Year Six Newsletter

Welcome to Term 3! We have settled in superbly and are getting ready for a busy term ahead. Please find below information about Victorian Curriculum 2.0 areas that will be covered this term.

Religion  

The focus this term is the Sacramental Church. Students learn that the mission of the Church is to bring about the Kingdom/Reign of God. They learn about the Jewish feast of Shavuot (Pentecost). Students also learn about the emergence of the Christian Church in Acts of the Apostles 2:1-13. They learn that the sacramental life of the Church nourishes the faith journey of its community. They will learn about the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit and how these can be animated in the life of people.

English

Reading & Viewing  

In Reading, students will continue exploring Laughter is the Best Ending by Maryam Master. We continue to work on developing the comprehension skills needed to understand and respond to a variety of texts. This term, there will be a particular focus on comprehending both written and audio-visual texts, with students learning to identify key ideas, locate supporting evidence, and make literal and inferential interpretations. They will also continue to build their vocabulary by using context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words, strengthening their overall comprehension and confidence as readers.  

Writing 

Students will be focusing on information report writing and poetry composition this term. They will explore a range of information texts, learning about their purpose, structure, and the way factual information is organised for clarity. Students will investigate features such as topic sentences, technical vocabulary and formal tone to strengthen their own reports. 

Alongside this, students will engage with a variety of poetic forms, experimenting with imagery, alliteration, simile and metaphor and rhythm to craft expressive and meaningful poems. Throughout the term, students will continue to develop positive writing habits, including writing legibly and sustaining writing for longer periods as they plan, draft and refine their work. 

Mathematics  

This term in Mathematics, we will focus on multiplication and division and the steps involved to solve problems using these processes. We will focus on designing and solving equations that involve a sequence of steps during the process. Students will look at the relationships of angles on a straight line and opposite angles. We will focus on creating and recognising geometric patterns and tessellations. Students will also organise and complete chance experiments and then draw appropriate conclusions.

Science 

This term in Science, students will be exploring how electrical energy moves through circuits and how different components affect the way a circuit works. They will investigate conductors and insulators, build and test real and virtual circuits, learn how switches control the flow of electricity, and examine how electrical energy is transformed into light, heat and sound. Students will also learn about electrical safety in the home and apply their understanding by designing and constructing their own working circuit in a hands‑on project. This unit builds curiosity, problem‑solving and scientific thinking as students explore the role electricity plays in everyday life. 

Humanities

Civics & Citizenship 

In Humanities in Term 3, our focus will be on Civics and Citizenship. Students will learn about Australia's democratic system, including the three levels of government, elections, and how laws are made and enforced. They will also investigate current civics and citizenship issues and explore how democratic values and processes help shape Australian society. As part of this unit, students will visit the Parliament of Victoria for a guided tour, providing a valuable real-world connection to their learning.

Capabilities

Personal & Social /  Ethical 

Students are learning to explain the meaning and ethical significance of a range of ethical concepts in different contexts. They will explain influences on ethical perspectives and connections between various influences. Students will identify and describe an ethical issue and explain the ethical perspectives involved. They will identify and describe a range of actions in response to an ethical issue and describe the consequences, with reference to ethical concepts.

School Wide Expectations 

As a Year Six cohort, we meet regularly for prayer, level news and updates. This will continue to support students to articulate issues which they can problem solve as a level.

We will continue to develop student leadership skills this term through using their initiative to take on roles and responsibilities in the classroom and the wider school community.

We will continue to be placing a particular emphasis on our school wide expectations: Respect, Responsibility and Safety. We will continue to use the Children’s Mental Health Continuum as a tool of their mental health and wellbeing. As a cohort, we are identifying strategies to help build a culture of resilience in ourselves and others. We will continue to promote these expectations through explicit teaching of Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships resource and class meetings.

Reminders

Home Learning 

Students have been given a diary to help them organise themselves and are expected to log their reading in it each week (at least 3-5 times a week). Please make sure they are spending 20-30 minutes a night (where possible) reading a book, either independently or out loud. Student diaries will be checked weekly by the teachers as well as emphasising this at our cohort meetings. You are also welcome to use the diary as a way of communicating with your child’s teacher.

Uniform

Winter Uniform Season

During Term Three, students are required to wear their winter school uniform. Students are also required to bring a named drink bottle to school each day. Bottles can be refilled as needed during the day.

A reminder that children are expected to wear appropriate uniform to school each day —either full winter or sports uniform on designated sports days (Please see your classroom timetable). If your child is not in their correct uniform, please write a note for your teacher to explain the reason. If your child’s hair is longer than their shoulders, we ask that their hair is tied back for hygiene purposes. We also ask that students do not wear jewellery, or nail polish as stated in the school’s uniform policy. St Agatha’s school policy allows for NO make-up at school.

General Reminder

Please make sure students wear deodorant / sunscreen daily and also bring a roll of deodorant / sunscreen to school to keep in their bag for applying after recess/lunch times, sports or just to freshen up.

Any mobile devices must be handed in at the office before school starts. This includes watches with data and mobile phones. They can be picked up at the end of the day.

Incursions / Excursions  

This term students will be participating in a number of exciting incursions/excursions that will immerse them in the curriculum explored in class. We ask that parents are vigilant on PAM for permissions so that your child can be a part of these learning opportunities.

Important Dates

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher via email. We are here to help! 

Ashley Beley abeley@stacbourne.catholic.edu.au

Damian Mitchell dmitchell@stcbourne.catholic.edu.au

Georgegina Nettleingham gnettleingham@stacbourne.catholic.edu.au