Year 1 marks an important milestone for your child.  They are finally ‘big enough’ to put on a uniform and commence their formal education in the classroom.  At Cornerstone, we recognise the significance of this time and are confident in the start your child will make under the expert guidance of class teacher, Mrs Audrey Sully.

Audrey has been at the College for the past few years, and came to us with over 30 years of teaching experience.   She holds a Bachelor of Education, Majoring in Early Childhood studies, which she obtained externally from Edith Cowan University in Claremont.  Audrey has a delightful and gentle nature which she uses to build confidence and trust with each of her students.  She is creative and highly competent – skills which blend to make your child’s first year of school valuable.

In Year 1, a number of core areas are introduced and established which offer a great foundation for the future education of your child.  Audrey delivers a comprehensive program to help each child begin this journey.  During the course of the year, reading skills and the love of language are developed.  Literacy is an important tool for your child to develop and one that Audrey takes very seriously.  With this aim in mind, she endeavours to create a love for reading.  Her view is that this is a most necessary life skill.

During this year, students begin to make progression in writing and taking pride in their presentation.  Correct letter formation is further defined and students are encouraged to share their own world and experiences in writing.

Audrey delights in observing the interaction between class members as they learn to cooperate and work cohesively together.  Her desire is that each of her students will develop the ability to accept others as they are, and to learn to live harmoniously together whilst working to the best of the ability.

Audrey believes that the partnerships she builds with the parents of her students are vitally important for the educational success of a child.  She invests in equipping parents with the resources and skills to continue what is learnt in the classroom when a child returns home.

Part of the development in confidence also comes in the area of numeracy.  During Year 1, students will be progressing towards a greater understanding of numbers and have the confidence to manipulate them.  This foundational understanding can then be further developed in the years ahead.  Watching a child grow in the knowledge of their own ability is one of Audrey’s most pleasurable experiences.  Seeing a student develop throughout the year, and particularly when she witnesses their pride in being able to accomplish a new task are special moments for her.

All students in the Year 1 class have access to the Learning Support Centre if this may be of benefit.  Lynn Chapman, the College’s Learning Support Centre coordinator, works with small groups of students to better develop their literacy and numeracy skills. Audrey will refer students to Lynn for academic testing as she deems necessary.  The College’s desire through this program is to see all students achieve their potential in Literacy and Numeracy.  Alternatively, students who show great progression in their work will be provided with opportunities to step up and receive extension work.

Year 1 is unlike any other year in education, when significant changes occur in a child’s knowledge and understanding.    It is an exciting journey to take a child on, and one which Audrey recognises is both a privilege and responsibility.