Year 5 News
Reading
This fortnight, our students have been exploring the features of fiction and non-fiction texts. They have learned to identify elements of fiction such as characters, setting and plot, and to recognise non-fiction text features including headings, captions, diagrams and glossaries. Students have been practising how to tell the difference between texts that entertain and texts that inform, and how to use text features to better understand what they read.
“I like reading books” - Cristian 5B
“I like learning the difference between fiction and non-fiction” - Lal 5B
Writing
This fortnight, our students dove into the exciting world of narrative writing in preparation for NAPLAN. They explored how to bring their stories to life using expanded noun phrases, adding rich detail and depth to their characters, settings, and events. From describing mysterious forests to clever, mischievous characters, students practised painting vivid pictures with words and structuring their ideas into engaging stories. Students took ideas from their writer’s notebook to spark their narratives. We can’t wait to see their creative narratives continue to grow!
“We did big moments and small moments” - Hassen 5A
“We use the bottom 3 lines to brainstorm how to use our ideas in different writing types” - Josiah 5A
“We use a writer’s notebook to get all of our ideas” - Xavier 5B
Maths
This fortnight, our students have been building their understanding of decimals. We revised how to read and write decimal numbers and made connections between how decimals look when written and how they are shown visually. Students used hands-on materials, such as MAB blocks, as well as place value charts and abacuses to deepen their understanding. These tools help students clearly see the value of each digit and understand how decimals work. The students have also been learning how to compare decimal numbers up to the thousandths place, using place value knowledge to determine which numbers are larger or smaller. It has been wonderful to see students growing in confidence as they develop a stronger understanding of decimals.
“It was fun to learn about hundredths” - Jahnvi 5A
“It is a bit challenging learning decimals but I tried my hardest” - Jobe 5A
“It was fun and I tried my best. It was a bit challenging” - Paul 5B
Inquiry
In Inquiry this fortnight, students have been learning about Federation and why it was such an important moment in Australia’s history. We explored how historians look at different perspectives to better understand the past. By the late 1800s, many people believed the Australian colonies should join together to form one nation, while others were strongly against the idea. Students examined these differing viewpoints to understand why people felt the way they did. Students also researched what life was like in the late 1800s and compared it to life today. This helped them understand how Federation has shaped the Australia we live in now. To deepen their understanding, students explored timelines of key events and learnt about important people who played a significant role in achieving Federation.
“I think life back then would have been different. I think the clothes they wore were fancy.” -Shishir 5C
Social and Emotional Learning
This fortnight, our students explored different learning styles, discovering how we each absorb and process information in unique ways. Through fun, hands-on activities, they reflected on their own strengths and practised empathy by supporting classmates with different approaches to learning. We also joined the nationwide effort for Clean Up Australia Day, working together to care for our environment and make a real difference in our school community. It was inspiring to see responsibility, kindness, and resilience in action!
“I like learning about how other people feel when certain things happen” - Lal 5B
“I learn best when I see things.” - Natalia 5C
AUSLAN
This fortnight in AUSLAN, Year 5 students explored a colorful array of breakfast foods, learning the signs for favorites like toast, cereal, and fruit. They practised expressing their own choices and describing their morning routines, building both vocabulary and confidence in using AUSLAN. It was wonderful to see students communicating with enthusiasm, sharing their favourite meals, and discovering the fun of signing together!
“It was fun to learn new signs” - Harry 5A
“Learning new signs”- Lal 5B
Special Events
Swimming
This fortnight, our Year 5 students have been diving into their swimming lessons at State Swim, developing essential water safety skills while having heaps of fun. From perfecting strokes to building endurance and confidence in the water, everyone is making great progress. It’s been inspiring to see determination, resilience, and teamwork on display as students challenge themselves and celebrate each new achievement!
“It was fun to learn new moves in swimming” - Jahnavi 5A
“I like to swim in the deep end.” - Anas 5C
“My favourite part of swimming is playing Marco Polo.” - Joseph 5C
Clean Up Australia Day
Clean Up Australia Day is on the first Sunday of March every year. To commemorate the day, our students have been learning about the impact rubbish has on our environment, wildlife and waterways. We have discussed how small actions, such as putting rubbish in the bin, recycling correctly and reducing waste, can make a big difference over time.
To support Clean Up Australia Day, our students participated in a school clean-up activity. Equipped with gloves and rubbish bags, they worked together to collect litter around our school grounds. This hands-on experience helps students develop a sense of responsibility, teamwork and pride in caring for their environment.
“We helped each other to clean up the school” - Rafaeel 5A
