Year 5/6 News

A Strong Start to the Year (Weeks 1 & 2) with Year 5/6s 

The Year 5/6 students have had a positive and purposeful start to the year as we focused on establishing strong routines and clear expectations for learning. During Weeks 1 and 2, students worked collaboratively to create classroom and ICT agreements, revisited the instructional model, and discussed the behaviour matrix. These conversations helped set a shared understanding of what learning looks like in our senior classrooms and prepared students for a successful year ahead. 

Students also explored our school values and used their voices to explain how they can demonstrate these values through their learning, behaviour, and care for others. We placed a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, emotional literacy, and the importance of looking out for one another. As members of the senior school, students were reminded that they are all leaders and are expected to model exemplary behaviour wherever they are. 

We also discussed the importance of challenge, both academically and personally. Students were encouraged to embrace learning challenges and make the decision to push themselves to “level up” throughout the year. During our Start Right activities, the Year 5/6s showed that they have understood what it means to take on a challenge and to opt in. We are excited to see our new school captains step into their leadership roles and look forward to a year of growth, responsibility, and success. The Year 5/6 students have had a positive and purposeful start to the year as we focused on establishing strong routines and clear expectations for learning. During Weeks 1 and 2, students worked collaboratively to create classroom and ICT agreements, revisited the instructional model, and discussed the behaviour matrix. These conversations helped set a shared understanding of what learning looks like in our senior classrooms and prepared students for a successful year ahead. 

Students also explored our school values and used their voices to explain how they can demonstrate these values through their learning, behaviour, and care for others. We placed a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, emotional literacy, and the importance of looking out for one another. As members of the senior school, students were reminded that they are all leaders and are expected to model exemplary behaviour wherever they are. 

We also discussed the importance of challenge, both academically and personally. Students were encouraged to embrace learning challenges and make the decision to push themselves to “level up” throughout the year. During our Start Right activities, the Year 5/6s showed that they have understood what it means to take on a challenge and to opt in. We are excited to see our new school captains step into their leadership roles and look forward to a year of growth, responsibility, and success. 

First Aid and CPR Incursion 

The Year 5/6 students, along with Year 3/4s, recently participated in a First Aid and CPR incursion, where they learned important life skills that support safety and wellbeing. Students were introduced to basic first aid knowledge and discussed how to respond calmly and responsibly in emergency situations. 

During the session, students learned the steps involved in CPR and why quick action can make a difference. They were shown how to assess a situation, seek help, and follow correct procedures in an age-appropriate and engaging way. Students were highly attentive and asked thoughtful questions throughout the incursion. 

This valuable learning opportunity helped build students’ confidence and awareness around personal and community safety. It also reinforced the importance of responsibility, care for others, and being prepared to act appropriately in real-life situations. 

Mathematics in Year 5/6 

We began the year by clearly outlining our expectations for effort, persistence, and mathematical thinking. Students discussed what effective learning in maths looks like and how they can take responsibility for their progress throughout the year. 

We introduced a range of strategies to support students when solving worded problems. These included visualising using the bar model, applying the CUBES strategy, and exploring other efficient problem-solving approaches. Students are encouraged to choose strategies that best suit the problem and explain their thinking clearly. It was also amazing how the students were able to think of more than two ways to solve for the worded problem they were given. 

Our focus this year is on developing confident problem-solvers who can approach challenges with flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to try different methods. These early lessons have laid a strong foundation for deeper mathematical learning as the year progresses. 

Exploring Culture and Connection in Inquiry Learning 

As part of Inquiry, students made and explored Chinese lanterns and their symbolism during Chinese New Year celebrations. This learning experience sparked meaningful discussions about culture, tradition, and the significance of understanding celebrations beyond our own experiences. 

Students shared thoughtful responses about why learning about different cultures is important. Many reflected that understanding cultural traditions is a way to celebrate one another, even when we come from different backgrounds. They recognised that Clayton North Primary School is a multicultural community and that appreciating these differences helps us grow as individuals. 

Through this inquiry, students demonstrated curiosity, respect, and a strong sense of empathy. They showed a clear understanding that learning about each other’s cultures strengthens our community and helps us learn from one another. Sophia of 5/6A excitedly shared to the class about the chinese folklore that her grandmother shared with her. She said that these lanterns were colorful and bright, which the monsters were afraid of! The students were amazed by the stories she shared and even asked her insightful questions. Phinnley, another Year 5/6, also shared how they have their own symbolism of things in their country, which opened such a rich conversation for the whole class that led to sharing their own countries’ cultural traditions. 

Literacy in Year 5/6 

In Literacy, we discussed the importance of regular attendance and punctuality, with a focus on arriving before 8:50am to allow time for organising their things and quiet morning reading. Students learned why daily reading is important and how establishing this routine supports their overall learning and focus for the day. 

We explored what makes a “good fit” book and discussed strategies students can use to challenge themselves as readers. Students were also shown how to track their reading and how to format their writing books effectively to make the best use of their learning spaces. 

The writing process has been introduced and will be explored in more detail in the coming weeks. Students were also informed about upcoming grammar and spelling lessons, which will support them in strengthening their writing skills across all learning areas.