Grade 5 Snapshot

 Dear Parents,

It was great to see everyone in their face coverings for our ‘Themed Friday’. Who would have thought that there could be so many possibilities, all the way from Froggo to a cardboard box.  

Starting next week we are complementing our Friday Outdoor Learning Program through the introduction and inclusion of STEAM based projects. STEAM is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics to develop students’ critical and creative thinking and to guide inquiry, dialogue. STEAM education focuses on applying science, technology, engineering and math through art and design. It helps students connect what they learn in these critical areas (STEM) with art practices and design elements. It gives students tools and methods to explore new and creative ways of problem-solving, displaying data and innovating. STEAM subjects complement and inform each other, fostering and developing important 21st century skills such as spatial reasoning, creativity, innovation and critical thinking.

Next week Grade 5 and 6 students who have joined up with the School Captains, the Green Team Captains as well as the Science and Sustainability Team Captains will continue their Climate Change Student Forum for primary and secondary schools organised by Bayside Council. Students have already attended their first session and it was wonderful to see and hear their lively and enthusiastic contributions. The next session is scheduled for Tuesday at 1:00pm.

The Grade 5 Team have been in deep discussion working out how best to improve feedback to ensure it serves the purpose of enhancing student learning. Of particular interest has been the making of feedback more purposeful and useful to students.  Students will continue to receive targeted feedback for a piece of Reading, Writing and Mathematics each week. This will involve the inclusion of an important area that students can work on. For other work, students will receive an acknowledgement of work well done. 

The checklists that we have created have been developed to help guide students to produce work to their best potential. They can also be used as a form of self-assessment, as well as in conjunction with teacher feedback.

Students have been doing an amazing job getting to their Google Meets each morning. Please remind them to continue being on time and prepared with the books and stationery they need for that session.

The Grade Five Team