Octavia Community

Reading 

This term students have explored a range of fiction texts focusing on the themes of friendship, inclusion and kindness. They were introduced to and read the text ‘Flood’, ‘Tilly’, ‘The Sandwich Swap’, ‘The Invisible Boy’ and ‘The Invisible String’. For each text, students have identified the purpose of the text using the acronym PIE (Persuade, Inform, Entertain),  the author’s style of writing, the structure and features of the text, made inferences and summarised using Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then. Students continued to highlight and identify figurative language the author has used in the text to convey meaning and describe the characters, their actions and events. 

Writing  

This past month, our Grade 6 students have been immersed in persuasive writing, developing their skills in forming strong opinions and supporting them with researched evidence. They have learned the importance of structuring their work correctly, with clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions to effectively communicate their viewpoints. Topics of interest that sparked lively discussions and critical thinking included: "Is day better than night?", "Is playing video games better than going outside?", and "Should all cars be electric by December 2025?". Through this unit, students have not only enhanced their writing abilities but also sharpened their ability to argue persuasively and consider different perspectives on important issues.

Maths 

Over the past few weeks, our Grade 6 students have been diving into key mathematical concepts, focusing on perimeter, area, and balanced equations.

In our measurement unit, students explored how to calculate perimeter and area of various shapes, applying their knowledge to real-world scenarios. They worked on solving challenges that required them to measure spaces accurately and think critically about different dimensions.

We also tackled balanced equations, strengthening our algebraic thinking. Students learned how to manipulate numbers and symbols to maintain equality on both sides of an equation, improving their problem-solving and logical reasoning skills.

It’s been fantastic to see students develop their mathematical understanding and confidence. We encourage them to continue practicing these skills at home to reinforce their learning!

Inquiry

Grade 6 students studied Australian history, diving into a rich and complex past with key events such as the First Fleet, the Stolen Generations, the Gold Rush, and post-war immigration. They learned about the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, which marked the beginning of British colonization in Australia and significantly impacted the Indigenous peoples. The students also explored the Stolen Generations, a painful chapter in Australian history when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were forcibly removed from their families by government policies. The Gold Rush of the 1850s was another critical area of study, where students discovered how it brought a wave of settlers and shaped Australia’s economy and culture. Finally, post-war immigration revealed how Australia welcomed migrants from various countries, leading to the country’s growing cultural diversity. To deepen their understanding, students also presented a project on one of these topics, allowing them to explore their chosen area in greater detail and share their findings with the class. This project provided an opportunity to engage with Australia’s history on a personal level while developing research and presentation skills.

SEL 

Grade 6 students actively engaged in Social and Emotional Learning through their participation in Harmony Day activities. They explored the importance of Harmony Day and shared special aspects of their unique traditions, fostering a sense of inclusion and community. Students have started working on the Resilience Project, focusing on gratitude, emotional awareness, mindfulness, and empathy—key skills to build resilience and well-being.

Additionally, students showcased their teamwork and sportsmanship for GALA Day, enjoying four exciting sports: tee-ball, basketball, volleyball, and cricket.