What's happening in the classroom

Foundation

We've had a very busy few weeks in the Foundation area learning all about shapes: circles, triangles, squares and rectangles. We have been finding these shapes in our classroom and in the playground and then had some fun making 'Shape Monsters'.

Our creativity continued in our InitiaLit sessions where we made some lovely hippos as we learnt all about the letter H.

Grade 1

This week in Maths, our little legends in Grade 1 have been learning all about capacity in the most hands-on way possible! We took advantage of the beautiful sunny weather and headed outside for some real-world experimenting. We’ve been comparing the capacity of different containers to see which ones could hold more and which ones could hold less. Students have been practising how to estimate and then test their estimations by pouring and measuring water.

Out in the sunshine, students worked together beautifully! They took turns, problem-solved, and chatted about what they noticed as the water levels changed. There was so much excitement as they discovered that containers can be tall but hold less, or short and wide but hold more.

It was a joyful, messy, and memorable way to deepen their understanding of measurement, and the photos say it all - the little legends in Grade 1 were fully engaged and having a wonderful time learning!

Grade 2

The grade twos recently completed our unit on light and sound. On Monday the 25th we were lucky enough to have Mad About Science come to do their light and sound incursion. 

The students loved learning different ways to make light, including using rainbow glasses and difference lenses. Students got to make sound using a range of tools including tapping a tuning fork and hitting a ping pong ball and tin foil to see what sounds they would make.

On Tuesday the 26th we joined the foundation students to travel to Wangaratta by bus to view the show “where is the green sheep?” The students all had so much fun and were so excited to see how each sheep would be recreated from the book in real life. 

We completed our own find the sheep hunt at school on Monday. When we returned from school, students chose their favourite sheep from the play to make using paper and cotton balls. 

Grade 3

Grade 3 students in both Inquiry and Religion have been learning all about people in our community that make a positive difference and celebrate the gift of the spirit. We have learnt about organisations that help people like Salvation Army, St. Vincent De Paul, Red Cross, Caritas, Meals on Wheels and Food Bank. We have loved researching these organisations and have created brochures on who they help, how they help and how to get involved!

Grade 4

This term, our Grade 4 students have been exploring the concepts of perimeter and area. Building on their prior learning from Grade 3, students have measured length using formal metric units and applied this knowledge to investigate two-dimensional shapes.

Students ​have learned to:

• Measure and calculate the perimeter (the distance around a shape)
• Work out the area (the space inside a shape)
• Use their understanding of shape features, such as sides and corners, to support their thinking

Students have particularly enjoyed the hands-on nature of this unit, using rulers, tape measures, trundle wheels and even string to measure objects and spaces around the classroom and school grounds. These real-life experiences help bring maths to life, building confidence, curiosity and practical problem-solving skills.

Grade 5 

Grade 5s have been learning about perimeter and area. On a beautiful day, we all went outside and used different tools to measure the perimeter and area of various things and places around our school. We first estimated the total perimeter and area of each space and then measured it. Luckily, most groups were very close to their estimates. 

On 13th May, Grade 5 students enjoyed a 'Discovery Day' at FCJ College. Students experienced music, dance, and games run by senior students at FCJ, complete with a delicious BBQ lunch. Finally, students got to mix with students from other schools for team building and friendship.

Grade 6

On Thursday 28th May, Grade 5/6 students participated in the BRCE Sports Day at the Benalla Showgrounds. The event was organised by FCJ staff and students, who ensured everything was well planned and thoughtfully organised.

St Joseph’s had three netball teams and two football teams competing against St John’s Euroa and St Mary’s Mansfield. All students had a fantastic day, displaying excellent sportsmanship by encouraging one another and making sure everyone had the opportunity to be involved in the games.

A big thank you to the FCJ staff and students for creating such a memorable and enjoyable day for everyone involved.