Class 5 Steiner 

Main Lesson 

We are concluding the term with a final exploration of Ancient Greece. After spending time immersed in Greek myths and legends, we have now shifted our focus to key historical events and figures. Students have been learning about the Persian Wars, examining how these battles shaped the Greek world, and exploring significant thinkers from the Golden Age of Athens, including Socrates. Next, we will move on to the life and influence of Alexander the Great.

Our writing focus has been on direct speech. The children practised identifying where quotation marks, commas, and capital letters should be placed by editing short excerpts of imagined conversations between Athenians and Spartans. This has helped to consolidate their understanding of correct punctuation in direct speech in readiness for their narrative writing next week.

For the past three weeks, we have been fortunate to have Frank Stanley visiting weekly to prepare the class for the Greek Olympic events. He brings years of invaluable experience running Class Five Greek Olympics in Victoria, and his enthusiasm has greatly enriched our preparations for the big day.

We also extend a warm thank you to Amelie, who generously came in with her daughter to make their olive-leaf crowns to be presented on the day. Thank you as well to Theo’s and Millie’s families for donating the foliage.

I look forward to sharing some photos of the day with you in the next newsletter.

Mathematics 

In Mathematics, students have been investigating data and data representation. They have explored different types of data - categorical and numerical - and discussed how data can be organised and displayed to communicate information clearly, as well as how it can sometimes be deliberately represented in misleading ways.

Students have analysed data displays to identify patterns and trends, using mathematical language to justify their interpretations and comparing representations to determine which is the most appropriate for a given data set.

We have also been completing our end-of-year assessments, giving students a chance to demonstrate their learning and growth across the year.

Literacy 

Our Literature Circles have continued, though at a slower pace recently as we have made time for assessments and leadership preparation. Students have been engaging thoughtfully with their novels, discussing characters, themes, and author decisions while practising their assigned Literature Circle roles.

This fortnight, students have also been working on their Grade Six leadership application letters. They have been reflecting on their personal strengths and the qualities required for various leadership roles before drafting letters that present themselves as capable candidates.

Through this process, they have been working on: 

• structuring a formal letter using correct conventions 

• selecting vocabulary and tone appropriate to a formal audience 

• using persuasive language to communicate their suitability 

• revising and editing for clarity and impact

Their letters reflect a great deal of thought, maturity, and growing confidence in their written communication.