Year 5
Term 4 - Week 5
Gardening
Our boys have been enjoying some jobs in the garden area at break times. Mr Kerlin bought them some mulch and there are some vegies growing. Stay tuned for developments...
Blue Sheep Project
A small group of Year 5 and 6 boys took on the challenge to make a blue sheep for the Euroa Speed Shear. We discussed 'The Blue Tree' Project and 'Are you bogged, mate?' and mental health in rural areas. We were able to come up with some words of support for those who may be suffering from poor mental health.
Book Week to Granite Hill
I hope you have enjoyed reading the books the students made, related to our Book Week study, 'My Nonno loves'. Our students really enjoyed reading their stories to the residents at Granite Hill. You would have been so proud of them! They showed such kindness and patience, and many enjoyed taking the time to chat with the residents as well. They were a wonderful credit to our school and to our families! Take a look.
Times Tables and Home Spelling
Keep practising times tables at home we can certainly see the improvement and students becoming more automatic. The students are very invested in Times Tables King and Queen game and the competition drives some students to do better! Students have the choice to write their spelling words or times tables each night. We do have a spelling test every Friday this term.
Literacy
The Last Bear
Students are enjoying our Term 4 book, The Last Bear by Hannah Gold. It is a heartfelt and captivating novel set in the remote Arctic, following the journey of 11-year-old April Wood.
April's father, a climatologist, is stationed on Bear Island for six months to monitor the effects of climate change. Feeling lonely and neglected by her work-absorbed father, April explores the island and discovers a starving polar bear, the last one remaining on the island. The bear, which she names Bear, is struggling due to the lack of ice and food caused by global warming.
Determined to save Bear, April forms a deep bond with the animal and takes it upon herself to find a way to help him. She devises a daring plan to guide Bear to safety, embarking on an adventurous and perilous journey across the Arctic landscape to take him back to Svalbard. Along the way, April learns about the importance of friendship, the impact of human actions on the environment, and the power of hope and determination.
The story highlights the urgency of environmental conservation and the emotional connection between humans and animals, emphasizing themes of courage, resilience, and the importance of protecting our planet.
Mathematics
Making Sense of Data
In Maths, our Year 5 students are learning how to collect, organise and interpret data. They are exploring how to ask meaningful questions, gather information and represent their findings in different ways, such as tables and graphs. Students are also learning to identify patterns, compare results and use data to draw conclusions. These skills help them make sense of information and explain what their data tells them.
Religious Education
Discovering Our Christian Heritage
This term, our Year 5 and 6 students are learning about the connections between Christianity, Judaism and Islam. They are discovering how Christianity began in Judaism and how these three religions share many important beliefs and traditions.
Students are exploring the story of Abraham, sacred texts, places of worship, religious celebrations and symbols. They are also discussing the similarities and differences between the three religions and how people express their faith in different ways.
An important part of this learning is helping students understand and appreciate the beliefs of others while deepening their understanding of their own Christian faith. Through these discussions, students are learning that, although people may practise different religions, there are many shared beliefs and values that bring us together.
Ultimately, this unit encourages our students to approach others with understanding, kindness and respect, helping them become thoughtful and compassionate members of our wider community.
If you have any questions, feel free to either email me at mwatson@sjeuroa.catholic.edu.au
Have a great week!
Melinda Watson