From the Classroom
News from The Seniors
In English, students have been developing their writing skills, focusing on crafting detailed and complex sentences, using engaging dialogue, and building strong character descriptions. This week, they will begin writing their own short narratives about a student who is ‘different,’ drawing inspiration from Wonder. We can’t wait to see their creative ideas take shape!
In Maths, we have been exploring key concepts related to measurement and money. Our focus on measurement over this coming fortnight will be on volume—calculating and using formulas to solve problems. Students have also been working on solving real-world problems, applying their understanding of number operations, and reasoning mathematically in different contexts.
In Science, we have been exploring solids, liquids, and gases, investigating how different materials behave and change under various conditions. Through hands-on experiments, students have observed how some substances don’t fit neatly into one state of matter and how changes like heating, cooling, and applying force can alter their properties.
In weeks 7 and 8, our year 5 students will be participating in NAPLAN. Please take note of the dates for the tests listed below;
Wednesday 12 March - Writing
Thursday 13 March - Reading
Monday 17 March - Language and Conventions
Tuesday 18 March - Numeracy
Finally, students have been training hard for Gala Day on Friday, 14th March! They have been developing their teamwork, skills, and game strategies in preparation for the big day. Please see Compass for further details around venues and to ensure permission has been given.
Middle School News
In Literacy, we are continuing to read Fantastic Mr Fox. We are answering comprehension questions, delving into sentence vocabulary and structure in the book and exploring how Roald Dahl writes interesting characters. In our other English lessons, we have been investigating how to write good narratives. We have been reviewing the components of storytelling; including sizzling starts, a series of events leading up to a complication and a satisfying resolution to complete the story.
In Numeracy, we are continuing to review addition and subtraction as well as deconstructing word problems and changing them into numerical problems. Middle A will begin a new unit on Multiplication and Division, by reviewing arrays, number sentences and word problems and using different concrete materials to help solve the problems.
In Science, students have been participating in lessons on climates around the world. They have been studying clouds, reviewing maps and looking at temperatures around the world.
In weeks 7 and 8, our year 3 students will be participating in NAPLAN. Please take note of the dates for the tests listed below;
Wednesday 12 March - Writing
Thursday 13 March - Reading
Monday 17 March - Language and Conventions
Tuesday 18 March - Numeracy
Juniors Tell All
Junior A have been loving learning how to read words with Blendy Bee! Blendy Bee helps them with their sounds and enjoys teaching them how to blend their sounds together. We have become experts at figuring out what letter he wants to teach us with the items that he has in his bucket that give us clues. So far we have learnt s, p, n, i, t and a. We have even learnt to read our first words! Everyone loves Blendy Bee and we get lots of laughs in our literacy sessions.
This week in Science Junior A discovered the magic of shadows and how they move. We got outside and traced our friends shadows, then we all went back out an hour later to see if they had moved. We discovered how they move and why! Junior B have been investigating what makes a Scientist, and even did a Chemistry experiment, looking at what happens when we mix an acid and a base, creating our own 'Fizzy Soda'.
Junior B have enjoyed exploring numbers through hands-on activities and games, making learning both exciting and engaging. They've had lots of fun skip counting with songs and challenges, building confidence with numbers in creative ways!
We have also been loving our discovery learning program. This week we introduced a shape activity and an alphabet activity that reflect what we are learning in English and Maths.
Performing Arts
What a fantastic fortnight in Performing Arts! It has been wonderful to see everyone continuing to bring their personal best to every lesson. All classes have been playing different drama games that focus on building teamwork, confidence and creativity.
The Juniors have continued to explore different characters, and have learned Mime as a form of acting. Our Middle school has begun investigating play writing, and have started their group project, creating a play entitled 'The Lost Treasure'. The Senior's are continuing to write their plays and will begin rehearsals over the next fortnight - I look forward to seeing them develop as performers throughout this process!
P.E
In Physical Education students have been working on their fundamental motor skills . Striking skills are being taught with our classes using the sport of Tennis.
The Senior classes have been able to use the tennis courts at Heathmont College.
Junior and middle classes have been lucky to have Stephen Hoy from Zenith Tennis academy, coming to our classes. The students have been having fun whilst being active. Here are some photos.
PMP
Photos from PMP. Wednesday , Period 2, Specialist Hub.
Bonny Chisholm
PE Specialist