Teaching and Learning Areas
Foundation
In Maths, our topic is Sharing (Division) and it is off to a great start! Students had lots of fun using Smarties to explore ‘equal’ as an introduction to our unit. They also enjoyed our pizza-sharing activity, where they practised sharing different amounts between groups. Students are now developing a strong understanding of what it means for sharing to be equal, fair and even, as well as what it means when there are leftovers. It has been wonderful to see them using these new mathematical words and ideas with confidence!
Also in Inquiry/Integrated, students have been enjoying making their double-sided dioramas for the topic ‘Pets vs Wild. We are now putting the finishing touches on their pet side. Alongside their dioramas, they have been writing about their chosen animals and have included heart words, question marks and interesting facts. They’ve also started writing on dotted thirds, solidifying their understanding of tall vs short letters. It has been awesome to see all of their learning shine through in their writing and to see the pride they are taking in their work.
Please come along to our Open Afternoon on Wednesday 16th September at 3:15-3:45pm to see their completed projects!
Grade 3/4
In Literacy, our Grade 3/4 students have had lots of fun exploring the power of words and developing their descriptive writing. They have experimented with similes, metaphors, alliteration, repetition, rhythm, rhyme and playful word choices to bring their writing to life and create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. Students have also enjoyed sharing their ideas aloud, developing confidence in using their voice and expression to engage an audience. It has been wonderful to see their creativity and confidence grow as writers. We hope you enjoy reading a small sample of their poems!
Grade 5/6
MATHS!
We’ve just wrapped up a unit on time and timetables in Maths. Students have been developing their ability to read, compare and use time in different contexts, including working with timetables and 12- and 24-hour time.
If possible, we would love for all students to wear a watch to school each day, it must be an analogue watch with hands, as smart watches are not allowed at MPS. Having a watch makes it much easier for students to practise reading the time throughout the day and supports their growing independence and time-management skills.
We’re now moving into measurement, where students will be working with different units and measuring in practical contexts. One of the best ways to reinforce this learning at home is through cooking together! Reading a recipe, measuring ingredients, comparing quantities and thinking about grams, kilograms, millilitres and litres are all fantastic real-life opportunities to practise measurement.
LITERACY!
In Literacy, our Shaun Tan unit has been absolutely amazing. Students have been exploring Shaun Tan’s books and developing some incredibly sophisticated thinking about the big themes within them, particularly ideas connected to history, migration, belonging and human experiences. They have also been looking closely at symbolism and metaphor, thinking carefully about how Shaun Tan communicates ideas through both words and images.
We have been so impressed by the quality of students’ thinking and discussion. They have been making thoughtful connections, noticing details and developing interpretations that go well beyond simply describing what they can see.
Students have created their own Shaun Tan-inspired zines and collages, drawing on the visual techniques and ideas they have explored. They are beautiful, thoughtful pieces of work and a wonderful reflection of the creativity and high-quality thinking happening across 5/6.
Foundation - Grade 6
Premiers Reading Challenge
The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge has now come to an end.
A big congratulations to all of our students who participated and made a fantastic effort with their reading. It has been wonderful to see so many students enjoying books and making time for reading.
A special congratulations to those who completed the Challenge. Your certificates will be handed out soon!
Spanish
This term in Spanish, the 5/6s are working on food trucks, each one dipping into their inner creativity and knowledge of the Spanish language.
Even if they're not doing Spanish food, they're all writing menus in Spanish and converting AUD into EUR to expand their understanding with the currency and learning to write in Spanish.
Here are some examples of the food trucks which the students are proud of.
Written by Charlotte Gr 6.
