Year 6

Setting up for success

In Year 6, we have been intentionally establishing strong foundations for a successful year by collaboratively developing our Essential Agreement. This agreement reflects our shared commitment to the MEPS school values of Respect, Resilience, Responsibility, Challenge and Connectedness and outlines how these values guide our behaviour, learning and interactions each day. All students have signed the agreement, demonstrating their commitment to upholding these standards and striving to exceed expectations as senior leaders of the school. We have also been focusing on creating classrooms that are respectful, inclusive and supportive. Students are practising active listening, following instructions promptly and encouraging one another in their learning.

In addition, we have prioritised establishing consistent routines that maximise learning time. This includes being prepared with required materials, transitioning safely and efficiently around the school and maintaining organisation throughout the day. While these may seem like small habits, they play a significant role in fostering a productive and positive learning environment.

Australian History 1900-2000

This term, our Year 6 students have been deeply engaged in their Integrated unit exploring Australian History from 1900–2000, studied in conjunction with our class novel, Us Mob, Walawurru. Students have been examining the Federation of Australia and the development of the Australian Constitution, building an understanding of the foundations of our nation’s democratic system of government. Our class novel follows a young Aboriginal girl growing up in Australia during the 1960s. Through her perspective, students are gaining insight into the changes and challenges faced by Indigenous Australians during this time, deepening their empathy and understanding of lived experiences. In the coming weeks, our learning will continue to explore these significant historical events and perspectives, fostering critical thinking, historical understanding and respectful consideration of diverse viewpoints.

Endeavour Program

As part of launching this term’s Endeavour Program theme of Challenge, our Year 5 and 6 students were inspired by a special guest speaker, Emma Nankervis, a former MEPS student. Emma shared her journey from trying a new sport in primary school to eventually playing college basketball in the USA. Importantly, she spoke not only about her achievements, but about the challenges she faced along the way — long training sessions, injuries, nerves and the experience of moving overseas. Her message was clear: growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and continuing to show up, even when things feel difficult.

Throughout the term, students in Years 5 and 6 will participate in a series of Endeavour Program rotations designed to challenge them in a variety of ways — physically, socially and emotionally. Through these experiences, students will develop strategies to cope with setbacks, build resilience and strengthen their confidence, reinforcing the idea that challenge is an important and valuable part of learning and personal growth.