SPOTLIGHT
YEAR 4
Can you believe we are already halfway through the term? Time flies when you're busy arguing, building, and breaking things (for science, of course). Here is a look at what we’ve been up to:
Recently, Year 4 have been working hard writing and practising their Term 2 speech, with the topic being, “My Name”. They were fortunate to gain lots of presentation tips, tricks and inspiration from watching the finals of the Stage 3 Public Speaking Competition last week. The students presented their speeches in class this week and we are thrilled at the way they are embracing the challenge, the nerves and the feedback to improve with each presentation. Public speaking isn’t easy but it is definitely an important skill to have.
In English, we have also been mastering the art of persuasive writing. The students put their new skills to the test by trying to convince the school to ban uniforms. We also tackled the ultimate summer debate: Beach vs. Pool. Perhaps most importantly, we had to write a text persuading readers that human teachers are better than robot teachers. Luckily, the students agreed that humans are superior—mostly because robots can’t give recess extensions, but we'll take the win. If your child suddenly becomes exceptionally good at negotiating their bedtime or chores at home... you can blame our persuasive writing unit!
In Mathematics we’ve been diving into subtraction and exploring the wonderful world of 2D shapes. In Science it’s all about forces right now. We put our engineering skills to the test by building bridges out of paddle pop sticks and testing their strength with weights. It was highly scientific, incredibly fun, and very loud. In Religion, we have been focusing on community and kindness. The students created a beautiful collage that represents our parish and highlights how we can live like Jesus in our daily lives.
Bring on the second half of the term!
YEAR 5
Year 5 have been incredibly busy this term! In literacy we are focusing on writing informative texts, reading 'Boy Overboard' by Morris Gleitztman, practising our touch typing skills and polishing our public speaking skills with our speeches. In Maths we have learnt about decimals and percentages, data and position. Science has linked really well with our writing as we explore the behavioural and structural adaptations of living things. Fridays have been busy as we prepare for the Athletics Carnival in Week 9. We attended the Deanery Mass with Bishop Murphy to celebrate Catholic Schools Week on Tuesday, and we are looking forward to our excursion in Week 11 to Nundle to consolidate our learning in History.
STAGE 3 PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
On Tuesday, 19th May, the Stage 3 Public Speaking final was held in the auditorium. Fourteen incredible finalists from Years 5 and 6 presented their speeches in front of parents, teachers and students from Years 4, 5 and 6. The quality of speeches was outstanding this year and every finalist should be incredibly proud of their efforts. We were lucky enough to have three external judges that judicated the proceedings on the day: Ms Phoebe O’Shea (ACS Office), Mrs Kirralee Ringland(TRC Solicitor) and Mrs Kate Woolaston (Teacher), but as the saying goes, there can only be one winner and this year, Harper Charlesworth (5M) was awarded the prestigious title. Harper’s speech on ‘Toilets’ was both informative and entertaining. Stella Clery (6C) and Quade Henn (5KS) were awarded joint runners-up, and Lily Jackson (6M) was Highly Commended. A huge congratulations again to all the finalists in this year's Stage 3 Public Speaking Competition.
