Reading

This fortnight, the Year 5 students have been developing their comprehension skills by learning how to ask and answer questions about the texts they read. Students are exploring how to use clues and information from the text, as well as their own prior knowledge, to deepen their understanding. They are practising asking questions before, during and after reading, making predictions, identifying key information and using evidence from the text to support their answers. These skills help students become more thoughtful, independent readers who can think critically about what they read and develop a deeper understanding of different texts.

“You should ask questions as you read so you can understand what you read” - Josiah 5A

“It was fun because we got to write the features and I understand more about the text” - Jahnavi 5A

“Fiction and Non-fiction are the two main genres of books.” - Shishir 5C

“Fiction texts, like fairytales, need to have a protagonist and antagonist.” - Gabriel 5C

Writing

In Writing, Year 5 students have been learning how to plan a persuasive piece of writing. They have been developing their opinions, identifying their target audience and organising their ideas into clear and convincing reasons to support their point of view. Students have also been exploring how to use persuasive language and supporting evidence to strengthen their arguments. This planning process will help them structure their writing effectively and prepare them to create engaging and convincing persuasive texts.

“I like that we get to write a persuasive piece and its really fun” Gurreet 5B

“I like to persuade people” Lal 5B

“I find persuasive writing interesting” Zack 5B

“I chose home-make meals because you can have more different options than eating out” - Charlotte 5A

“It was fun to brainstorm because you get to pick which ideas are best for you” - Aubree 5A

“You can use rhetorical questions to make your persuasive writing more persuasive.” - Marina 5C

“I prefer summer because you can go to the beach!” - Aida 5C

Maths

Battleship, coordinates, and transformations have made Mathematics a real adventure! This fortnight, the Year 5 cohort has been exploring coordinates and grid references, developing their ability to accurately locate and describe positions on a grid. Students put their skills to the test through an exciting game of Battleship, using coordinates to locate ships and strategically plan their moves. They have also been investigating transformations, including translations and rotations, and exploring how shapes can move and change position while maintaining their properties. It has been wonderful to see the Year 5 cohort developing their spatial reasoning, mathematical language, and problem-solving skills while having plenty of fun along the way!

“Battleships was fun and good to play” - Rafaeel 5A

“The treasure hunt game was really fun and you can play with other people” - Lorenzo 5A

“Grid references and coordinates are different. References are in the box and coordinates are on the intersecting lines.” - Yohan 5C

“When you translate an image, you just slide it.” - Ela 5C

“I like having to guess where the other person's ship is” Evelyn 5B

“ I liked being able to choose our partners and we had fun playing the game” Hafsa 5B

Inquiry

What do businesses need to succeed? This fortnight, the Year 5 cohort has been exploring the world of economics and business. Students have been learning about different types of resources, including natural, human, and capital resources, and investigating the concept of scarcity—understanding that resources are limited while people’s wants and needs can be unlimited. It has been fantastic to see the Year 5 cohort thinking critically about everyday economic decisions and considering how choices can have different outcomes.

“Since resources are limited you have to use them wisely” - Josiah 5A

“I chose my items because they are helpful and useful” - Fatima 5A

“There are three types of resources: capital, human and natural.” - Dion 5C

“If I was stuck on a deserted island, I would choose a boat as my resource.” - Natalia 5C

Social and Emotional Learning

Year 5 students have been exploring what it means to be responsible at school and in their everyday lives. They have been discussing the importance of making positive choices, following expectations, taking ownership of their actions and being accountable for their behaviour. Students have also reflected on how being responsible helps build trust, strengthen relationships and create a positive learning environment for everyone. These skills will support students as they continue to develop independence and prepare for the transition to secondary school.

“Expectations are things that people expect you to do” - Miles 5A

“To solve problems you think about solutions” - Jobe 5A

“I like helping to look after my younger brother” Gurreet 5B

“Some of the responsibilities that I have at home are cleaning and making my bed.” - Abigail 5C

Auslan

Signing our way into the future! This fortnight, the Year 5 cohort has been exploring the topic of new technology in AUSLAN. Students have been learning and practising signs related to modern technology and the devices we use in our everyday lives. Through interactive activities and signing practice, they have been developing their AUSLAN vocabulary while building confidence in communicating about technology. Students have also been strengthening their understanding of how sign language can be used to share information about the ever-changing world around us. It has been wonderful to see the Year 5 cohort embracing new vocabulary, supporting one another, and continuing to develop their communication skills through AUSLAN.

“If you change your handshape you will sign a different word” - Harry 5A

Special Event

Casual Dress Day

A little change to the uniform, a whole lot of fun! This fortnight, the Year 5 cohort enjoyed Casual Dress Day, giving students the opportunity to express their individuality and show off their personal style. It was wonderful to see students embracing the day with colourful outfits, creative choices, and plenty of smiles. Casual Dress Day was a great opportunity for students to enjoy something a little different while continuing to demonstrate our school values of kindness, responsibility, and resilience.

“It’s nice being in my comfy clothes” - Fatima 5A

“It’s feels nice and comfortable” - Millie 5A

“ I love being able to wear what I want” Elisa 5B

Important Dates