F/1:

Science

Over the past few weeks, we have been thoroughly enjoying our Science topic, Features of Plants and Animals. Students have been highly engaged as we explored the different parts of plants and learnt about the unique features of a variety of animals. One of our favourite learning experiences was conducting a celery experiment, where we observed how water travels through a plant. Students carefully recorded their observations and loved watching the changes occur over time. It has been wonderful to see everyone’s curiosity, enthusiasm, and growing scientific thinking throughout this exciting topic!

Inquiry

We have also been having lots of fun exploring our Inquiry topic, Where We Live. Students have been learning how to gather data through their senses by participating in a nature scavenger hunt, where they used sight, sound, touch, and smell to observe the world around them. We have also enjoyed sharing our special places and discussing why they are important to us, helping us learn more about one another and build connections within our classroom community. Soon, we will begin exploring maps and learning more about how they help us understand the places around us. It has been such an engaging topic, and we have loved learning alongside one another and discovering new things together!

1/2:

Science

Our learners have been immersing themselves in the vocabulary of our unit, building confidence with key words related to plants and animals. Through hands-on activities such as matching words to images and completing word finds, students are becoming more familiar with the language they will use throughout their learning. This strong foundation is supporting them to communicate their ideas clearly and take part in discussions with growing confidence.

Students have also been exploring the important role of trees and what they provide for people and animals. Through careful observation, discussions, and brainstorming, they have been identifying habitats, the animals that live in these environments, and why these spaces meet their needs. Alongside this, learners are investigating what plants need to survive by measuring seedlings, making predictions about growth in different conditions, and recording their findings. These experiences are helping students develop their observation skills, curiosity, and understanding of the natural world.

Inquiry

Our learners have been developing the powerful habit of Questioning and Posing Problems. Students have been practising how to ask thoughtful questions about characters in stories, helping them better understand actions, feelings, and motivations. They are also learning to ask interesting thinking questions that spark curiosity and discussion, while building confidence in answering these questions with clear ideas and evidence.

At the same time, students have been exploring Gathering Data Through All Senses. Through guided meditation and mindful observation, they are learning to focus on what they can see, hear, and feel, and to use this detail to describe places more vividly. These experiences are supporting students to become more reflective, observant, and expressive learners.

3/4:

Do it for Dolly Students had a wonderful day celebrating all things blue to raise awareness and funds for the Dolly's Dream Foundation. Students enjoyed dressing in blue, having their faces painted, nails polished and hair sprayed, while also making the most of the fun photo booth.

English

We are continuing to write our factual recounts in English. Students have been busy planning and writing their body paragraphs. We have also been practising our typing skills, completing assessments, and further developing our understanding of how to expand sentences using adverbial phrases of time. The focus has been incredible.

Science

We have just started our new unit on gases. We have been learning about the properties of gases and how they move easily to fill the space available to them. Today, we watched as bicarbonate soda and vinegar mixed together to create a gas, which filled the bottle and inflated the balloon.

5/6:

English

students have begun work developing their third body paragraph, where they are learning about what life was like for First Nations Australians after the 1967 referendum. Through class discussions and source analysis, students are exploring how experiences differed, including the hopes for change as well as the ongoing challenges faced by many communities. This has helped students deepen their understanding that, while the referendum was an important step forward, equality and opportunity have continued to develop over time and there is still more work to be done.

This week we have continued our learning about the Earth, Sun and Moon and how they work together in our solar system. So far, we have really enjoyed exploring how the Earth rotates to create day and night. We have also been investigating how the position of the Sun affects shadows and how the Earth’s movement around the Sun creates seasons. Students have enjoyed playing interactive games, observing models, and discussions to deepen their understanding of these important scientific concepts.

Religion

we have been busily learning about the Resurrection of Jesus and what it means for us. They have explored key Gospel stories, including Mary Magdalene at the tomb (John 20), the Emmaus disciples (Luke 24), and Jesus’ appearance to the disciples (John 21).

Students are currently working on a Canva assessment task, where they are explaining how different followers experienced the risen Jesus and how these encounters changed their faith and actions. Through this task, students are developing their understanding of important ideas such as faith, hope, and being witnesses to Jesus’ message.

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It takes a village and we'd love to be a part of yours.

Mini Joey's Play Group Sessions: Weekly- Thursdays.

Next Little Joey's Session: 11/06/2026 - 2:20PM

Rochester Secondary College - Transition Plan