Year 5/6 Team News

Hello Year 5/6 families, 

Literacy

It was great to see our Willy Kids dressed up and celebrating Literacy at the end of Book Week. Many thanks from all of us to Caitlin and Georgia for all of their hard work preparing numerous Book Week events and activities for the school to enjoy.

This week 5/6s  have been working towards publishing a piece based upon Shaun Tan’s wordless picture book, The Arrival. This book explores the themes with which we engaged during our poetry unit: refugees, migration and belonging. Students had a menu of writing activities from which to choose: from writing prequels to drafting letters, penning poetry to comparing texts through essay writing. They have chosen one of these pieces to revise, edit and publish. This might be something that your child will choose to share with you at our open afternoon in Week 9.

Numeracy

On the back of our unit on fractions, we have been studying decimals and percentages. In particular, students have explored the concept of percentage discounts and have undertaken some “shopping” through a maths project. Through this assignment they will have rehearsed important life skills such as exploring “best buys” and working to a budget. Next week we will be applying our knowledge of fractions, decimals and percentages to a unit on probability.

Inquiry

Students have wrapped up their research to answer their questions based upon the big idea: “What’s the difference between here and there?” Next week, students will begin putting together their presentations. At the end of the term, they will be delivering a presentation to the class on their topic.

Respectful Relationships

This term we are learning about gender and identity. The sub-topics that we will be exploring are:

• Born or made? Thinking about gender
• From words to actions
• Gender norms in early adolescence
• Facts about gender and opportunity
• Growing awareness about human rights

Your child may come home with questions regarding this content. We encourage open and honest conversation.

A shout out to all families who participated in the Wear It Purple Day to show support for our rainbow families and young people.

iPads

Many students have been bringing their iPads to school with little or no charge. It is an expectation that all students charge their iPads overnight in anticipation of the following school day. Please ensure that your child has a reliable routine around the charging of their iPad. 

Reminders:

• Please continue to monitor Compass for alerts and updates,
• If you think you might like to volunteer on excursions and events this year, please ensure that you have arranged a valid Working With Children Check and complete the school’s online induction module
• Please ensure your child brings a charged iPad to school each day

Warm regards,

The Grade 5/6 Team - Laura Bartholomeusz (5/6B), Christina Crosland (5/6C), Emil de Vries (5/6D), Bianca Italiano & Molly Hedditch (5/6I), Kayleen Dumic & Steven Puhar (5/6K) & Melati Cordell (5/6M)