From the 5/6 Classrooms
A Strong Start to 2026 in Grade 5/6
The 2026 school year has begun with a purposeful and engaging Start-Up Program for our Grade 5/6 students. Over the first weeks of Term 1, students have been focused on building strong relationships, developing shared expectations, and deepening their understanding of themselves, others and the world around them.
Acknowledgement of Country and Care for Country
Students began the year by learning about the importance of an Acknowledgement of Country and why it matters. They explored whose land our school is on, the natural features of our local area, and the role of Elders in caring for Country. Through stories, videos and discussion, students learned about the Six Layers of Wurundjeri Country and created their own meaningful acknowledgements.
This learning was extended through an exploration of the Eastern Kulin Seasonal Calendar, with a focus on the Term 1 seasons of Biderap and Iuk. Students linked their own lives to the seasons by creating birthday displays connected to the calendar and discussing our shared responsibility to Care for Country. As a family, you might like to explore what season each family member's birthday falls in.
Wellbeing and Emotional Literacy
As part of our commitment to student wellbeing, Grade 5/6 students revisited the Zones of Regulation. Through games, role play and class discussions, students built their emotional vocabulary, practised recognising facial expressions, and learned strategies to better understand their own feelings and those of others. These shared tools will continue to support emotional regulation and positive relationships throughout the year.
Respectful Relationships and Help-Seeking
Students explored what it means to seek help and why trust and courage are important when we need support. Through guided discussions, they learned to identify which problems they can manage independently, which ones may require peer support, and when it’s important to ask an adult for help.
Digital Safety and Responsible Technology Use
E-safety has also been a key focus. Students discussed positive and negative online experiences and learned about our Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement. They explored how to make safe, respectful choices online and were encouraged to review and sign the agreement at home with their families.
Rights, Responsibilities and Classroom Expectations
Students worked collaboratively to understand their rights at school - the right to learn, feel safe and be treated with respect - and the responsibilities that come with them. Through role-plays and group activities, they helped create classroom rules and behaviour expectations that support a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Living Our School Values
Our school values were unpacked through discussion, reflection and creative tasks. Students created posters showing what our values look like in action at school, at home and in the playground. A strong emphasis was placed on Care, particularly caring for Country through sustainability and waste reduction.
Learning Assets and Being a ‘Good Learner’
Finally, students explored our Learning Assets — such as being researchers, thinkers, communicators and self-managers. Through hands-on challenges, collaborative tasks and reflection, students identified their strengths and set goals for how they can continue to grow as learners in 2026.
It has been a positive and purposeful start to the year, with students showing great engagement, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm. We look forward to building on this strong foundation as learning continues throughout Term 1.
