Classroom News
Foundation Curriculum Newsletter - Term 2 Week 4
Dear Parents/ Caregivers,
What a fantastic start to Term 2 it has been! It is hard to believe we are already in Week 4, with so much learning and excitement packed into the term already. Our Prep students continue to impress us every day.
The term has already been very busy, with students enthusiastically engaging in their classroom learning, exploring new concepts and participating in a range of fun and meaningful activities.
Date | Event |
| Friday, 5th June | Grade 6 Toy Sale |
| Friday, 12th June | Myuna Excursion |
Literacy
Our Prep students have been busy building their early literacy skills through a range of engaging reading, speaking and writing activities.
In Reading, students have explored a variety of farm-themed nursery rhymes and texts relating to the and connecting their learning to the farm. These sessions have supported students to build vocabulary, develop oral language skills and deepen their understanding of rhyme and rhythm.
In Writing, students have participated in modelled writing and dictation activities using simple decodable sentences, helping them strengthen their understanding of sounds, words and sentence structure. Students also worked on expanding their sentences by adding extra information, such as who, what and where details, and are showing wonderful growth in their confidence as young writers.
In Soundswrite, students have continued developing their phonics knowledge and early reading skills through Units 5 and 6. Students were introduced to the new sounds k, l, r, u, j, w and z, learning to recognise, read and write these sounds in words. They also practised blending and segmenting simple words to support their reading and spelling development. Alongside this, students worked on building automatic recognition of high-frequency words including see, are, so, go, no and was. It has been wonderful to see the students growing in confidence as they apply their sound knowledge during reading and writing activities in the classroom.
Numeracy
In Numeracy, students have been developing their understanding of addition and subtraction within 5 through hands-on activities, story problems and maths games. Using part-part-whole models, students explored how numbers can be combined and separated, while learning to solve simple addition and subtraction stories using “add to” and “take away” situations. Throughout the unit, students practised explaining their mathematical thinking, using concrete materials and visual representations to support their understanding. Students also engaged in problem-solving tasks, including our “Off on a Picnic” investigation, where they applied their skills in meaningful and engaging ways. In recent lessons, students began exploring ordinal numbers, learning to identify and use positional language from first to fifth. It has been wonderful to see the confidence and enthusiasm students are showing during our Numeracy sessions.
Science
In Science, students have been exploring the fascinating world of living things through hands-on investigations, discussions and creative activities. Students began by learning about living and non-living things, identifying the needs of living things such as food, water and shelter, and sorting farm-related objects into categories. They then explored the similarities and differences between plants and animals, creating T-charts and participating in sorting activities using toys and images. As part of our learning about Indigenous perspectives, students discovered how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples observe and represent living things through art, storytelling and movement. Students explored Indigenous animals, discussed caring for Country and used drama activities to investigate how animals move and survive in their environments.
Students also investigated farm environments, learning about the needs of farm animals and how habitats provide food, water and shelter. Through collaborative tasks and role play.. In Week 4, the focus shifted to plants and their basic needs, including water, sunlight and soil. Students explored the life cycle and growth of plants through grass-growing investigations, observing and recording changes over time. They identified and labelled the parts of a plant, including roots, stems and leaves, and discussed how each part helps a plant survive and grow. It has been wonderful to see the curiosity and excitement students are bringing to their Science learning.
Song Room
This term, our students have been excited to participate in Song Room sessions, exploring First Nations perspectives and deepening their understanding of Aboriginal culture and connection to Country. Through storytelling, discussion and the sharing of artefacts, artist Nikki has been working with students across the school to introduce important First Nations concepts in engaging and meaningful ways.
A key focus of the project is learning about the seven seasons recognised by the Wurundjeri people and developing an understanding of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples observe and respond to changes in the natural environment. These experiences are helping students strengthen their observation skills while building respect for cultural knowledge and traditions.
Throughout the term, students will contribute artwork and ideas towards a collaborative large-scale circular art installation that will be displayed on the exterior wall of the art room. The final piece will feature seven sections representing each of the Wurundjeri seasons and showcase the creativity and learning of our students. We are incredibly proud of the curiosity, respect and enthusiasm students have shown during these sessions so far.
Here are some photos from the last fortnight:
Warmest regards,
Tegan Cochrane, Renee Kociski, Ashleigh Smith and Vanessa Stimar
Foundation Teachers
________________________________________________________________________________
Year 1 Curriculum Newsletter - Term 2 Week 4
Dear Year 1 Parents and Caregivers,
Below is a snapshot of recent activities, alongside important dates for the next few weeks.
Important Dates to Remember:
| Date | Reminder |
| Week 5 | |
| Tuesday 19th May | Year 1 Melbourne Zoo Excursion |
| Wednesday 20th May | Foundation to Grade 2 Assembly (Run by 1B) |
Numeracy: In Numeracy, students have been learning to add and subtract numbers within 20. They have also been learning a part-whole-triangles maths game in class to continue developing these skills. We have included the link for the maths game below if you might like to try it at home with your children: https://www.lovemaths.me/operations-f-2 Scroll down for the part-whole-triangles game.
Above is a photo of students learning the new maths game.
|
Literacy: In Literacy, students have been developing their skills in writing an information text about coyotes. They have learned how to introduce the topic and provide detailed description of a coyote’s appearance, habitat and diet.
See above some work samples from 1B this week, they are very proud of their hard work.
|
Bay Blade Rules (Year 1): Year 1 have co-created a set of rules for Bay Blades at school. The students have been doing a wonderful job at following the expectations, and are learning to play together fairly.
To play
PLAY FAIR! PLAY SAFE!
|
Kind Regards,
Year 1 Team
Caroline Morrison, Rosie Robinson, Grace Vaelioja and Alison Sparks
________________________________________________________________________________
Year 2 Curriculum Newsletter - Term 2 Week 4
Dear Year 2 Parents and Caregivers,
Below is a snapshot of recent activities, alongside important dates for the next two weeks.
Important Dates to Remember:
| Date | Event |
| Tuesday, 12th April | Werribee Open Range Zoo Excursion |
Swimming: Grade 2 has had a fantastic start to Term 2. Over the past two weeks, we have revisited our school values, routines and expectations to help set everyone up for a positive and productive term filled with learning and fun. Students have settled back into classroom routines beautifully and have shown enthusiasm and responsibility across all areas of school life. Last week, students completed their swimming program and should be very proud of the way they approached each session. They demonstrated sensible behaviour on the bus, excellent listening skills at the pool and growing confidence in the water throughout the program. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm, resilience and willingness to challenge themselves while developing important water safety skills. We are very proud of the way Grade 2 students have approached the beginning of the term and look forward to an exciting and engaging term ahead.
|
Kind regards,
Daniel Lewis, Thilini Marasinghe, Zhuang Bian, Rebeca Gomes
Year 2 Teachers
________________________________________________________________________________
Year 3 Curriculum Newsletter - Term 2, Week 4
Dear Year 3 Parents and Caregivers,
Thank you for your support throughout the first few weeks, and a big thank you to all that came to help with swimming. The students were fantastically behaved for their lessons and it was great to see their improvement over the 8 sessions.
Below is an overview of important dates for Term 2. There will be possible updates or new dates added to Compass as the term progresses:
| Date | Reminder |
| Week 5: | |
| Tuesday 19th May |
|
| Wednesday 20th May |
|
Maths: Multiplication In Numeracy, we are beginning our unit on multiplication and division. Students will be focusing on the 2, 3 and 4 times tables, as well as developing their understanding of the related division facts. We will be building fluency and confidence through a range of engaging activities as well as teaching multiple strategies. We have also started Facts on Fire, to help students develop their fluency in number facts. Students have continued to consolidate their understanding of solving 1-step and 2-step worded problems.
|
Reading: Compare and Contrast Students have been thoroughly enjoying our new Core Knowledge text, The Ancient Roman Civilisation. They have been practising using examples from the text to identify similarities and differences between ancient Rome and ancient Greece. Students have also practised using conjunctions such as, but, so, and because to explain events and explain their ideas clearly. Writing: Information Texts Using the model text as a guide, students have begun creating their own informative texts about the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Rome. They have been learning how to craft rhetorical questions, punctuate complex sentences correctly, and use appositives to add extra detail to their writing.
|
HASS: World Rivers Students have begun exploring some of the world’s major rivers, including the Yellow River, the Nile River, the Indus River, and the Volga River. They have been learning how rivers support farms and cities, make daily life easier for communities, and have shaped trade and travel around the world throughout history.
In Other News…
|
Kind Regards,
Year 3 Team
Cassie, Harrison, and Lauren
________________________________________________________________________________
Year 4 Curriculum Newsletter - Term 2 Week 4
Dear Year 4 Parents and Caregivers,
Below is a snapshot of recent activities, alongside important dates.
Term 2 Important Dates
| Date | Reminder |
| Week 4 | |
| Wednesday 13th May | Grade 3 to 6 School Assembly |
| Week 5 | |
| Tuesday 19th May | French Poetry Competition |
| Tuesday 19th May | Family Maths Night 5pm - 6pm |
| Wednesday 20th May | Grade 3 - 6 House Athletics Carnival |
| Week 6 | |
| Monday 25th May | Grade 4 Storyteller Musician Incursion |
| Wednesday 27th May | Grade 3 to 6 School Assembly |
| Week 7 | |
| Friday 5th June | Grade 6 Toysale Graduation Fundraiser |
| Week 8 | |
| Wednesday 10th June | Grade 3 to 6 Assembly |
| Week 9 | |
| Tuesday 16th June | Soiree 6,30pm to 7.30pm |
| Week 10 | |
| Wednesday 24th June | Grade 3 to 6 Assembly |
| Friday 26th June | 8.30am - 9am Grade 6 Graduation Bake Sale 2.30pm Term 2 Concludes |
Maths: Victoria Rocks and Maths Night From the 12th–14th of May, students will be taking part in the Victoria Rocks Times Tables Competition through Times Tables Rock Stars, where they will compete against other schools by answering multiplication questions and building their maths fluency. This fun and engaging event encourages students to practise their times tables, improve their confidence with multiplication, and work together to earn points for our school.
On Tuesday 19th of May at 5-6pm, Toorak Primary School will be hosting its Family Maths Night in the school hall. You and your families are invited to come along for a night of maths activities of all different shapes and sizes. Each room will have different activities that link to the different maths strands. By completing your passport, you will go into the draw to win some amazing prizes. We hope to see you there!
|
Specialists Music Students have been developing their ukulele skills by practising chords, rhythm, and strumming techniques. They have been working collaboratively to learn Three Little Birds by Bob Marley.
French During French, students have been playing “Jacques a dit” to practise their directional vocabulary. They listened carefully to French instructions and responded by pointing in different directions such as left, right, up, and down.
PE Students have been practising discus skills in PE, focusing on the correct grip, stance, body positioning, balance, and controlled release needed for an effective throw. They have also been developing coordination, rotational movement, power generation, spatial awareness, and safe throwing techniques through a variety of structured activities and skill-based drills.
|
Kind Regards,
Year 4 Team
Sam Pallas, Katie Smith, Tim Maclachlan and Jessica De Angelis
________________________________________________________________________________
Year 5 Curriculum Newsletter - Term 2 Week 4
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Below is a snapshot of important Term 2 dates. Please note that additional events and updates may be added to Compass throughout the term, so we encourage you to check regularly to stay informed.
Key Dates |
| Week 4 |
|
| Week 5 |
|
| Week 6 |
|
| Week 7 |
|
| Week 8 |
|
| Week 9 |
| Week 10 |
|
Reminder to Families
As we move through the colder months, a gentle reminder regarding school expectations:
- Toys and fidgets are to remain at home. We have been experiencing ongoing issues with these items becoming a distraction in the classroom and playground. The school will continue to provide appropriate learning tools and support where needed.
School uniforms are to be worn each day. Please ensure students are not attending school in random hoodies or non-uniform clothing. Warm layers are encouraged, but these should be school-approved uniform items.
We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a consistent, focused, and safe learning environment for all students.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require further clarification.
Kind Regards
Vanessa Burke and Josh Bretherton,
Year 5 Teachers
________________________________________________________________________________
Year 6 Curriculum Newsletter - Term 2 Week 4
Dear Year 6 Parents and Caregivers,
Below is a snapshot of recent activities, alongside important dates.
| Date | Reminder | |
5 | Monday 18th May | Education Week |
| Wednesday 20th May | 3-6 Athletics Carnival | |
| Friday 22nd May | Mad About Science Incursion (rescheduled) | |
6 | Friday 29th May | AFL Gala Day |
7 | Friday 5th June | Year 6 Fundraiser (toy sale) |
10 | Friday 26th June | Term 2 concludes at 2:30 pm |
Maths: Addition and Subtraction of Decimals Students have been focusing on addition and subtraction of decimals. They practised adding and subtracting decimals with tenths, hundredths, and up to three decimal places, developing strategies to work with different levels of complexity. Students also explored estimating sums and differences to check their answers for reasonableness. These lessons helped strengthen their understanding of place value and built confidence in solving a range of decimal problems, including practical worded questions.
|
Writing: Narratives In Writing, students used a boxing-up template to box up the model text into a plan to embed their understanding of narrative structure. They used Single Paragraph Outlines to further develop their ideas for the beginning paragraph and completed their first draft from these. Students explored the appropriate use of ellipsis in sentence-level writing and showed their understanding through a variety of activities.
|
Wellbeing In Wellbeing, students explored positive coping strategies. They shared strategies that help them personally and identified how their friends can support them in challenging situations. Students continued to explore the power of words, examining how language can be used for positive and negative change, including discussions of racism and the harm words can cause. They considered how to be more thoughtful and inclusive with their words when navigating challenging situations.
|
Kind Regards,
Year 6 Team
James Thomas, Natasha Williams and Emma Heron
________________________________________________________________________________
Specialist Term 2 Overview
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Below is an outline of our specialist curriculum program for Term 2.
Performing Arts- Music
Choir: This is held each Thursday during lunch in the Music room. .The Choir is open to all students in Year 2 and above.
‘
Rockband: This is held each Friday during lunch in the Music room. The Rock Band is open to all students from year 4-6.
Foundation students explore ideas for music through play. Students will continue to explore the concept of beat using a range of tuned and untuned percussion instruments. They will participate in singing, movement, and body percussion activities that support the development of rhythm in an engaging and interactive way.
Year 1 students will develop listening skills for singing and learning instruments. Students will explore the different instrument families and begin learning to play a range of instruments. They will develop their ability to recognise and perform rhythmic patterns, learn to play the xylophone, and identify the notes C, D, E, F, and G. Pitch development will be supported through singing and performing a variety of songs. Lessons will also incorporate body percussion activities and include an introduction to composers.
Year 2 students will develop listening skills for singing and learning instruments. Students will focus on recognising and understanding musical notes and rhythms. Through the use of xylophones, untuned percussion instruments, body percussion, and movement, they will strengthen their sense of beat and rhythm. They will also continue developing their recorder skills, performing a range of songs using newly introduced notes.
Year 3 students will develop listening skills for working with elements of music when singing and playing instruments. Students will learn to play the violin, viola, or cello. They will develop pitch awareness through singing and begin to read and write musical notation. Their learning will be further supported through body percussion and movement-based activities.
Year 4 students will develop listening skills for working with elements of music when singing and playing instruments. Students will continue to develop their musical skills through singing, body percussion, and instrumental performance, including ongoing string studies. Emphasis will be placed on refining technique and overall musicianship, with body percussion and movement remaining integral to each lesson. They will also build their ensemble skills by learning to play together across a range of instruments.
Year 5 students will develop listening skills and skills for working with elements of music to achieve expressive effects when composing, singing and playing instruments. Students will continue to build their understanding of ukulele chords and will be introduced to the guitar, along with a range of tuned and untuned percussion instruments. They will develop their skills in reading and writing musical notation, composing rhythms and melodies, and performing a diverse repertoire. Lessons will also include the exploration of music from a variety of cultures. Throughout the program, students will further refine their ability to notate music, create original rhythmic and melodic ideas, and perform with increasing confidence and accuracy.
Year 6 students will develop listening skills and skills for working with elements of music to achieve expressive effects when composing, singing and playing instruments. Students will explore music technology by learning to use GarageBand to compose their own pieces. They will study jazz and participate in ensemble performances, providing opportunities to rehearse and perform jazz repertoire. An introduction to drama will be incorporated later in the term.
We look forward to a dynamic and inspiring term ahead, enriched with musical exploration, creativity, and engaging learning experiences.
Visual Arts
This year the students will spend their time in the art room preparing works for our magnificent biannual art show. They will showcase their impressive talents and we hope to raise funds for a new kiln to benefit the creativity for all students. Please read the newsletter each week to see how your family can contribute!
Foundation students will experiment with different materials and techniques to make artwork. They will take inspiration from American painter and sculptor Georgia O’Keeffe to complete their floral artwork. The students will combine plasticine, chenille stems and tule to construct a 3D insect. They will experiment with their paper craft and basic printmaking skills to create a chicken collage artwork. The students will experience learning to roll and flatten plasticine to model a mythical dragon inspired by Anne Stokes.
Year 1 students will experiment with acrylic paint and a glue mixture to create a stained glass flower. They will take inspiration from Claude Monet and paint a waterlily artwork with acrylic paint. The students will blend water based ink to make a background for a skeleton cat artwork and applied chalk pastel to complete the artwork.
Year 2 students will continue to take inspiration from American painter Wayne Tiebaud to construct a cake and dessert creation. They will experience using tissue paper and ink pen to create a nautical artwork. The students will experiment with blending oil pastel to construct mummy eyes.
Year 3 students will experience using the technique of painting with plasticine to create a bird artwork. They will brainstorm ideas for a ‘keep calm’ slogan and experiment with acrylic paint to paint their creation on a canvas board.
Year 4 students will continue to take inspiration from John Behnke to create a cityscape. They will explore their ability to blend watercolour, combine cut paper and coloured markers. They be inspired by Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream’ and experiment with their use of one point perspective to create an artwork.
Year 5 students will take inspiration from Yayoi Kusama and explore the use of Magic Clay and wire to sculpt a flower. They will experience the process of dry felting to construct a house themed artwork.
Year 6 students will take inspiration fromHenri Rousseau and experiment with blending techniques to paint a jungle scene on canvas. They will explore the technique of ombre painting and construct Claude Monet inspired water lilies in a pond using their paper craft skills.
Physical Education
Foundation students are busy developing their catching skills through participating in small group activities, games and stations. Students will explore strategies to work collaboratively with their peers in a variety of cooperative games and challenges. Students will practice the fundamental movement skill of a kick in a soccer skills unit.
Year 1 and 2 students have started the term learning Indigenous games and making connections to games they are familiar with. This term, they will be practicing the fundamental movement skills of catching and overhand throwing. Students will develop their skills through participation in small group activities, games and stations. Students will practice their handballing, kicking and marking skills in an AFL skills unit.
Year 3 and 4 students will be busy preparing for the upcoming House Athletics Carnival. Students will learn the correct technique to perform high jump, hurdles, shot put and discus. Students will participate in an AFL unit where they will have the opportunity to practice their handballing, kicking and marking skills in a variety of small group activities and games. Students will work towards participating in modified games of AFL. Throughout the unit, students will develop strategies to work effectively in teams.
Year 5 and 6 students will be participating in an athletics unit focussed on further developing their technique to be successful in high jump and hurdles. They will be practising and preparing their AFL specific skills, team work and game strategies for the upcoming AFL Gala Day. Students will participate in modified games of AFL focusing on applying their skills to changing game environments. Students will be participating in a netball unit where they will learn the rules of netball and participate in a round robin. They will have the opportunity to be the umpire, scorer and time keeper.
French
This year, we have 30 students participating in the Berthe Mouchette Poetry Competition. The school preliminaries will take place on 19 May. We wish all our participants a big Bonne chance!
We are also excited to celebrate French Day on 14 July, with a range of fun and engaging activities planned for students. We are currently seeking sponsors or donations for a French Day hamper. Contributions of any size would be greatly appreciated!
As part of French Day, students will take part in a French circus incursion. During this experience, they will follow simple instructions in French, using words such as en haut (up), en bas (down), à gauche (left), and à droite (right), as well as vocabulary for different parts of the body.
What students are learning this term:
Foundation students will learn how to say en haut, en bas, à gauche, à droite (up, down, left, right) through playing games such as Jacques a dit (Simon says). They will also continue revising French numbers from 1–10 and learn words for different parts of the body.
Year 1-4 students will practise directional language (en haut, en bas, à gauche, à droite) and learn vocabulary for body parts. They will also develop their speaking and listening skills by learning how to order crêpes in French, using simple phrases and polite expressions. This connects to our upcoming French Day, where students will have the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-life context when interacting with a visiting crêpe van.
Year 5 students are creating a “lift-the-flap” book, where they hide a chosen animal behind flaps (including trick flaps!). They will use spoken French to ask questions and guess where animals are hidden, and write full sentences in French to describe their locations.
Year 6 students are taking on a leadership role by designing and running French activities for other year levels as part of French Day. They are currently creating presentation slides, planning instructions in French, and organising materials to ensure their activities are engaging and successful. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to apply their language skills in a real-world context while building confidence and leadership.
Songs of the term:
‘En haut, en bas, à gauche, à droite’ by abcDARnotes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQBK9iN7Jgo
‘Tête, épaules, genoux, pieds’ by Toffee TV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVbbLXPdJKQ
Key vocabulary:
En haut – up
En bas – down
À gauche – left
À droite – right
La tête – head
Les épaules – shoulders
Les genoux – knees
Les pieds – feet
Les yeux – eyes
Les oreilles – ears
La bouche – mouth
Le nez – nose
Kind Regards
Michelle Reynolds, Elizabeth Exintaris, Emma Webb and Madame Li
The Specialist Team