Introduction

On September 11 at the clocktower, all 5/6 students worked hard and achieved their one goal: the production. This year's production theme was "Fractured Fairytales," and we have been writing about them in literacy. While practicing for the production, the 5/6s have also been learning about angles and time in maths, working on a time project.

Literacy

This term, all the 5/6s have been working hard on a variety of writing tasks. Our main focus has been on crafting original fairy tales, where students reimagined classic stories with their own creative twists. As part of this process, students learned about the key elements of storytelling, such as character development, setting, plot, and moral lessons, which they incorporated into their own fractured fairy tales.

Additionally, students created author profiles, giving them a chance to reflect on their personal writing styles and inspirations. These profiles allowed them to see themselves as real authors, connecting their personal experiences with the stories they wrote. To complement this, they also designed front covers for their stories, focusing on visual elements that would capture a reader's attention. This design process encouraged students to think critically about how visuals can represent the themes and tone of their stories.

Numeracy

In numeracy this term, the 5/6s have been learning all about angles: acute, right, obtuse, straight, full revolution, supplementary, complementary, explementary, corresponding, co-interior, vertically opposite, and alternate angles. It has been a busy term! This knowledge has contributed to the greater good of our future generation.

Here are some reviews from the students:

Scott C - “I like how everything is organised. I loved learning about angles because we got to do work that really helped my understanding of them.”

Milena T - “I liked learning because angles are cool and apply to everyday life, allowing me to use them in my daily activities.”

Daisy J - “I liked learning about angles because it was fun, and there were a lot of ways to learn.”

Inquiry Production

This term, all of the 5/6 students worked very hard on their roles in the production. The theme of the production was "Fractured Fairytales." The stories were Jill and the Beanstalk, Rudy and the Prince, Little Bad and Red, Elves and the Shoemaker, and Hansel and Gretel. Amanda’s class did Jill and the Beanstalk and the Segway characters. Bree’s class did Hansel and Gretel. Jerry’s class had Elves and the Shoemaker. Jen’s class did Little Bad and Red. Phoebe’s class had Rudy and the Prince. In the production, everyone had a role or a dance. Even some of the teachers, like Gerry, Bree, and Phoebe, had roles in the production. The whole school came to watch the production, and at night the parents came to see it. Everyone did such a great job. Wendy, the producer, worked so hard with the 5/6s on the dances, songs, and play.

Community Sports

This term, the 5/6 students have been collaborating with the SRC to create new outdoor expectations. After collecting feedback from the 5/6 cohort, the SRC found that over 50% of students felt unwelcome or excluded from lunchtime games and activities. To address this, the 5/6s set out to create new expectations for lunchtime games. To practice these expectations, students had the option to play common games (soccer, downball, volleyball, basketball, and netball) under the supervision of teachers to ensure their rules and expectations were followed.

5/6 Outside Expectations:

These expectations aim to create a positive, safe, and inclusive environment for all students. Here's why:

Respectful Communication: Encouraging students to use kind and respectful language helps build a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and included. Respectful communication also reduces the likelihood of conflicts and promotes understanding among peers.
Safe Play and Contact: Prioritising safety during physical activities is essential to prevent injuries and ensure that everyone can participate without fear of getting hurt. This expectation encourages students to be mindful of their actions and the well-being of others.
Adherence to Rules: Following the rules of games ensures fair play and helps avoid misunderstandings and disputes. Rules provide a clear structure, making activities more enjoyable and equitable for everyone involved.
Sportsmanship and Competitive play: Encouraging students to improve their skills and engage in healthy competition fosters personal growth and teamwork. However, this expectation also emphasises the importance of good sportsmanship, which helps maintain respect and inclusion for all participants, regardless of their ability and skills.
Inclusion of All: Ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate promotes a sense of belonging and prevents exclusion. This expectation helps create a more cohesive community where everyone can enjoy the benefits of social interaction and physical activity.

Essendon Cricket Club