Year Six
Dear Year Six Families,
It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the halfway point of Term 3! Our Year Six students have packed so much into the first few weeks; from diving deeper into their Reading, Writing, and Mathematics learning, to launching their much-anticipated PYP Exhibition. Their energy, curiosity, and teamwork have been fantastic to see, and we can’t wait to watch them continue to grow and shine as we head into the second half of the term.
Reading
In Reading, students have been developing their comprehension skills through the QAR (Question-Answer Relationship) strategy. They practised identifying Right There answers directly from the text, using Think and Search to connect ideas, and extending their thinking with Author and Me and On My Own questions. Texts ranged from environmental issues, such as ocean pollution and coral reef conservation, to inspiring biographies like Mae Jemison and Nelson Mandela. Students also learned to evaluate the reliability of information sources using the CRAAP Test, as well as refine their note-taking, paraphrasing, and synthesising skills to combine prior knowledge with new information for deeper understanding.
Writing
In Writing, students focused on producing well structured information reports. They explored how to write engaging body paragraphs with clear topic sentences, supporting details, and linking words, before crafting effective conclusions that summarise key points and leave the reader with a final thought or call to action. Editing and revising were a key focus, using the ARMS (Add, Remove, Move, Substitute) strategy alongside VCOP (Vocabulary, Connectives, Openers, Punctuation) to improve clarity, flow, and expression. Peer feedback and teacher conferencing provided opportunities for reflection, collaboration, and growth as writers.
Mathematics
In Mathematics, students worked extensively with fractions, decimals, and percentages. They explored adding and subtracting like and unlike fractions, solved worded problems, and multiplied fractions by whole numbers, other fractions, and mixed numbers. They investigated the real-life applications of percentages, such as discounts in shopping and data interpretation, and discussed the relationships between fractions, decimals, and percentages, placing them on number lines. Problem Solving tasks encouraged students to apply their learning in creative ways, designing shop sales, calculating savings, and interpreting data patterns. The focus was not only on accuracy but also on explaining strategies and selecting the most efficient methods.
Exhibition
Our Year Six students have officially embarked on their PYP Exhibition journey, the culminating project of their primary years. This milestone is a chance for them to demonstrate their learning, passions, and skills in a meaningful, real-world context.
Students have formed groups based on shared interests, creating central ideas and lines of inquiry that reflect issues and topics they are truly passionate about. Using the research and critical thinking skills developed in Reading and Writing lessons, they have begun exploring their topics through a variety of books, reliable websites, and other resources.
An important part of the Exhibition process is mentorship, and each group has now met with their mentor teacher. These mentors will guide and support them through challenges, help them refine their ideas, and encourage them to think deeply about their findings.
The enthusiasm, teamwork, and curiosity on display already suggest this year’s Exhibition will be something special. We can’t wait to see how their inquiries develop and look forward to celebrating their learning at the Exhibition Showcase later this term.
Student Contribution
Exhibition is now in full swing! The Year Six cohort are working hard to create their own Unit of Inquiry to present on Exhibition night! Students have selected a variety of topics from sports to culture. These topics are organised around the six transdisciplinary themes. Students are putting in a lot of effort but the final product will be well worth it.
Photos and write-up by Josh Webb and Jasper Martin, 6F
Year 6 - Soccer, Regionals
The Year 6 boys soccer team represented Saltwater P-9 with pride at the Regional Finals in Caroline Springs on Thursday, competing against other division champions. After placing first in both district and division, they battled through extremely competitive matches in the Regionals event, with a couple of 1-0 losses and a strong 5-1 win, narrowly missing the final round. A tremendous effort from all 14 boys – Mrs Rankin and their Year 9 coaches are proud of their sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience. Well done!
Student Reflection
Exhibition has been going great! We’ve started meeting with our mentors, which has helped our groups a lot, and now we’re diving into the research stage. Some Year 7 students from last year came in to give us tips, which was really helpful. It’s hard to believe it’s only been a week because so much has happened already, and we can’t wait to see the stands and all the research come together.
Reflection and Photographs taken by Josh Webb and Jasper Martin, 6F
Reminders
Students are expected to bring their MacBooks to school fully charged, everyday
No phones at school - Students to hand in their phones to teachers at the beginning of the day, switched off. Students are not able to keep their phones in their bags.
18th - 22nd August - Book Week
22nd August - Book Week Parade - Students are encouraged to dress up in as a character from a book - This years theme is Book an Adventure
25th - 27th August - The Ranch Camp for 6B, 6E, 6H, 6I, 6J
27th - 29th August - The Ranch Camp for 6A, 6C, 6D, 6F, 6G
1st - 5th September - Book Fair and The Father's Day Stall