Learning and Teaching
Mathematics
This year, we will be offering our students in Years 3-6 the opportunity to participate in the Australian Mathematics Competition run by the Australian Maths Trust from Tuesday, 5 August to Thursday, 7 August 2025.
This is a 60 minute online competition that will take place during school time. The AMC contains unique problems designed by leading educators and academics to challenge and extend students' problem-solving skills.
Please send Anna Hendy an email with an expression of interest for your child's participation by Friday, 20 June. ahendy@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
Spotlight on Year 5/6 Maths
Last week, the Year 5/6 students were learning about three-dimensional shapes and their nets. They used Splat 3D drawing tools to help them sketch the nets of various shapes and then used their new skills to design a plan for a new playground.
Check out the photos of their sketches below!!
Using their sketches they were then able to create their 3D shapes making coloured nets of the various shapes.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Earlier this term, the students in Years 3-6 participated in the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge. The students were able to work independently or in small groups.
The Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge is an international initiative aiming to engage students in computational thinking and problem solving skills in a fun and interactive environment. Congratulations to the following students for achieving the following results. They were presented with a certificate at last week’s assembly.
HIGH DISTINCTION | DISTINCTION | CREDIT |
|---|---|---|
Lucas Nate Harshul Ben Jasper William Annabelle A George Annabelle H | Jasmine Margaux Scarlett Mathiang Trinity Lloyd Ariana Angus | Havana Alona Chelsea Charlize Jan Georgie Erika Sienna Vespa |
Anna Hendy St John's Maths Leader
Email: ahendy@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au
Year 1/2 excursion to the MCG
Tournament of Minds
Tournament of Minds is returning to St John’s as a part of our Extension Education opportunities. Tournament of Minds is a problem solving programme for teams of students from both primary and secondary years. They are required to solve demanding, open-ended challenges from one of the following disciplines:
- Science Technology
- Engineering Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Language Literature
Tournament of Minds is an opportunity for students with a passion for learning and problem solving to demonstrate their skills and talents in an exciting, vibrant and public way.
Teams of 7 students (from Years 5 - 6) are required to work together on a Long Term Challenge for six weeks at school, without assistance from teachers, parents or peers. They are encouraged to explore possibilities and experiment with ideas as they endeavour to produce their best possible solution. They develop a creative and original way to communicate this solution to others, working within predefined parameters such as limited materials, complex challenge criteria and the deadline of Tournament Day.
Students present the product of their ideas - their challenge solution - to a panel of judges and an audience on Tournament Day. They have ten minutes in which to present and must do so within a 3 metre by 3 metre performance area.
The teams must also participate in an unseen Spontaneous Challenge on Tournament Day. This challenge requires rapid interchange of ideas, the ability to think creatively and well developed group cooperation skills. Tournament Day is either 16 or 17 August at Deakin University Burwood.
We have met with students to explain the programme and asked them to complete an application form if they are interested. Please go through the form with your child and return to school by 10 June. Students that are successful in their application will be informed on Friday, 27 June.
For further information please check out the Tournament of Minds website:
Many thanks,
Ange Crowe and Mel Kerwin
Learning Enhancement
Year 3/4 Sports Gala Day - Term 2
On Thursday, 13 June, the Year 3/4 students proudly represented St John’s Primary School at the Winter Sports Gala Day. Participating in netball and soccer, our students demonstrated outstanding enthusiasm, effort and team spirit throughout the day.
It was uplifting to see them cheering each other on, helping team mates and opponents, and showing genuine sportsmanship by congratulating both their own teams and the opposition.
Each team worked together, sharing their skills and sporting expertise. They experienced a mix of wins and losses, as every student’s resilience and dedication shone through. They all just had a go and joined in the fun, sharing their teamwork and great sporting skills. Most students played in every game, as their determination and positive attitude made all the staff incredibly proud.
A sincere thank you to the parents who generously gave their time to support, coach, and encourage our teams - Emily, Charlott, Kate and Anna for their great coaching of our Netball Teams and Tom, Jess and Melissa, for coaching the Soccer Teams. Thanks to the other parents who cheered us aliong also. Your involvement made a significant difference and helped create a memorable day for all. Special Thanks to our Staff, Anna Hendy, Rebecca Stuart, Nicole Webb, Michael van Rooy, Ruby, Chris and Melissa, for their help and care on the day.
Well done to all our wonderful students – you were fantastic ambassadors for our school! From The 3/4 Staff Team and Mr van Rooy, our P.E. Teacher
