Round the classes
Reception: Katie
Over the past 2 weeks, the receptions have been busy learning new sounds in phonics.
In maths, we have been learning about different ways to make the numbers 5 and 6. We have also been exploring different materials to create artworks. We have been really enjoying our visits to the kindy. We are super excited to have our new outdoor learning space ready and are keen to start using it. We have also been doing more work on how to be more self-aware and now have a good understanding of the zones of regulation.
Year 1: Alex
The Year 1 children have been practising partner reading during their phonics lessons this term. Through these sessions, they have been developing their confidence when reading aloud, with a focus on improving fluency, accuracy, and expression. The decodable texts used in class contain the phonics sounds and patterns children have been learning, providing opportunities to recognise and practise these skills in their reading.
The Year 1 students have also been enjoying their sharing this term, where they have been introducing their favourite books to the class. During their sharing, students have identified the title and author, explained whether their book is fiction or non-fiction, and shared the reasons why it is special to them.
Year 2: Suzie and Izzy
We have been exploring morphemes using a morpheme matrix, starting with a base word and exploring what prefixes and suffixes can be added to change the word. We are working on Quick Write narratives, sharing ideas to inspire our imaginations and working through whole class fluency reads to increase our understanding on vocabulary, connectives and openers.
We are consolidating our understanding of place value through manipulatives, MAB blocks and number lines. We are practising playing a number game, ‘Buzz’, using Auslan. Students continue to work on aspects of measurement with Izzie on Fridays, and collage artwork influenced by Eric Carle’s work. Izzie and Alex (Year 1 class) come together fortnightly for choir and are looking at performing at assembly next week. We hope you can make it!
Year 2/3: Emma
What an action-packed fortnight it has been in our classroom!
We have enjoyed an energetic Colour Run, participated in Reconciliation Day activities, and had the privilege of welcoming Auntie Ros Cameron, who shared her personal story of forced adoption as an Aboriginal child as part of the Stolen Generations. Following her visit, students reflected on their own stories by creating artworks using Aboriginal symbols and painting their designs.
Another highlight each week is our collaboration with Suzie’s Year 2 class during our Inquiry-based learning sessions. This fortnight, students focused on developing their teamwork and performance skills through a Reader’s Theatre presentation about butterflies. They worked cooperatively in groups to rehearse and perform their roles with confidence and enthusiasm.
Our daily fitness sessions continue to be a favourite part of the day. Through a variety of games, students practise resilience, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. It is always wonderful to see the class encouraging one another, problem-solving together, and celebrating each other's successes.
In Literacy, we have begun a novel study of Fox by Margaret Wild, exploring themes, characters, and deeper meanings within the text. In Mathematics, we are delving into the fascinating world of measurement, investigating length, area, capacity, and other practical applications through hands-on learning experiences.
It has been a busy and rewarding fortnight filled with learning, collaboration, and memorable experiences.
Year 3/4: Zoe and Kelly
In Writing, we have continued working on information reports, and this week students began conducting their own research on their chosen animal, a very exciting step towards writing their own reports!
In Visual Arts, we have kept exploring perspective, investigating how different angles and viewpoints can completely change the way we see and experience artwork.
Our Mathematics unit on money got hands-on during the middle weeks as students became shopkeepers and customers! We also took a trip down memory lane with old-school lunch orders - students practised gathering coins using traditional paper bags and purchasing iconic items like Sunnyboys and milk cartons.
To mark Reconciliation Week, our class explored this year's theme of 'All In', discussing how every individual has a role to play in repairing relationships and taking meaningful action both in our classroom and in the wider community.
On Thursday, the students had the opportunity to explore reconciliation activities in various classes. There was a total of eight activities, which included songs, dancing, storytelling, identifying different Aboriginal groups on the Australia map, symbol understanding, making damper, participating in a traditional Aboriginal game, and crafts representing the theme "All in". On Friday, we revisited what "All in" means and reflected on words that best represent this concept. From this, we created an "All in" poem. The students did a wonderful job!
Year 4/5: Rachael and Troy
The Year 4/5 students have been engaged in rich learning across a range of curriculum areas.
In HASS, students have been exploring Budj Bim in south-western Victoria, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that showcases the remarkable engineering and aquaculture systems developed by the Gunditjmara people over thousands of years. Students learned about the sustainable farming practices of First Nations Australians, including firestick farming, water conservation, plant management, animal breeding, tools and shelter construction. They also deepened their understanding of the Stolen Generations through the work of Ros Cameron and completed thoughtful reflections on their learning across all of the activities throughout Reconciliation Week.
In English, students have been focusing on narrative writing, brainstorming and refining story ideas before using story graphs to carefully plan and plot their narratives. It has been wonderful to see students enthusiastically sharing ideas and supporting one another throughout the writing process. In Mathematics, we have begun a unit on shape, investigating the properties of 2D and 3D shapes, while continuing to strengthen number skills through challenging multi-step problem-solving tasks. Students have also been enjoying the Maker's Empire Challenge, designing innovative solutions to help our school community use resources more sustainably and care for our environment.
Year 5/6: Sallie
The Year 5/6 class has had another busy and exciting few weeks! It often feels like we are never in the classroom, but we have discovered that every experience provides a valuable learning opportunity.
We recently completed our persuasive poster projects and students proudly presented their work to the class. As part of the process, we practised giving thoughtful and constructive feedback to help each other improve. Our finished posters are now proudly displayed in the classroom.
During Reconciliation Week, we enjoyed exploring the importance of reconciliation and learning more about Australia's history. A highlight was our session with Ros Cameron, whose moving presentation provided a firsthand account of the impact of the Stolen Generations. Using a reconciliation poem, students worked in small groups to explore a range of reading comprehension strategies while reflecting on what reconciliation means to them. The thoughtful and creative posters created from this work are now displayed in the hallway.
We enjoyed the different rotating groups for our whole school's Reconciliation activities. There were so many ways to celebrate, learn and acknowledge First Nation history. I received lots of compliments about how all Year 6 students (and some Year 5s) were excellent leaders during this busy day.
In Mathematics, we have continued our learning journey with number, focusing on different strategies for solving multiplication equations. One of the methods we have been exploring is the grid method—be sure to ask us to demonstrate how it works!
To finish off Week 5, students had a fantastic time participating in the Colour Run. It was a fun-filled event and a wonderful way to celebrate another successful and productive week of learning.