Classroom News

Foundation Curriculum News -Term 4, Week 2, 2025

Below is an outline of our curriculum program for the next two weeks, along with some important dates for this term. 

Important Dates to Remember:

Reading 

In Reading, students will consolidate their Unit 11 sound knowledge and high-frequency words. They will also explore our Seasons and Weather core knowledge unit, where they will listen to texts, discuss ideas as a class, and answer comprehension questions to build understanding and vocabulary.

Writing 

In Writing, students will learn about the features of information texts and use our mentor text Polar Bears to create their own information text on a chosen animal.

Mathematics 

In Mathematics, students will explore addition and subtraction using a range of hands-on materials and manipulatives to model their thinking and build a strong understanding of these concepts.

Biological Science 

This term, students will explore the observable changes that occur in the sky and landscape, and how these changes affect our daily lives. Through guided investigations, they will use their senses to make observations about weather patterns and seasonal changes. Students will also learn about how different cultures, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, describe and understand the seasons and their connection to the environment.

Wellbeing 

In Wellbeing, students will learn strategies to solve problems independently and recognise when they need to seek help from others. They will also explore ways to “bounce back” when faced with challenges, helping them build confidence and resilience. In addition, students will learn about cultural and family connections, celebrating the unique backgrounds and experiences that make each of us special.

Reminders: 

Chatterbox begins in week 2 - please make practice with your child at home so that they are prepared.

As part of our wellbeing lessons we ask that your child bring in a special item on Monday the 20th of October - this item should represent their cultural or family connections.  

Foundation Team

Tegan Cochran, Rebecca Gomes, Ashleigh Smith

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Year 1 Curriculum News-Term 4, Week 2, 2025

Below is an outline of our curriculum program for the next two weeks, along with some important dates for this term.

Important Dates to Remember:

Reading

In Reading, students have focused on the ‘ar’ sound and sorted words according to the sound.

Writing

In Writing, students have been learning to expand their sentences by using adjectives, conjunctions (because and but), and adding details about when and where events happen. For example:

Traction Man jumped  → (improved to) In the middle of the night, Traction Man jumped from the tall grey building because he wanted to save the dollies.

Mathematics  

In Mathematics, students have been writing numbers up to 120 using tens and ones. They have been learning to represent these numbers using numerals, words, and number bonds.

Science

In Science, students are learning about light and sound. They have shared their prior knowledge on these topics and developed inquiry questions about what they would like to learn throughout the unit.

Wellbeing

In Wellbeing, students are learning problem-solving strategies and exploring how to recognise situations they can manage independently and those where they should seek help from a trusted adult.

Year 1 Team

Caroline Morrison, James Thomas, Josephine Rechner

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Year 2 Curriculum News-Term 4, Week 2, 2025

Below is an outline of our curriculum program for the next two weeks, along with some important dates for this term.

KEEP BRIEF  - remember this is a fortnight outline not the whole term!

Reading

In Reading, students are exploring the unit Taking Care of Our Earth, with a focus on understanding how to live sustainably and care for the planet. They have begun by learning about  how the Earth was formed and what sustainability means. Next, they’re moving into topics such as the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Students will also investigate how we can reduce waste, reuse materials in creative ways, and explore how recycling is done around the world. Throughout the unit, they will build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and practise key reading and sentence skills.

Writing

In Writing, students have been introduced to persuasive writing through a fun visit from Reggie, a friendly neighbourhood alien who set them a mission to persuade others to help care for the Earth. They have been learning why we persuade, who our audience might be, and how persuasive writing can make a difference. Next, students will focus on structuring their writing clearly, including stating an opinion and supporting it with reasons.

Mathematics 

In Mathematics, students will continue learning about money, including how to count and compare amounts using coins and notes, identify different ways to make the same amount, and solve simple word problems involving money. They will then begin exploring fractions, learning to recognise and name halves, quarters, and eighths of a whole, and understanding how objects and shapes can be divided into equal parts.

Geography

In Geography, Year 2 students are learning about the geography of Australia and exploring how understanding our land, our neighbours, and the cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples helps us appreciate the different ways people live. This learning also highlights the importance of caring for and respecting our country. Over the next fortnight, lessons will focus on Mapping the World and Oceania, Mapping Australia, and exploring the Geography and Population of Australia’s States and Territories.

Wellbeing

In Wellbeing, students will continue learning about positive gender relations, focusing on respect, fairness, and inclusion. They will also explore our SWPBS (School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support) matrix, deepening their understanding of behaviour expectations and how these help create a safe and supportive school environment for everyone.

Year 2 Team

Daniel Lewis, Natasha Williams, Lauren Ely

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Year 3 Curriculum News - Term 4, Week 3, 2025

Below is an outline of our curriculum program for the next two weeks, along with some important dates for this term.

Important Dates to Remember:

Reading

In Reading, students will continue to learn about The Vikings. We will be doing a range of activities and reading to learn about the history of Vikings, where they came from and what they are famous for.

Writing

In Writing, students have begun learning about persuasive writing. So far we have focused on “Big Ideas” and started to learn how to take efficient notes. Over the next two weeks students will practice their new skill of note taking, and use it to help them come up with ideas for persuasive writing topics. 

Mathematics 

In Mathematics, students will continue to learn about fractions. Looking at adding and subtracting fractions, comparing fractions with the same or different denominators. After fractions, we will begin a unit on area.

Wellbeing

In Wellbeing, students have worked through some problem solving tasks. We have looked at the “roundabout”  method, where students come up with 4 options to solve a problem, and then choose the appropriate one. Throughout the next two weeks we will continue to explore more problem solving situations and skills to help solve these situations.

Year 3 Team

Cassie Wilson, Katie Smith, Harrison Yardney

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Year 4 Curriculum Newsletter - Term 4, Week 2, 2025

Dear Year 4 Parents and Caregivers,

Below is an outline of our curriculum program for the upcoming fortnight, along with some important dates for your diary. 

Important Dates to Remember:

Reading

In Reading, students will continue exploring Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman. They will build on their understanding of the characters’ experiences and the challenges faced by refugees, using evidence from the text to support their ideas. As they read, students will make predictions, discuss themes, and expand their vocabulary through rich class discussions. Alongside our novel study, students will also engage with a range of information texts to learn about Earth and Space Science. They will practise identifying key facts, summarising main ideas, and comparing information across different sources to deepen their understanding of our planet, the solar system, and beyond.

Writing

In Writing, students are learning how to craft engaging portal narratives that transport their readers to imaginative new worlds. They will follow a clear narrative structure with an opening, build-up, problem, resolution, and ending to ensure their stories are well organised and cohesive. Throughout the unit, students will explore how to use a range of narrative tools, including fronted adverbials to vary sentence openings and simple, compound, and complex sentences to create rhythm and flow. They will experiment with sensory language to bring settings and characters to life, use rhetorical questions to draw readers in, and include lists of descriptions for vivid imagery. Students will also practise writing and punctuating direct dialogue, and use appositives to add detail and depth. 

Mathematics 

In Mathematics, students will explore the following units this term:

Length & Mass (see images below)

• Understanding millimetres (mm) and kilometres (km) and when to use them, comparing, ordering, adding and subtracting lengths in different units by converting them to a common unit, reading mass using kilograms and grams, and identifying objects that would be measured in grams, choosing the most appropriate unit (g, kg, mm, m, km) for a given measurement

Decimals

• Extending place value into tenths, hundredths, thousandths, reading and interpreting decimals on number lines, converting fractions ↔ decimals

Earth and Space Science

In Earth and Space Science, students are exploring the Universe. They are learning about our Solar System, including the planets, their distances, and how small Earth really is compared to the vastness of space. Our focus includes stars; how they move, change, shine with different brightness, and how we can capture and record them. We are also discovering constellations seen from Earth, and the largest star we know, the Sun. Alongside this, we are investigating Earth’s movement, its relationship with the Moon, and the processes that shape our planet, such as shifting tectonic pieces, earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, erosion, and landslides. Students are also working on a Planets in our Solar System project, where they will showcase their learning about the variety of worlds that orbit our Sun.

Wellbeing

In Wellbeing, students will be exploring the concept of stress management through the resource 'Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships'. They will build a deeper understanding of what stress is, and find tools and strategies to help them manage these emotions. The Zones of regulation will be embedded to build their understanding further. Students will also look at the idea of success through the program ‘Bounce Back’. This unit explores growth mindsets, and it builds students skills to show how success can be achieved. These strategies include resilience, setting goals, taking risks and the positives of making mistakes. Students will build on their knowledge of inclusion, diversity and respect through a range of picture story books and activities. They will also be exploring how to make informed choices on how to stay safe online. Students will continue to identify and learn how to show expected behaviours through our School Wide Positive Behaviour Matrix. 

Reminders: Homework 

Maths: 4 tasks to practice a variety of concepts and to increase number fluency

Reading: In order to develop vocabulary, comprehension skills and reading fluency, our other component of homework is reading for 20 minutes everyday. Students should complete a reading log in their homework book with their book name and either time or amount of pages read. 

Homework tasks and books will be released on a Monday and they will be due back on a Friday. It is not expected that students are completing homework on weekends. 

Devices

Students are required to bring their devices charged everyday. Please assist your child in doing so to ensure they can complete any digital tasks during the day. 

Phones and smart watches are handed to classroom teachers at the beginning of each day. If you need to pass a message onto your child, please phone the office or email your child’s classroom teacher.

Pre-unit ‘Brain Dump’ Activity 

Some images from the pre-unit ‘Brain Dump’ activity where students are asked to recall facts that they know about a topic. We gave them a chance to go on a ‘gallery walk’ to see what other students knew and they could add any facts they missed to their page.

Kind Regards,

Year 4 Team

Sam Pallas, Luke Fletcher and Jessica De Angelis

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Year 5 Curriculum News - Term 4, Week 2, 2025

Below is an outline of our curriculum program for the next two weeks, along with some important dates for this term.

KEEP BRIEF  - remember this is a fortnight outline not the whole term!

Reading

In Reading, students have begun reading the text "Heroes of the Secret Underground" by Susanne Gervay. Students have made predictions about the text, expertly answered questions and written complex and compound sentences.

Writing

In Writing, students have begun studying the structure of a persuasive writing text. They are in the process of writing structured applications ready for 2026 leadership positions.

Mathematics 

In Mathematics, students have looked at sets of data using dot plots and line graphs. They have also responded to questions relevant to the graphs to understand what it is displaying.

Earth and Space Science

In Earth and Space Science, students will be looking at the hydrosphere and the geosphere and how they function in our world. They are reading a core knowledge unit called "Modelling Earth's Systems". 

Wellbeing

In Wellbeing, students are continuing through the unit respectful relationships under the topic positive gender relations. 

Year 5 Team

Vanessa Martelli, Josh Bretherton, Vanessa Stimar

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Year 6 Curriculum News -Term 4, Week 2, 2025

Below is an outline of our curriculum program for the next two weeks, along with some important dates for this term. 

Important Dates to Remember: 

Dear Year 6 Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome to Term 4! It’s set to be an exciting and busy final term for our Year 6 students as we prepare to celebrate their final weeks at primary school. Students will be involved in a range of wonderful experiences, including graduation preparations, Gala Day, 5/6 Water Safety Education, and various end-of-year activities to mark this special milestone. Alongside these events, students will complete their end-of-year assessments and participate in high school transition activities to help them feel confident and ready for the next chapter. Our learning programs this term will continue to challenge and engage students across all areas of the curriculum, including Reading, Writing, Numeracy, Geography, Health, and Wellbeing.

Uniform

Students are expected to wear the correct Toorak Primary School uniform, which proudly represents our school community. Our uniform colours are maroon and navy blue, and students should wear these consistently to show pride in our school. Recently, some students have been wearing black shorts or skirts, black tights, or incorrect tops underneath their maroon tops, which are not part of the approved uniform. We kindly ask that all students follow the uniform policy to help promote equality, teamwork, and respect for our shared identity as Toorak students.

Literacy 

In Reading, Year 6 students will be exploring the texts Black Cockatoo and Dirrarn, analysing how the authors use language to express themes of identity, resilience, and connection to Country. Students will examine character emotions, key themes, and imagery to understand how these stories share important cultural perspectives. In Writing, students will focus on biographies, studying the structure and features of this text type. They will research and write about significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, developing informative pieces that highlight the achievements and contributions of these inspiring individuals.

Mathematics 

In Numeracy, Year 6 students will be developing their understanding across a range of topics, including percentages, algebra, ratios, and data. They will apply these skills to real-world problems, exploring how mathematical concepts connect to everyday situations. Students will also investigate area by calculating the surface of triangles and parallelograms, and extend their spatial reasoning through work with 3D objects. Additionally, they will use Cartesian planes to plot and interpret points, deepening their understanding of coordinates and relationships between variables. Throughout the unit, students will engage in hands-on tasks and problem-solving activities to strengthen their reasoning and fluency in mathematics.

Geography 

In Geography, Year 6 students will be investigating Australia’s natural disasters, focusing on bushfires, floods, and droughts. They will explore the causes and effects of these events, how communities prepare for and respond to them, and the impact they have on people and the environment.

Health and Development 

In Health, students will be learning about healthy eating and overall wellbeing, developing an understanding of how nutrition influences physical, social, and mental health. They will learn about macronutrients and micronutrients, exploring how each supports the body and contributes to a balanced diet. Students will also identify practical strategies to promote health in all areas, encouraging positive lifestyle choices and personal responsibility for wellbeing.

Wellbeing

In Wellbeing, Year 6 students will continue building their social and emotional learning through three key areas. In Respectful Relationships, they will focus on Stress Management, learning strategies to recognise and manage stress in healthy ways, and understanding how to support themselves and others during challenging times. Through our Bounce Back units, students will explore Emotions and Success, developing emotional awareness, resilience, and a growth mindset to help them navigate setbacks and celebrate achievements. Our Anti-Racism in Action lessons will encourage students to think critically about racism and stereotypes in media and society, identifying biased messages in books, cartoons, and news. Students will also learn about being upstanders, exploring safe and respectful ways to speak up and stand with others when they witness unfair treatment, helping to create an inclusive and supportive school community.

Kind Regards,

Year 6 Team

Renee Kociski and Ryan Bolger 

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Specialist  Curriculum Newsletter - Term 4 , 2025

Dear Parents/ Caregivers,

Below is an outline of our specialist curriculum program for Term 4.

Performing Arts-Music

CHOIR: This is held each Friday during lunch.The Choir is open to all students in Year 2 and above.

This term in Music, Foundation students will continue to explore the elements of beat, tempo, and dynamics through hands-on experiences with both tuned and untuned percussion instruments. They will take part in singing, dancing, and body percussion activities designed to nurture their rhythmic awareness in playful and engaging ways. They will learn to explore new musical instruments and will continue to expand their knowledge of elements of music.

Year 1 students will extend their learning about instrument families while exploring a variety of musical instruments. They will practise recognising and performing rhythmic patterns, with a continued focus on tempo and dynamics. On the xylophone, students will work with the notes C, D, E, F,G,A B C (C scale)  building confidence in pitch recognition through singing and performing a range of songs. Lessons will also introduce students to body percussion, movement, and the music of well-known composers. 

Year 2 students will develop greater confidence in reading and performing rhythms, strengthening their understanding of beat and notation through movement, body percussion, untuned percussion, and xylophones. Recorder studies will continue with new notes and an introduction to playing in harmony, giving students opportunities to perform short pieces together.

Year 3 students will continue their instrumental learning on violin, viola, or cello, as well as the xylophone, ukulele, and percussion. They will deepen their pitch awareness through singing and begin to develop skills in reading and writing basic musical notation. Movement and body percussion activities will complement their instrumental learning.

Year 4 students will refine their musical technique and expression through singing, string studies, and percussion work. Body percussion and movement will remain an important part of lessons, supporting rhythm and coordination. Students will also focus on building confidence in ensemble playing and performance.

Year 5 students will broaden their instrumental skills by learning more advanced ukulele chords and being introduced to the guitar. They will continue working with tuned and untuned percussion while developing their ability to read and write notation, compose rhythms and melodies, and perform pieces from a range of musical styles and cultures

Year 6 students will explore music technology by composing and arranging their own music using GarageBand. They will also learn to play the guitar, focusing on basic chords, strumming patterns, and simple melodies. Performance skills will be developed both individually and in groups. 

We’re excited for a vibrant and creative term ahead, full of musical discovery, joyful learning, and dynamic performances!

Visual Arts

Drawing Club: This is held each Monday during lunch. Students from any year level can attend.                                                                                                                                                         

Foundation students will experience the fundamentals of directed drawing, and be prompted to use their imagination to create a wobbly eye funny face. The students will express their understanding of colour, shape, line and pattern to create a robot artwork. They will  be exposed to the different indigenous art symbols and their meaning and respond to Jimmy Pike's artwork, the Rainbow Serpent to create an artwork that represents themselves on the scraper paper they have made. The students will take inspiration from Henri Mattise to create a collage.

Year 1 students will take inspiration from Henri Matisse and study organic shapes. They will create their own wax resist and printed paper using bubble wrap to construct a fish artwork. The students will experience blending chalk pastel and using a template to make a cat themed  artwork. They will take inspiration from Claude Monet and paint a waterlily artwork that uses short brush stokes as the impressionist himself did.

Year 2 students will take inspiration from French fauvist painter Raoul Dufy and  experimented with watercolour paints and oil pastels to create a seascape. The students will experience the technique of straw blowing watercolour paint to make a parrot artwork. They will take inspiration from American painter Wayne Tiebaud to construct a cake and dessert creation.

Year 3 students will continue to experience painting with plasticine to create some bird artwork. They will take inspiration from American painter Wayne Tiebaud to construct a cake and dessert creation. The students will experience the technique of straw blowing watercolour paint to make a parrot artwork. 

Year 4 students will take inspiration from John Behnke and create a cityscape. They will explore their ability to blend watercolour, combine cut paper and coloured markers. The students will study still life and draw images in proportion. They will experiment with different grades of lead pencil to shade their images and experience blending charcoal and chalk pastel to add dimension to their works.

Year 5 students will continue to explore the technique of adding value to their still life picture using watercolour paint. They will experiment with printing foam and using acrylic paint to construct a three colour animal print.

Year 6 students will continue to take inspiration from famous fashion illustrators and brainstorm ideas for a fashion range. The students will experiment with different drawing mediums to present their finished designs and fashion illustration on a croquis. They will experience using watercolour paper and blending watercolour paint to create a bird artwork.

Physical Education

Foundation students will be learning new movement activities and games that incorporate the fundamental movement skills of an overhand throw and ball bounce. They will enjoy a range of activities from obstacle courses to team games. 

Year 1 and 2 students will be learning new minor games, focusing on demonstrating fair play and inclusion. Students will be developing their fundamental skills through a variety of individual and group tasks, including modified basketball activities. All Foundation to Year 2 students will begin preparing their skills for the upcoming Junior Sports Day. 

Year 3 and 4 students are busy preparing for their upcoming Ultimate Frisbee gala day. Students will develop frisbee specific skills, team strategies and an understanding of the rules. Students will have the opportunity to referee their own activities. This term, Year 3 and 4 students will participate in a cricket unit to develop their striking and fielding skills and strategies. 

Year 5 and 6 students have started developing their cricket skills in a variety of small group and whole class games. This term, students will participate in a netball round robin. The focus of these lessons will be to work cooperatively in teams, learn the rules and practice new strategies to be successful in games. Students will then start preparing for their Beach Volleyball gala day. Students will practice the skills of a dig, set, spike, block and serve in games of Volleyball. They will learn the rules required to play a game and practice different team strategies. 

French

This year marked our school’s very first participation in the Berthe Mouchette Competition, organised by the Alliance Française de Melbourne. Open to students across Melbourne, the competition had an incredible 9,900 participants this year!

Students from Grades 3 to 6 were invited to take part voluntarily, memorising and reciting a French poem by heart — a wonderful challenge that showcased their pronunciation, confidence, and love of language. We were truly impressed by the many excellent performances from our students.

A huge bravo to Juliet Prassanah-Brady (Year 3) and Penelope Eichler (Grade 5), who both achieved outstanding results and were awarded prizes in this prestigious competition!

Our students are continuing their exciting French learning journey this term! Here’s what each year level will be exploring in class:

Foundation

Students will learn how to say “J’aime” (I like) and “Je n’aime pas” (I do not like) when talking about different foods. They will also learn classroom action words such as “Asseyez-vous” (Sit down) and “Levez-vous” (Stand up).

Grades 1–3

Students will build on their knowledge by expressing their likes and dislikes about both foods and activities. They will create a fun booklet about their own preferences and continue practising action words such as “Asseyez-vous” and “Levez-vous.”

Grade 4

Students will consolidate vocabulary related to taking turns, including “À mon tour” (My turn) and “À ton tour” (Your turn). They will also revise numbers from 1–20 and extend their learning to numbers up to 100.

Grades 5–6

Students will consolidate their ability to hold conversations about the weather and how they are feeling, while also practising how to express likes and dislikes in French.

Key Phrases We’re Learning

• J’aime … – I like / I love …
• Je n’aime pas … – I don’t like / I do not love …
• Le chocolat – Chocolate
• Les œufs – Eggs
• Le riz – Rice
• Les gâteaux – Cakes
• La laitue – Lettuce

Song of the Term

This term, we’ll also be singing “A E I O U” by Paky Saura Garcia, which you can find on YouTube if your child would like to sing along at home. The song helps students practise expressing likes and dislikes in French, while also exploring how French vowels sound different from English vowels.