Student Learning

What's been happening in Year 1/2F 

In English we have been learning how to write an information report, with a focus on key text features including titles, subheadings, relevant research, topic-specific vocabulary, pictures, diagrams, captions, and descriptive details. Students researched an animal of their choice and used the subheadings habitat, appearance, and diet to organise and write detailed paragraphs, demonstrating their ability to present clear factual information.

In Maths, the Year 1 students have been learning how to add 1-digit and 2-digit numbers using number bonds, as well as subtract 1-digit numbers from 2-digit numbers. Students have also developed their understanding of positional language by describing the location of objects using terms such as left and right, and by following directions on maps using the language forward, turn left, and turn right. As part of this learning, students created their own maps by drawing landmarks and worked collaboratively to follow directions. Another focus area has been comparing lengths and heights using mathematical language such as shorter, longer, shortest, taller, and tallest. 

The Year 2 students have been learning how to add and subtract 2-digit and 3-digit numbers using a range of strategies including the split strategy, number lines, and place value knowledge. In addition, students have explored measurement by measuring the length, width, and height of different objects using both informal units and formal units with metre and centimetre rulers. Students also developed their understanding of measurement by measuring and comparing line segments and curves.

In Health, our focus has been on learning how to keep our bodies healthy through nutritious food, hydration, hygiene, and physical activity. Students researched, discussed, and recorded information about the five food groups: grains, fruit, vegetables, protein, and dairy. They then applied this knowledge by designing a healthy lunchbox that included foods from each group. Additionally, students explored the importance of staying hydrated and identified signs that their body may be becoming dehydrated. Students drew and labelled essential hygiene routines and participated in a range of physical activities to promote healthy lifestyles.

Students thoroughly enjoyed celebrating National Reconciliation Week by engaging in research and meaningful class discussions. Students also learnt about the significance of weaving in Aboriginal cultures and explored how weaving has traditionally been used for practical and cultural purposes. As part of this learning, students created their own stick weaving and practised simple weaving techniques.

Each week we visit Estia Health aged care to serve and connect with the residents. Students are always very excited about their visits and have thoroughly enjoyed building relationships with the residents. Over the first few weeks, students participated in a “getting to know you” board game, encouraging conversation and connection. It has been wonderful to see our students demonstrate compassion, consideration and effective communication during their interactions with the residents.

Tricia Fuente

Year 1/2 Class Teacher 

What's been happening in Year 5/6S

It has been a busy and exciting start to the term in both Year 5/6 classes. Our Year 6 students have been enthusiastically preparing for the upcoming musical, learning lines, refining blocking, and developing new accents. Meanwhile, the Year 5 dance is coming together beautifully, and we look forward to sharing the musical’s message with you in Week 10. 

In Year 5/6S, students recently completed their Cityscapes in Visual Arts, exploring the technique of one-point perspective. We have now begun investigating silhouettes in preparation for creating shadow puppets, which will be used in our Indonesian puppet plays to depict Bible stories. 

In HASS, the Year 5 students have been engaged in their learning with Mrs Tretheway. They have been exploring the reasons behind the establishment of both penal and free colonies in Australia and thought about the impact of these colonies on First Nations Australians, the various peoples who came to live in the colonies and on the natural environment. Students have been thinking about why locations were chosen for the colonies and chose a location where they would situate their ideal colony. Students have been working on posters designed to attract new settlers to their colonies.

The Year 6s are taught by Miss McKennall and their learning will be shared in a future newsletter.

Our Wellbeing Day provided a wonderful opportunity for students to connect, reflect, and participate in activities that supported positive wellbeing, with Andrew McDonough, author and illustrator of Cecil the Lost Sheep series, visiting Pilgrim. Students enjoyed exploring various cartooning techniques with Mrs Harry and Mr Harris, as well as learning how to draw sheep in the style of The Lost Sheep series. 

In Christian Education, our focus has been on discovering the Holy Spirit. This has led to rich discussions, including questions such as how long the Holy Spirit has been present and what is meant by the title 'Giver of Life'. Students explored Bible verses and identified many different names used for the Holy Spirit, culminating in a collaborative mind map now displayed in our classroom. 

Each fortnight, while the Year 6 students participate in Leaders Passport, the Year 5 students spend time in the Friendship Garden. They greatly enjoy assisting Mrs Cook with a variety of tasks she leaves on the whiteboard for us. This week, they were busy weeding between the garden beds and taking pride in caring for this shared space. 

As part of Leaders Passport and the Pilgrim Student Attribute Being Prepared for New Futures, the Year 6 students have been developing their sewing skills, learning both hand and machine techniques. They have been creating weighted chickens, and some students have even extended this learning at home by making entire families of chickens to share with the class. 

In Literacy, students have been exploring figurative language and its use in poetry to create impact, rhyme, and rhythm. They have experimented with a variety of poetic forms, including clerihews, limericks, and odes. We are delighted to share a selection of their creative work with you. 

Ode - Aston Villa by Benji

You are the best of the best

You are like lions pouncing on their prey

You are the kings of the league

Waving goodbye as the hunt comes to an end   

Oh Aston Villa, how I adore you.  

Limerick - The Fat Rat from Spain by Ben

There once was a fat rat from Spain

Who wanted to cause lots of pain

He tried all day long

But got hit by a thong

So he was forced to sit in the rain.

Ode to Art by Coco

Oh Art, your expressive colourful nature brings me to you.

As I enter the room, the paint and brushes call my name.

When I pick up a pencil it instantly starts playing and making beautiful things with me.

Art is my friend in disguise.

You're my calling thing I didn’t know I needed.

Oh how I adore you.

Clerihew - Greg and the Egg by Grace

There once was a guy called Greg

He always eats scrambled eggs

But when he had to cook them,

He caused great mayhem.

Poem with a twist - A fun day at the beach by Jacob

I see a beautiful sunrise

I can hear waves crashing

I can touch the seaweed

I can taste the strong wind

But I was just listening to an Audible book.

Poem with a twist - Come on man by Zachary 

People screaming and chanting,

The crowd watching in fear, 

The game on my shoulders,

I got subbed off.

Libby Spencer & Kate Tretheway

Year 5/6 Class Teachers

Year 1/2 Health Unit - Our Exciting Excursion to AFL Max

In Week 4, our Year 1/2 students had an amazing time visiting AFL Max as part of our Lets Get Healthy unit.

Throughout the day, students participated in a range of fun and active challenges that helped build their movement skills, teamwork, confidence, and healthy habits. The activities included kicking, throwing, balancing, jumping, climbing, and problem-solving games.

The students showed excellent sportsmanship by encouraging others, taking turns, listening carefully to instructions, and trying their best. It was wonderful to see everyone being active and having fun together.

Students reflected on some of their favourite parts of the day: 

Aurora - I really liked the leap of faith.

Koda - I liked the ninja warrior course.

Chloe - I liked where I used a ball to hit the target screen.

Cayden - I enjoyed the impossible kick activity.

Harriet O - I liked climbing because it made me feel brave!

Sylvia - The football games were really fun.

Harriet M - I helped my friend when they were nervous.

Kaius - I learnt that exercise helps keep us healthy.

Hattie - Jumping on the trampoline was great exercise.

Annie - I liked jumping into the big pillow. I felt brave and excited. 

Ryker - I loved running around and kicking the balls.

A big thank you to our parent volunteers and staff who helped make the excursion such a success. We are very proud of the way our students represented our school with enthusiasm, kindness, and excellent behaviour.

We look forward to continuing our Health learning back in the classroom through games, movement activities, and discussions about healthy lifestyles.

Tricia Fuente, Vanessa Olesen and Carla Wiegels

Year 1/2 Classroom Teachers

Premier's be Active Challenge 

In it's 20th year, the Premier’s be Active Challenge is a great way for children to learn about, and enjoy their physical activity. How can your child/ren get involved: 

• Every student must have their activity recorded in the student recording booklet. These can be downloaded from Compass School Documentation or ask your child to collect one from the Front Office.
• There is an option for a 4 week, 10 week or special 20 week challenge (for 2026 only).
• Students must have their record verified by a parent, caregiver or teacher.
• Pass on the completed Student Record to the Front Office by late Term 3.
• Receive an award in late November.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school.

Brett Middleton

Campus Sports Coordinator & Pilgrim Wellbeing Coordinator

Premier's Reading Challenge

Its great to see so many completed sheets being returned to school. Keep reading everyone!

Students can continue to return their completed Premier's Reading Challenge sheets until the 4th September.