Level 6: Connect

A massive thank you and congratulations to our incredible Grade 6 students for a successful first term. We have established great routines that put us in an excellent position for continued achievements throughout the year. 

Maths

This past fortnight, we have been working on area and multiplication. There has been a focus on setting out all our working, vertically, with the place values aligned to ensure our calculations are accurate. Students have looked at the lattice model, area/ box model, expanded form and contracted/ simplified multiplication. We have been working through questions with progressively more difficult numbers to develop working memory for our preferred method. It has been pleasing to see persistence and satisfaction taken from being able to do these calculations. Next term, we will build on this to calculate with fractions, decimals, and percentages. 

Here is an explanation of the area/ box method:

Here is an explanation of the lattice Method:

Here is an explanation of the expanded method:

Here is an explanation of the contracted/ simplified version:

Literacy

Last week, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Village Cinemas at Elsternwick to see Runt, the film. This week, we have celebrated the learning achieved through the book and the film. On the whole, most of our students preferred the book to the film because of the added details that Craig Silvey included. There was a general feeling that the book provided more opportunities to connect with the characters and the plot. As teachers, we are delighted to know your children value their experiences with literature because it is proven the gateway to later success in life. 

Inquiry

We have continued to work on our inquiry into democracy and levels of government. This week we used our developing knowledge and understanding to consider the ways the different governments work together. Students looked ahead to the Brisbane Olympics in 2032 to consider the work that all governments are doing to prepare for this international event. 

Wellbeing

It's been impressive to see our students deepening their capacity for gratitude, empathy and mindfulness, using their Resilience Project journals. We have continued to develop our Oxytocin Toolkit and reflect on the impact of a regular G.E.M. practise. We hope that students will choose to draw on their resources over the break, to empower them with self-mastery and positive relationships with others. 

Special mention and congratulations to Immy for her Kawanis 'Terrific Kids' Award. Terrific Kids is a student-recognition program that promotes character development, self-esteem and perseverance. ‘Terrific’ is an acronym for Thoughtful, Enthusiastic, Respectful, Responsible, Inclusive, Friendly, Inquisitive and Capable. Naturally, we think all our Sixers are TERRIFIC! 

Challenge Cup

Last week, the 3 classes competed in a round robin style sporting competition. Classes played Newcombe Ball, T-Ball, and Continuous Cricket and were awarded points for their participation and spirit demonstrated. 6C dominated on sporting skills, however, 6B secured the Cup on Spirit points. Mrs Briffa awarded the trophy at assembly on Monday, and it now sits proudly in 6B's classroom: The Outback.

Buddies

On Tuesday, the Level 6 students helped their Grade 1 buddies to create Easter Baskets, using colours, scissors, and glue. It was wonderful to observe the supportive and kind interactions between the children. Afterwards, everyone went outside to hunt for 'eggs' (we hid Unifix cubes). It was very 'egg-citing'! The cubes were exchanged for chocolate eggs. A massive thank you for your generous donations. We ended up having an excess which allowed us to support the SEPS Easter Raffle. 

Important Dates

April

• Wednesday 23rd April - Courage to Care Upstander Incursion
• Thursday 24th April - ANZAC Day Assembly 3pm 
• Monday 28th - School photos
• Tuesday 29th April - School photos

May

• Friday 2nd May - 6A Hunger Busters
• Wednesday 7th May - Maths Olympiad & House Cross Country 
• Friday 9th May - 6B Hunger Busters
• Monday 12th to Friday 16th May - Canberra Trip
• Friday 23rd May - 6C Hunger Busters

Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and restful break,

The Level 6 Teaching Team