Year 5/6 Team News

Hello Year 5/6 families, 

We have had another fun filled fortnight in 5/6! We took part in Part 2 of our Parliament Incursion; learning about the role of the Senate and levels of the court system. Once again, we had lots of fun and the team from Linked Incursions provided a well-rounded and hands-on experience for us all. 

On Thursday in Week 3, the Cross Country team headed to McIvor Reserve in Yarraville to particpate in the District competition. WPS once again took out the District Title with many runners qualifying for the Divisional competition coming up at Werribee Racecourse on Wednesday 27th May.  A reminder to those who qualified, transport to and from Werribee on the day will be the responsibility of parents/guardians. 

As a teaching team, we would like to note that we are currently working through key assessments across different curriculum areas and ask that students be as well-rested as possible to ensure they are able to complete their learning tasks as best they can. 

Student Voice:

Parliament Incursion Part 2!

Last week we completed part 2 of the Parliament Process Incursion. In this session we role played what happens in the senate, this included classmates going against each other to try and pass a law that allowed 16 years old to participate in the voting process. We learned about the roles in the senate, like the Prime Minister, the opposition, and independents. We also did a vote count and learned about the different levels of the court. Overall, the incursion was really fun and informative.

Joella, 56M

What's Coming up in the Classroom:

Reading: In Weeks 5 & 6, students are continuing to work through our class novel, 'Black Cockatoo'. They are focusing on comprehension responses that include providing evidence from the text using direct quotes. There will be many opportunities for exploration of Reconciliation and connection to Reconciliation Week. Students will also begin to look at what themes the text explores. 

Writing: In Weeks 5 &6, students are using their debating skills to plan, draft and execute persuasive writing in essay form. They will explore various persuasive techniques writers use and ensure they are writing for an intended audience. 

Numeracy: In Weeks 5 &6, students will be undertaking a measurement project called, My Community Garden. It involves concepts of perimeter, area and volume, as well as converting between measurement units. This fortnight will also involve key summative assessment for the semester. 

Inquiry: In Week 4, we were sorted into political parties. We now have 5 different parties that will all be working towards running for leadership of WPS! We begin by working in our coloured parties to assign key ministerial roles and refine the key policies the party will aim to implement. Students will also look to prepare a ministerial profile for themselves that aligns with party policies. 

Willy Kids/Respectful Relationships: In Weeks 5&6, Willy Kids are sociable. Students will reflect and set goals on ways they can be more sociable. In RR, students will be exploring and learning to utilising their personal strengths in everyday situations. 

Term 2 Interschool Sport:

Week 4: Home v St Mary's 

*Alternative- Multisport rotations & Judo @WPS

*Hockey Teams- Non-match at home

* Soccer & AFL home games held at Fearon Reserve. 

Week 5: Home v Sacred Heart

*Alternative- Multisport rotations & Judo @WPS

*Hockey Teams- Non-match at home

* Soccer & AFL home games held at Fearon Reserve. 

Week 6: Away v Newport Gardens (all games including Hockey held at NGPS)

*Alternative- Multisport rotations & Judo @ WPS

Parliament Prize:

The Parliament Prize is an annual competition delivered by the Victorian Parliament that gives students an opportunity to talk about issues that are important to them. Students are asked to consider what they would say to parliament if they were an MP and record their own 90-second Member’s Statement video. 

Although this in an OPTIONAL extra-curricular event, in Week 7  all students in 5/6 will preparing a Member's Statement during Writing, and have the option of filming this for submission in the Parliament Prize. If you would like more information about this project, please view the details on https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/teach-and-learn/Resources/preparing-for-the-parliament-prize/. 

This optional project will also be discussed with students at school in the coming weeks and be given the opportunity to work with teacher support at lunch times for this. More information will be sent home to families closer to the time. 

Important Dates:

- Week 6 Monday 25th May Student Free Day

- Week 6 Tuesday 27th Divisional Cross Country

- 5/6H hosting assembly Week 8 Friday (All other 5/6 classes are hosting in Term 3)

- Grade 5 Camp: Mon 26th-Wed 28th October (Term 4)

- Grade 6 Camp: Wed 28th-Fri 30th October (Term 4)

Have a lovely fortnight everyone!

Warm regards,

The Grade 5/6 Team - Christina Crosland (5/6C), Molly Hedditch (5/6H), Melati Cordell & Laura Bartholomeusz (5/6M), Matt Eason-Jones (5/6E) & Edan Baccega (5/6B)