From the 5/6 Classrooms
Boroondara Park Primary School
Journey to Discovery - Science Incursion
On Thursday July 30th, our Year 5/6 students participated in an engaging hands-on Science Incursion as part of our Journey to Discovery Integrated Curriculum unit.
Throughout the 90-minute session, students explored the fascinating world of Chemical Sciences, investigating the properties and behaviour of different materials and discovering what happens when chemicals are mixed. Guided by an enthusiastic science educator, students were encouraged to make predictions, carefully observe experiments and reflect on the scientific processes taking place.
Students investigated the states of matter by mixing sodium polyacrylate with water, transforming it into a solid before reversing the change using salt. They also observed a range of chemical reactions, identifying the signs that indicate a chemical change has occurred, comparing temperature changes tween different reactions and investigating how gases can be produced during a reaction.
To finish the session, students became chemists by using red cabbage extract as a natural pH indicator to test a variety of everyday substances, determining whether they were acidic, neutral or alkaline.
The incursion provided an exciting opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of scientific concepts through inquiry and experimentation. It was wonderful to see students asking thoughtful questions, making connections to their classroom learning and embracing the curiosity that sits at the heart of our Journey to Discovery unit.
Student Leadership Spotlight - Administration Pillar
Our Year 6 Leaders play an important role in supporting our school community. From leading assemblies and lunchtime clubs to representing student voice and helping younger students, they demonstrate our school values every day. This week, members of our Administration Pillar reflected on their learning, achievements and experiences.
Many students shared how much they are enjoying our Journey to Discovery Integrated Curriculum unit. Chloe in enjoying competing her Seed Study, while Daniel has loved planting and caring for his seeds, carefully recording their growth each day. Matthew and Olvin both highlighted the ice experiment, where they predicted which material would melt ice the fastest before discovering that salt was the clear winner. Ariana also reflected on how much she is enjoying the wide range of science investigations and experiments throughout the term, while Athea's favourite learning experience has been planting a variety of beans and seeds.
Our student leaders have also embraced opportunities to make a positive contribution to school life. Daniel has been leading the Years 3 - 6 Minecraft Club, helping students develop new skills while planning an exciting survival competition. Chloe demonstrated care by supporting a friend after an accident, while Athea represented student voice at a School Council meeting to advocate for new synthetic grass on the cricket pitch. Cindy, Paige, Eva and Yuvaan reflected on the importance of confidently speaking at assemblies and sharing information with the school community.
When asked what they are most grateful for at Boroondara Park Primary School, a common theme emerged - the opportunities, friendships and supportive community. Students spoke about being thankful for the friendships they have made, the chance to participate in interschool sport, leadership opportunities, competitions and the welcoming learning environment created by both staff and students. Chloe was proud of successfully completing every question in the July Maths Olympiad.
Reading continues to be a passion for many of our leaders. Olvin recommended Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan for its adventure and excitement, while Athea is enjoying Tomorrow When the War Began for its action-packed storyline and rich vocabulary. Other book recommendations include The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and Two Wolves, described as captivating reads that keep readers hooked.
Our leaders also shared some wonderful advice for younger students:
- "Always keep trying and give new things a go. You'll never know if you never try."
"Take all the chances you get and always do things that benefit you and the people around you."
We are incredibly proud of the way our Year 6 students continue to demonstrate leadership, curiosity and kindness while making a positive impact across our school community.
Year 6 Rotary Club of North Balwyn Essay Writing Competition
Celebrating Our Award-Winning Writers!
We are incredibly proud to share the exciting news that two of our students have been recognised in the Rotary Club of North Balwyn Grade 6 Essay Writing Competition.
A special congratulations to Colin (5/6B), who was awarded 1st Place, and Abby (5/6B), who received 3rd Place.
This is a fantastic achievement, reflecting their creativity, dedication and outstanding writing skills. We congratulate both students on this well-deserved recognition and thank the Rotary Club of North Balwyn for continuing to support and celebrate young writers in our community.
A big well done also goes to all of our students who took the time to enter the competition. We are proud of your enthusiasm, effort and willingness to challenge yourselves through your writing.
Moving into the Teen Years Program
As part of our focus on student wellbeing and respectful relationships, Team 5/6 students will participate in the Interrelate: Moving into the Teen Years program. This program supports students as they begin to navigate the transition into adolescence, exploring topics such as relationships, identity, emotions, change and respectful communication in a safe and supportive environment.
The program will take place on:
- Thursday 6 August
- Thursday 13 August
- Thursday 20 August
Home Learning
A friendly reminder that each week, students are expected to complete the following:
Nightly Reading: 20 - 30 minutes each night, choosing a mix of fiction and non-fiction texts that interest them
Weekly SMART Spelling: practise their spelling words each night using a Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check process. Additional activities are also provided in students' Home Learning books to further reinforce spelling skills and word knowledge.
Mathematics Grid: complete one task from the Mathematics Grid each week. Parents sign once the task is completed.
For students who are still developing recall of multiplication facts up to 10 × 10, regular practice at home is strongly encouraged.
Optional Online Tasks: Optional My Numeracy and My Literacy tasks are available through Essential Assessment for students to explore online.
Students are to bring their Home Learning Book and School Diary to and from school each day.
Term 3 Newsletter
If you haven't had a chance to read our Team 5/6 Term 3 Newsletter, please use the link below:
Term 3 Dates
Thursday 6th August: Interrelate Session 1
Monday 10th August: ICAS English
Tuesday 11th August: Team 5/6 Hooptime
Thursday 13th August: Interrelate Session 2
15th - 23rd August: Science Week
Friday 14th August: Science Showcase in the classrooms from 3:00 to 3:30pm
Monday 17th August: ICAS Science
Thursday 20th August: Interrelate Session 3
Monday 24th August: ICAS Maths
Tuesday 25th August: Book Week Author visit
Friday 28th August: Book Week Dress Up Parade
Wednesday 2nd September: District Athletics
Tuesday 8th September: Whole School Photo, Grade 6 Graduation Photo, Leadership Pillars & JSC Photos- 9am to 12pm
Friday 11th September - Whole School Expo 3pm - 4pm, Quiet Expo 2:30pm - 3:00pm
Wednesday 16th September - Friday 18th September: Grade 5 Camp