5/6 Learning News

Wumindjika 

I feel like I say it every time, but it’s been a busy couple of weeks!

Firstly, I want to recognise the courage, persistence, and confidence our Grade 5s showed during NAPLAN, they should all be so proud of their efforts. As I’ve reminded them, NAPLAN doesn’t reflect all the incredible qualities, talents, and strengths they have.

I'd also like to acknowledge the truly outstanding leadership showcased this Term from our 5/6s. They’ve confidently led Prayer Gatherings and Assembly, as well as taken initiative during Choose Day, Buddy Afternoons and whole school activities. 

We’re lucky to have such a caring, kind, and supportive group of leaders here at St Joseph’s.

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Literacy

We’ve now reached the final chapter of War Horse, and the 5/6 learners have been enthralled, making strong connections between this World War I story and their learning about World War II from last year. Their curiosity has led to thoughtful questions and deeper understanding. As we head into the final chapter, the class is feeling "on edge," keen to see how it all ends.

There are plenty of different ideas about what might happen in the final chapter:

Albert and Grandpapa might reconcile after arguing over Joey - Ivy

Emilie may let Albert spend time with Joey - Jack 

Joey could end up living with Emilie permanently - Seb

Joey might run away - Lewis

Albert might buy Joey back from Emilie and Grandpapa - Tatum

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Maths

Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve been strengthening our multiplication skills and now we’re putting these skills to work with division. 

We all have a good grasp of division as equal sharing, and we’ve started learning how to use an algorithm, which has been a new challenge. Problem-solving has definitely pushed us, but the learners have stuck with it and are realising that with a bit of effort and determination, they can become really strong mathematicians.

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Civics & Citizenship: Together We Belong 

This part fortnight has been full of meaningful experiences connecting to our Community Project learning. 

Annabelle Cleeland Visit 

Annabelle sits in state position and helps with funding. We got to do a mock vote, the options were Bluey, SpongeBob, Bingo, Miss Maree (our Principal) and Robert Irwin. Ivy, Seb, Morgan and I counted the votes. Ruby and Scout put the votes on the board and then we added the second, third, fourth and fifth, following the process of preferential voting. 

It got down to SpongeBob and Miss Maree, but ultimately, SpongeBob won.

Summary by Lewis 

Claire Ewart-Kennedy Visit 

Claire Ewart-Kennedy is the Mayor of Strathbogie. She was elected in November 2024 and will serve for four years. Interesting facts: she met the Queen, and her childhood was just like ours. Her priorities include fixing potholes and looking after Kirwans Bridge. 

Claire ran a mock council meeting, where Scout suggested we should have a Maccas in Nagambie. The other councillors shared their opinions, and we learnt how, if a motion is carried, it moves forward in the offical process. 

Summary by Seb

We are now taking what we’ve learnt and applying it to our own election campaigns as we run for leadership positions. The learners are busy crafting election promises, designing campaign posters, and preparing their speeches.

Upcoming dates: 

March 28: Strut Your Socks for a good cause - gold coin donation

March 28: Assembly 2:45

March 31 - April 4: Swimming Lessons in Seymour

April 4: Last Day of term 2pm finish.

If you need anything, just shout: sanderson@sjnagambie.catholic.edu.au

Happy weekend!

Shan  ♡