Year Five
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we move into the second half of Term 2, our classrooms have been buzzing with inquiry, creativity, and reflection. Over the past two weeks, our Year 5 students have continued to challenge themselves academically while also engaging meaningfully with cultural and community-based learning. From powerful poetry and problem-solving in Maths to our annual Athletics Carnival and Reconciliation Week activities, students have embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and connect.
Literacy Highlights – Poetry with Purpose
In Writing, Students finalised their Dreaming Story poems, and explored different forms such as limericks, haikus, cinquains and quatrains. These poetic forms allowed them to express cultural themes, including connection to land, spirituality, and identity. Students drafted, edited, and then proudly published their final pieces, many of which were beautifully illustrated to reflect First Nations symbolism.
In Reading, Book Clubs are well underway, with students taking ownership of their learning by assigning roles, managing time, and leading rich discussions. We’ve seen thoughtful connections between text and real-world themes, especially when reflecting on voice and perspective in literature.
Maths in Action – Reasoning and Strategy
Mathematics lessons have focused on division, multiplicative thinking and developing strategies to approach unfamiliar problems. Students used area models, mental strategies, and short division to solve multi-step problems and were encouraged to justify their thinking using mathematical language.
During LED sessions, students worked through open-ended challenges, such as the “Tables and Chairs” task, where they demonstrated flexible thinking, tested ideas with manipulatives, and explained their reasoning in detail.
Unit of Inquiry – Sharing Stories and Perspectives
We finished off our Unit of Inquiry How We Express Ourselves by participating in a range of meaningful activities during National Reconciliation Week. Throughout the unit, students explored the cultural significance and purpose of Dreaming Stories, and how they are expressed through oral traditions, art, poetry, music and performance.
To conclude the unit, Students engaged in Reconciliation Week learning that focused on cultural respect and building relationships. They completed a “Now and Next” reflection to consider how we currently support reconciliation and what steps we can take as individuals and a school community to continue moving forward.
As part of the week’s activities, students created art pieces, labelled and coloured the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, and explored significant First Nations Australians through the picture book Our Home, Our Heartbeat. These creative and reflective tasks helped students connect with themes of identity, belonging, and cultural pride.
A highlight of the week was when the Year 5 cohort proudly led the school’s Walk for Reconciliation—a powerful moment that united students and staff in a shared commitment to respect, unity, and understanding. This experience served as a fitting and meaningful conclusion to a unit centred on voice, expression and connection to Country.
Athletics Carnival – Celebrating Participation and Pride
A massive congratulations to all students who took part in the Year 5–6 Athletics Carnival yesterday and today! It was fantastic to see students pushing themselves in events like sprints, hurdles, long jump, and shot put throws. More importantly, it was heartening to see them encouraging their peers and displaying outstanding team spirit and resilience. (Photos to come!)
We are grateful to the many Parents and Carers who attended or assisted on the day—it was a wonderful community event.
3-Way Conferences – Learning Through Student Voice
Thank you to all families who attended their child’s 3-Way Conference in week six. It was a valuable opportunity for students to take the lead in sharing their learning journey, reflect on their achievements, and set goals for the term ahead. We were so proud of the confidence and ownership students showed as they presented their work and discussed their progress across all areas of the curriculum. Your support and involvement are truly appreciated.
Reminders
2nd June- Camp medical forms due
9th June- Kings Birthday Holiday- No school
20th June- Final camp payments due
As always, thank you for your continued support. It has been an incredibly rich and productive few weeks in Year 5. We’re looking forward to a strong finish to the term and celebrating all that our students have achieved.
Warm regards,
The Year Five Teaching Team
Saltwater P-9 College