Grade Five

It’s hard to believe that Term 1 is nearly done! The start to 2024 has been a very positive one; our students continue to grow into their role as senior school students, showing their ability to adapt to expectation and upholding our school values. We are incredibly grateful this year to be supported by Marie Leathem, Gaby Rojas, Sandeep Arora, Di Swift, Ashton D’Costa and Adele Campbell, who will provide invaluable assistance to our year level.

Week 8 saw 108 of our Grade 5 cohort and 10 staff attend our three day camp at Camp Rumbug in Foster North. Participating in activities that challenged our students’ preparedness to ‘have a go’, build confidence and resilience, as well as developing the ability to work together as a team, were fundamental elements that underpinned our time at camp. The importance of building relationships between our students and their teachers allowed us to work on skills that will enable our students to not only be the best they can be, but also build on the leadership qualities so very important in Grades 5 and 6. Thank-you so very much to Gaby Rojas, Natalie Salerno, Andrea MacIntosh and Vanessa De Hoedt who came with us; we are all so very happy that you did!

During Week 7, our students completed their four NAPLAN Tests. We are very proud of their positive mindset and how focused they were during their tests. Thank-you so much to Mrs McCaughan and our Technician Michael for ensuring that everything online was ready and working; our Grade 3 Buddy classes were just wonderful for allowing us to complete the tests in their classrooms.🙂

Our English sessions this term initially focused on setting our students up for success with their Literacy. Students have worked through narrative, persuasive and recount text types, along with reviewing reading comprehension strategies in preparation for Literature Circles in Term 2. Students worked through the characteristics of what makes an effective reader and writer, while making the vital connections needed to develop a deeper understanding of these two major elements within our English program.

During our Math sessions, we initially focused on setting our students up for success mathematically, working with concepts about them that relate to mathematics. Place Value, the Four Processes [addition, subtraction, multiplication and division], Measurement [perimeter, area and volume], Statistics and Probability and Location activities relating to our Grade 5 Camp have formed the basis of our Term 1 Maths program. Students are always encouraged to explain their thinking and record how they solve the problems presented to them.

Our Integrated Studies unit, Identity, has been of high interest to our students. Developing a deeper sense of who they are has allowed our students to appreciate their family’s history, while instilling a greater level of respect and understanding for and of each other. Celebrating Harmony Day on March 21st, allowed our students to develop a greater understanding of inclusivity, respect and belonging for all Australians. Our Cyber Safety session was well-received by our students who actively participated and gained further insight into the cyber world that is very much a part of the world they live in.

The Specialist classes our students attend each week ensure that their education is well-rounded; the skills they learn continue to enrich their development and learning. As a team we remain very grateful for the opportunities our Specialist teachers offer our students.

We congratulate the many Grade 5 students who swam at our Swimming Carnival in February and made it through to swim at the District and Division levels; they have done themselves and our school proud!

As a team we are incredibly grateful for your support throughout Term 1; we look forward to the exciting challenges that Term 2 will bring!

“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day.”

– Anonymous