SPOTLIGHT
A "Wonderful" Start to the Term for Year 5!
It has been an incredible start to the term, and the energy in the Year 5 classrooms is nothing short of electric. Our students have dived headfirst into their learning with curiosity, grit, and—most importantly—a whole lot of heart.
Choosing Kind with Wonder
This term, our literacy journey centered around the novel "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio. It’s been moving to see the students engage so deeply with the story of Auggie Pullman. Through our discussions, we’ve explored what it truly means to be a good friend and a global citizen. One quote that has become our unofficial classroom motto is:
"When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind."
The students have been practising being "kinder than is necessary," realising that our small actions can have a massive impact on those around us.
Green Day Glories and Future Dreams
We recently celebrated Green Day, which was a bittersweet milestone! It was our final year of running around on a glorious sugar high before we transition into the leaders of the school. The students did a fantastic job "learning the ropes" while helping out at the drink station. While they enjoyed the treats, there was a palpable sense of excitement for next year. They are already brainstorming ideas and "claiming" spots for their very own Year 6 stalls!
Stretching Our Brains: Math, Spelling, and Science
It hasn’t all been treats and novels, though; Year 5 has been working incredibly hard on the "nitty-gritty" of academics:
- Mathematics & Spelling: From mastering complex word origins to tackling multi-step problem solving, the focus in the classroom has been intense and impressive.
- Natural Disasters: Science has been a blast as we explore the raw power of nature. We’ve looked at everything from tectonic shifts to extreme weather.
- Environmental Solutions: Taking our Science a step further, students have been creating innovative projects to solve modern issues like plastic waste and water conservation. It is inspiring to see them move from understanding a problem to designing a solution.
Stepping Up to the Mic
To gear up for the Stage 3 Public Speaking competition next term, we’ve cleverly linked our Science research with our speaking skills. Students have been preparing speeches on a natural disaster of their choice, practicing their projection, eye contact, and persuasive techniques. This "test run" is giving them the confidence they need to own the stage very soon!
We are so incredibly proud of how Year 5 has stepped up this term. They are showing maturity, academic drive, and a genuine care for one another. As Mr. Tushman says in Wonder:
"The things we do outlast our mortality. The things we do are like monuments that people build to honor heroes after they've died. They're made out of the memories people have of you."
Year 5, you are building some truly wonderful monuments this year. Keep up the amazing work!
Year 6
What a spectacular term it has been! It has been a joy to watch our Year 6 students truly flourish as school leaders.
The energy started at the Swimming Carnival, where everyone dove in with such enthusiasm. While the students led some incredible house cheers, we have to admit the highlight for the staff was the Teacher vs. Year 6 relay. The Year 6s gave it their all, but the teachers managed to clinch the win this time. That competitive spirit continued on the Cross Country track, where their determination was inspiring. Beyond the sports, we’ve been so impressed by their character; from the sea of emerald for Green Day to the reverence shown at the Chrism Mass. Perhaps most heartening is seeing the kindness they show during Buddy Time. It’s been a term filled with growth, leadership, and a whole lot of fun!
