills through writers workshops, in addition to planning and writing a biography. In Maths, students will participate in a range of activities to explore concepts of volume, area and number patterns in ways that are relevant to their lives. In History we will continue to discover more about famous world explorers and the spice trade that inspired their treacherous journeys. We will also be creating a number of art pieces this term, some of which will link in with our history topic of world explorers. My aim throughout my practicum is to help students to engage with all areas of learning by providing hands on, authentic activities that help to develop your childs critical and creative thinking skills. I am so pleased to be a part of this amazing classroom, and will enjoy helping to encourage your childs excitement about learning. If you have any questions or concerns about your childs progress, please dont hesitate to contact myself or Arlia.Kind regards

Sasha Claughton