Grade 5 Community News
Hello Grade 5 families!
Term 3 has been off to a fun and busy start! Since returning, we have been working hard in the classroom, with students settling back into routines and engaging enthusiastically in their learning across all subject areas. In week 1 of course we had a fantastic time on our excursion to Sovereign Hill, where students enjoyed bringing their learning to life through hands-on experiences and exploring Australia's gold rush history. Then in week 2 we had Parent Teacher Interviews and a Pupil Free day. The teachers would all like to say a big thank you to the parents who came along for the interviews. We absolutely loved celebrating the students and their incredible growth. It is always nice to see the dedication from parents towards their children's learning and desire to find new ways to support them.
English
In English, we have begun our first unit, where we are reading Black Cockatoo. We have begun diving into some character analysis writing, which has been an exciting shift. The students are really enjoying exploring the characters in the text and thinking about the different behaviours and actions on a deeper level. Our spelling with morphographs is continuing, and we are seeing some incredible progress in students' understanding of words and the rules that apply to them. Over the next couple of weeks, you will receive some information about “Home Connect.” Please have a look at this to support your child in their reading at home. If you have any questions, you can contact the classroom teacher. We can’t wait to continue watching their growth this term!
Mathematics
In Mathematics, we have been exploring fractions and building our understanding of how they can be represented and used in different ways. Students have learnt to add and subtract fractions with the same denominator before extending their skills to fractions with related denominators by finding equivalent fractions. They have also solved a range of real-world worded problems, using drawings, number lines, and mathematical reasoning to explain their thinking. Throughout the unit, students have continued to strengthen their understanding of numerators, denominators and equivalent fractions while applying these concepts in engaging rich tasks and problem-solving activities.
To support your child's learning at home, please encourage them to regularly practice their times tables using Times Tables Rock Stars and NumBots. These programs help build fluency and confidence with number facts, providing a strong foundation for success in Mathematics.
Humanities
In Humanities, students have been learning about the Australian Gold Rush and the Eureka Stockade in great detail. Through exploring the causes and impacts of the Gold Rush, life on the Victorian goldfields, and the significance of the Eureka Stockade, students developed a deeper understanding of this important period in Australia's history while building excitement for our excursion to Sovereign Hill. Since returning, we have reflected on our experiences and made connections between what we observed and the historical concepts explored in class. Students have also begun investigating the importance of natural and human resources throughout history, learning how valuable resources such as silk influenced trade, exploration, and the development of civilisations. They have explored different types of resources, the unique properties of silk, and why access to resources has shaped human history.
Reminders
- iPads are charged for school every day
- Please purchase the Term 3 text, Dirrarn by Carl Merrison and Hakea Hustler, and bring it to school ready for Week 4.
- As we continue through winter, please send students prepared with appropriate jumpers, cardigans, and coats.
We look forward to another fabulous term of learning and growing.