Reading

In Reading, Year 6 students have been making letters to the main character of the novel ‘Auggie’ from Wonder. They gave suggestions, and advice on how to best handle the pressure of attending a first day at a new school. The detail our Year 6 students put into their work consisted of sensory detail, descriptive language and figurative detail. During library sessions, Year 6 students were able to make connections and explore themes between Wonder and similar novels that they borrowed.

“I think there are a lot of important lessons in ‘Wonder’ and how not to act when / if we see someone who looks different” - Ivy 6A

“Mr Browne is an inspirational English teacher at Auggie’s high school with strong morals” - Maya 6B

“Taking notes when we read is helping me remember what has happened in ‘Wonder’” - Taylor 6C

“I like how it describes all of the characters” Hammad 6D

“I liked connecting the text to my own life” Carter 6D“We have almost finished the ‘Wonder’ book, We have really enjoyed learning about Auggie” - Jasleen 6E

Writing

In Writing, Year 6 students have been developing their skills in crafting descriptive narratives. They investigated how authors use vivid language, sensory detail and figurative devices to paint clear and engaging pictures for the reader. Students examined key features of descriptive writing, such as, strong openings, detailed settings, character descriptions and mood and used these to guide their own planning and drafting.

They also experimented with powerful verbs and precise vocabulary to strengthen their sentences. Students created descriptive snapshots inspired by real-life moments, before revising, editing and publishing their final pieces.

“I have enjoyed being able to have time to reflect on my writing”- Rimas 6A

“It has been important to remember the things I’ve enjoyed at CPS in the last 2 years” - Akman 6B

“It’s sad to think that primary school is over but nice that I get to thank the people that have helped me through my journey”- Georgia 6C

“I liked writing about my memories” Madi 6D

“ It was fun to reflect on our school years” - Jorja 6E

Maths

In Maths, Year 6 students have been furthering their knowledge and understanding of fractions, improper fractions and mixed number fractions. Students will now continue to link their understanding of fractions, percentages and decimals to the concept of chance. Through their number knowledge, they will predict outcomes with numerical values and test their predictions to check for the outcomes and represent them as a decimal, fraction and percentage.

“When I first tried it was hard, but after learning the process to convert fractions it become much easier” - Alexis

“It was fun learning about fractions and how to add and multiply them” - Grace 6A

“I found converting improper fractions to mixed fractions easy when it was explained to me - Sila 6B

“Understanding what the denominator and numerator tell us about the fraction makes converting them easier”- Divjot 6C

“I like fractions” Onel 6D

Inquiry

Over the past two weeks, our Year 6 students have been exploring laws and civic responsibility in Australia. We began by looking at the different agencies and institutions responsible for enforcing laws and why following these laws is part of our duty as citizens. Students also discussed what Australia might look like without a legal system and shared thoughtful ideas about how laws help keep communities safe and fair.

The following week, we shifted our focus to the United Nations as we prepare for our end-of-year Model United Nations project. Students learned about the purpose of the UN, why it was established and how different bodies such as the General Assembly, Security Council, UNICEF and the International Court of Justice work together. They researched child activists who are upholding UN values and creating change around issues like climate action and children’s rights. This led into our learning about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, where students explored the idea that children have inalienable rights and that both Australia and the UN have laws to protect these rights, including the right to an education.

“It was interesting learning about all the different rights that children and humans have” - Layla 6A

“It was cool learning about a democracy” - George 6B

“We are lucky that in Australia we have laws that protect us”- Jai 6C

“I have enjoyed learning about voting and different laws” Balkeerat 6D

“ We learnt about the rights of the child and why it is important. I learnt a lot and making the posters was fun” - Jagman 6E

Social and Emotional Learning

In SEL, Year 6 have been learning about the different types of harassment and how they can appear in everyday situations.

Students explored physical, verbal, social, and cyber harassment, discussing what each one looks and feels like.

We focused on recognising unsafe behaviours and understanding the impact they can have on others.

Students practised ways to respond safely and seek help from trusted adults.

Our goal is to build awareness, confidence, and a kinder, more respectful school community.

Transition Day – Tuesday 9th December

This is a day when all Victorian state school students visit their new secondary school to begin the transition process for next year. Students are expected to make their own way to their secondary school; they do not come to Craigieburn Primary School. Secondary schools would have communicated with families about this day.

“I’m excited to go to my high school, to see what it's like and to make some new friends” - Arisha

“I was very nervous when I got to secondary school, but then I made some friends and I really liked it there” - Grace 6A

“I feel both excited and a little bit nervous for high school transition day” - Havana 6B

“I am excited and nervous for the transition day”-Anish 6C

“ I like learning about voting and understanding laws” Balkeerat 6D

“ We have been learning how our graduation will be done” Layth 6E

Auslan

In Auslan, Year 6 students spent the past two weeks deepening their understanding of HOLM: Handshape, Orientation, Location and Movement, along with NMF (Non-Manual Features such as facial expressions and body language). They practised using a range of handshapes including point, hook, ball, spread and good, and applied them in simple conversations and activities.

We were also very fortunate to have a visit from Auslan Education Services. Naomi, who has appeared in many of our Auslan videos, joined us with an interpreter to share her experiences and speak with students about her journey learning Auslan. She guided them through activities, answered questions and helped strengthen their understanding of how Auslan is used in everyday communication.

“It was nice seeing Naomi in person and seeing how fast she could sign the alphabet” - Arisha 6A

“I can’t believe how quickly Naomi can sign the alphabet” - Levi 6B

“I really enjoyed getting to meet Niaomi and understand why it is important for us to learn Auslan”- Cooper 6C

“ I like learning about different signs” Alisha 6D

“ Handshapes are important in Auslan because it tells the other person what the word is because some signs have similar movements” - Jorja 6E

Special Event

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is a significant day for all of us, as we take the time to honour and remember those who fought in World War I and all who have served in wars and conflicts since. Each year, on the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause for one minute of silence to show our respect and gratitude.

Last week, students have been learning about the importance of Remembrance Day and sharing their prior knowledge about its symbols and traditions; including the significance of poppies, the meaning of the minute’s silence, and the bravery of the soldiers and ANZACs.

To commemorate the day, students participated in a minute silence as part of a school assembly run by our wonderful JSC leaders.

“I got to speak in front of assembly for Remembrance Day. It is when we remember the soldiers who went to war” - Annie 6E

Year 6 - End of Year Events

The Year 6 students are excited as we focus on graduation and our end of year events. We are all really looking forward to celebrating this milestone with our students and families. Some important reminders are:

Graduation Ceremony – Thursday 11th DecemberTo celebrate the end of your child’s primary school education, a graduation ceremony will take place on Thursday 11th December. Parents/guests are invited to attend an official graduation ceremony in the school gym from 6.30pm (please be seated by 6:15pm). Doors will open at 6:00pm to allow guests to check in and be seated. Year 6 graduates must enter the multi-purpose room at 5:45pm to meet their teacher. Entry to the Graduation Ceremony can be purchased through the trybooking link on compass. Graduating students need to be dressed in their full school uniform.

Fun fields – Thursday 18th DecemberTo celebrate the completion of Primary School, Year 6 students will have an excursion to Funfields in Whittlesea on Thursday, 18th December. Funfields is a fun park located at Whittlesea with water slides and activities suitable for all ages. The children will view and discuss a Funfields Safety Video before attending. The cost for the excursion is $65, which will cover the bus and entry to Funfields. Please see the compass post for a list of Items that students can bring to this excursion.Graduation BearsYear 6 students had the opportunity to purchase a graduation signature bear to congratulate them on completing their Primary Schooling. Graduation bears will be signed in the last week of school, and the students will have an assigned time and day for this to occur. If you were unable to purchase you can provide your own for your child to use on the day. Please speak to your child’s classroom teacher if you have any questions about our end of year events. We are all very excited for our students and celebrating this milestone with them.

“Im really excited for graduation and moving up into secondary school” - Layla 6A

“I’m excited to go to funfields with my friends” - Arisah 6A

“I look forward to spending my last week at CPS with my friends and 6B this week. I will miss my class To commemorate the day, students participated in a minute silence as part of a school assembly run by our wonderful JSC leaders.

“I got to speak in front of assembly for Remembrance Day. It is when we remember the soldiers who went to war” - Annie 6E

Year 6 - End of Year Events

The Year 6 students are excited as we focus on graduation and our end of year events. We are all really looking forward to celebrating this milestone with our students and families. Some important reminders are:

Graduation Ceremony – Thursday 11th DecemberTo celebrate the end of your child’s primary school education, a graduation ceremony will take place on Thursday 11th December. Parents/guests are invited to attend an official graduation ceremony in the school gym from 6.30pm (please be seated by 6:15pm). Doors will open at 6:00pm to allow guests to check in and be seated. Year 6 graduates must enter the multi-purpose room at 5:45pm to meet their teacher. Entry to the Graduation Ceremony can be purchased through the trybooking link on compass. Graduating students need to be dressed in their full school uniform.

Fun fields – Thursday 18th DecemberTo celebrate the completion of Primary School, Year 6 students will have an excursion to Funfields in Whittlesea on Thursday, 18th December. Funfields is a fun park located at Whittlesea with water slides and activities suitable for all ages. The children will view and discuss a Funfields Safety Video before attending. The cost for the excursion is $65, which will cover the bus and entry to Funfields. Please see the compass post for a list of Items that students can bring to this excursion.

Graduation Bears

Year 6 students had the opportunity to purchase a graduation signature bear to congratulate them on completing their Primary Schooling. Graduation bears will be signed in the last week of school, and the students will have an assigned time and day for this to occur. If you were unable to purchase you can provide your own for your child to use on the day. Please speak to your child’s classroom teacher if you have any questions about our end of year events. We are all very excited for our students and celebrating this milestone with them.

“Im really excited for graduation and moving up into secondary school” - Layla 6A

“I’m excited to go to funfields with my friends” - Arisah 6A

“I look forward to spending my last week at CPS with my friends and 6B this week. I will miss my class and remember my time here.” - Prabhjeet 6B

“I can’t wait for graduation and to get to perform out graduation dance”- Abby B 6C

“I am really excited about graduation but sad to be leaving CPS” Bonnie 6D

Important Dates