Year 5 & 6

With the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in full swing, our Year 5 and 6 students are on an exciting adventure, learning about Brazil, the USA, and Greece. They are discovering the wonderful cultures, geographical landmarks and histories of these countries.

Students in 5/6A are looking at the USA, a country known for its big influence in the Olympics. They are excited to learn about landmarks, their four chosen states and the history of the US flag. In 5/6B’s study of Brazil, students have been fascinated by the lively music, beautiful rainforests, and famous sports people. They are also exploring Brazil’s amazing animals and the importance of protecting the environment.  5/6C are having a wonderful time learning about Greece; the country where the Olympics began. They have been exploring ancient and modern Greece, learning about the Greek culture and the influence the country had with the Olympics.

Throughout this journey, our students are not only learning about their chosen country, but they have also developed a deeper appreciation for the athletes and nations coming together in Paris, united in their pursuit of greatness and global harmony.

Our students are also brimming with excitement for our YRPS Olympic Games Day this Friday! They're eagerly looking forward to participating in all the fun, and viewing other classroom’s country of focus in the afternoon.

Please take a moment to read through our students' reflections.

We are learning about the USA. I have learned that Alaska is the biggest state. I also learned that the population of the USA is 330 million people. The Olympics means having fun and athletics competing against other countries. 

- Chloe B 5/6A

My classroom is learning about the country USA (United States America). I have learnt their traditional food is burgers, their national bird is a Bald Eagle, and that their national flower is a classic rose. Something else I have learnt is that they have 50 states, and New york is actually a state not a city. The Olympics have been my joy, learning and watching people from many different countries play, and cry happy tears once they finish, it is amazing. Cheering at home for my country has been terrific. My favourite sport in the olympics to watch is for sure basketball. I play basketball and to see people at that level enjoy every moment on that court is just very inspiring. 

- Liah B 5/6A

The Olympics means to me how much the athletes work hard and how much their mind is dedicated to the sport they love. They always have to try their best to get the rewards they want. Sometimes Athletes don't get a medal but they should still feel proud of themselves for making the Olympics. They can also watch their team mates. 

- Oscar 5/6A

My class’ country is Brazil and I have learnt that there is a really big rainforest there. They also have a lot of different kinds of foods, but the ones you would know are pizza and sushi. To me, the Olympics means to have fun and enjoy what you are doing. It doesn't matter if you don't win, but if you keep on trying then you can get better at it and then you can keep doing it with no problem. Just follow your dreams, and don't give up. Just keep on trying. 

- Addy I 5/6B

I have learned that Brazil's population in 2024 is 217,637,297. Their national motto is Ordem E Progresso which means Order and Progress. During the Brazil Carnival, visitors can expect large amounts of traditional songs, dances, parades, masks, dance competitions, as well as large street parties. To me, the Olympics is an event where everyone has a chance to try and do their best and compete. 

- Caitlin V 5/6B

For the Olympics this year, we are focusing on Brazil. I like doing it, but it wasn't my first preference. Here are some facts about Brazil: their favourite sport is soccer. Over the past years, they have won quite a few medals, not necessarily gold, but medals in general. I saw Brazil play Poland in men's volleyball, and they won by a single set. What do the Olympics mean to me? It means a sense of happiness for Australians to bring back medals for our country. I think I would like to be in the Olympics if I could when I get older and reach the age minimum. If I were to compete in the Olympics, I would probably choose volleyball. Personally, I have a special feeling for volleyball when I play it. I don't know why I get that special feeling; I just do.

- Hunter W 5/6B

My class is studying Brazil. We have been doing colouring sheets and little paper decorations, it's really cool and we're going to hang it in our classroom. The Olympics gave me a personal goal because I have always wanted to compete for my country; it's a dream. Also, watching my country compete is so cool.

- Kaden D 5/6B

I learnt that the Olympics first started in Greece and Giannis carries the Greece basketball team.  Mount Olympus is in Greece. The Olympics to me isn't just playing the sport; you're representing your country and the people that picked you to represent your country know that. You are chosen because you are a great athlete and have a great personality. 

- Oliver D 5/6C

I have learnt that Greece's national animal is a dolphin and that the olive branch means strength and courage. Greece has a lot of Olympic athletes. The zorba is a Greek traditional dance and my class is performing the dance on Friday. The Olympics is a chance for countries to come together and it makes a bond between the countries. If another country loses they congratulate their opponents. The Olympics for me is also about how hard everyone trains to get in the Olympics.

- Oliver O 5/6C

My class is Greece, and over the past few weeks I have learnt a lot about Greece and the Olympics. Greece was the very first country to host the Olympics in honour of Zeus. A month before the Olympics the war would be put on hold so that people could travel to Olympia in safety.

To me the Olympics are two of the best weeks of the year! 

- Zoe R 5/6C

Our class is learning about the country Greece. I learnt so many things during the research we did. Mostly I learnt about the tradition of Martis because I did a whole information report on it. The Martis tradition is done every year on the 1st of March in Greece and all you do is make a bracelet, regarding your age and wear it for the whole day. The reason they do this is to protect them from the first sunshine of the spring and the evil eye. That was only one thing, there was so much more I learnt like, the zorba, a traditional dance, their gods (Zues, Athena, Hermes) and things about their flag and sports. I actually really enjoyed doing this and I hope Greece does well in the Olympics. 

- Sofia S 5/6C

Celebrating our Students

Students are nominated by their teachers to receive a certificate of acknowledgment. The below student's certificates will be presented at our next assembly. 

56A - Mrs Freene 

Maisyn T

For being a great leader and organising the Olympic speech. 

56B - Mr Hanley

Kai H

For being such a helpful student to his teacher and classmates!

Sophie K

For being such a productive and focused student, setting an excellent example to everyone.

56C - Mrs Haysom

Alice S

For her representation of Greece on her medal.

Imogen A

For her fabulous drawing of Santorini.