Leadership Report
Costa Missailidis -Wellbeing and Engagement Leader
Joseph Hess - Maths Learning Specialist
Grade 5 and Grade 6 Students Dive into the World of Maths Incursion
On Monday, our enthusiastic Grade 5 and Grade 6 students embarked on an exciting learning journey during the World of Maths incursion. This engaging experience invited them to explore a variety of open-ended tasks designed to stretch their thinking and foster creative problem-solving skills.
Throughout the day, students worked collaboratively in small groups, tackling real-life situations that challenged them to think critically and apply mathematical concepts beyond the classroom. From budgeting for events to designing efficient travel routes, these hands-on activities encouraged teamwork, communication, and innovative approaches to problem solving.
The World of Maths incursion provided a dynamic environment where students could experiment, discuss strategies, and learn from one another. This interactive format not only helped deepen their understanding of mathematical principles but also highlighted the importance of collaboration and persistence when facing complex problems.
Our students left the day feeling inspired and confident in their abilities to approach challenges with curiosity and resilience. We look forward to seeing how these skills will continue to grow throughout the year!
The Grade 5/6s went to the library for an incursion based on Science Week. We got to the library, and Mel, our science instructor, greeted us. The Grade 5s and 6s went at different times, by the way. The Grade 5s sat down, and Mel told us what we would be doing. After she explained the puzzles to us, we got into groups and started the activities! My favourite activity was when two people put their hands through loops in plastic chains and tried to untangle them. Altogether, I give this incursion 4.5 stars. - Maddie, Grade 5
On Monday this week, the 5/6s had an incursion inside the library where puzzles were scattered around the area, inviting us to solve problems yet to be solved by us. We were swiftly given a worksheet for all the problems, where we recorded all the answers so these dilemmas wouldn’t happen again. In conclusion, we had a lot of fun, and I think most of us would come back. P.S. My favorite was constructing a bunk bed with different sized pipes. - Jackson, Grade 6
Tristan Kelly - Literacy Learning Specialist
VHAP
Congratulation to the following Year 5/6 students who are participating in the Victorian High Abilities Program this term for English or Maths: Rosa Towel, Evie McLeay, Stevie Newman, Charlotte Rean, Milou Sollier, Eleanor Heery, Aarav Achha, Maiya Slomo, Marcel Wright, Paris Parthimos, Felix Pratley, Radin Alidoustan, Marguerite Payne, Frankie Barretta, Hume Horsfall-Tapsell, Freddie Meyers, Maddie Brown and Wayan Indradinata.
All students are doing an excellent job in representing our school during these sessions and embracing all the challenging content!
Literacy Coaching
This term the Year 3/4 team is working with our wonderful Literacy Coach, Narissa Leung (Oz Lit Teacher). The team has been focusing on the word work portion of the lesson where students engage in learning about phonics, morphology and grammar. This has included the use of mini-whiteboard to enable teachers to provide instant feedback and a focus on refining the level of support and challenge provided for all students. The team are also focusing on increasing the verbal and non-verbal opportunities to respond that students have across the literacy block. It has been exciting to see the progress across the cohort!
Informative texts
At Merri-bek Primary we are creating informative texts this term. Students have been learning about flora and fauna through The Merri Creek Project and engaging with a range of texts and experiences in Literacy and Inquiry. Students have chosen their own focus for their informative texts. This includes some examples of flora or fauna found at the creek and some from further afield. Here are just a few of the wonderful examples of the work happening in different year levels. Some of these are drafts in progress and some are finished pieces. Enjoy!
Prep
Year 1/2
Year 3/4
Year 5/6
