From the Classroom
Junior Unit Tells All
In English, Junior A have been comparing two different books and discussing the characters in each story. Students chose their favourite character and explained their choice using their understanding of perspectives, considering how different characters think, feel, and act.
We have also started reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar and exploring the features of a book. Students have been identifying the who, when, and what of the story and developing their comprehension skills through discussions about the characters, setting, and events. It has been wonderful to see students sharing their ideas and making connections to the texts we read.
In Maths, Junior A have been exploring 2D shapes and their features, including the number of sides and corners each shape has. Students enjoyed going on a shape hunt around the classroom to identify 2D shapes in their environment and make connections to real-world objects.
We are looking forward to creating our own 2D shape robots, where students will use their knowledge of shapes in a fun and creative way. This exciting activity will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of 2D shapes while developing their creativity.
Middle Unit News
In English, Middle B has continued to read Piano Fingers and Sonam and the Silence. Through these rich and engaging texts, students have been developing their comprehension skills by exploring how authors use imagery, symbolism and connotation to create deeper meaning. Students have discussed how descriptive language helps readers form vivid mental images and connect with characters and settings. They have also examined symbols within the stories and considered how these represent important ideas, emotions and themes. By exploring connotations, students are learning that words can carry meanings and feelings beyond their literal definitions. Students analyse how language choices influence meaning, interpret themes and messages, and respond thoughtfully to literature. Students have enjoyed sharing their ideas and making connections between the texts and their own experiences.
In Maths, Middle B ompleted their unit on subtraction. Students developed and applied a range of strategies to solve subtraction problems, including partitioning numbers, using place value knowledge, and selecting efficient mental and written methods. They demonstrated their understanding by solving real-world problems and explaining their mathematical thinking. As part of our revision, students also reviewed key measurement concepts. They practised measuring and comparing length, mass and capacity, as well as selecting appropriate units of measurement and using measuring tools accurately. These learning experiences support the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 by strengthening students' number sense, problem-solving skills and understanding of measurement in everyday contexts.
This week, Middle Unit students recently participated in an exciting Robotics Incursion, where they explored how robots are designed, programmed and used to solve problems in the real world. Students engaged in hands-on activities that challenged them to think critically, collaborate with others and apply their problem-solving skills. Throughout the session, students investigated how digital technologies can be used to create solutions and learned about the important role of coding, sequencing and testing in robotics. They enjoyed experimenting with robotic systems and observing how changes to instructions affected outcomes. This learning experience supports the Victorian Curriculum 2.0 by developing students' understanding of scientific inquiry, design thinking and digital technologies. Students were highly engaged and demonstrated curiosity, creativity and resilience as they explored the world of robotics.
Middle A has continued to work through the text Mallee Sky. This text has lead Middle A into exploring the use of imagery. This week the students have been looking into how to create a cinquain poem. By doing this we have identified adjectives, verbs and nouns to then place into the poem.
In maths we have started our unit of time. We have been exploring time to the hour and time to the half hour. The students have been very engaged with this unit as we have tied it in with the soccer world cup which is starting Friday. Over the next few weeks we will look closely at training schedules, the way the games run and times each games will be beginning with the focus on who is versing who. Each student has picked two countries to follow during the world cup, which will later allow us to explore time zones.
Seniors News
In English, students have been reading our class novel Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief. Through our study of the text, we have unpacked unfamiliar vocabulary, explored the tense of the narrative, and examined how the author uses different points of view to influence and impact the reader. Students have demonstrated their understanding by writing diary entries from the perspectives of different characters, allowing them to develop empathy and consider multiple viewpoints.
In Mathematics, students proudly completed their Dream Bedroom projects and showcased their work during a gallery walk. The creativity, effort and attention to detail displayed in both their designs and 3D models were outstanding. We have also continued our learning about area and perimeter, applying these concepts to a variety of real-life contexts and problem-solving situations.
In Inquiry, students presented their country research projects to their peers. Their investigations focused on a chosen country’s geographical features, environmental changes and history. Students demonstrated excellent research and presentation skills while sharing their learning, and it was wonderful to see the variety of countries explored and the depth of knowledge gained throughout the unit.