“Where does the term go?” has been a common comment this week as we approach the end of Term 1, 2026. It has certainly been a busy and productive start to the year in Grade 5. Not only have students and staff built strong relationships, but we have also achieved a great deal in our learning.

NAPLAN: Our students approached the NAPLAN assessments with focus and determination, striving to do their very best. We look forward to receiving the results later in the year and further information will be shared with families at that time.

English: Throughout the term, students have been developing their ability to interpret texts and make predictions using a range of features, including illustrations and visual elements. Our reading and writing focused on The Lost Thing and The Arrival by Shaun Tan, rich, thought-provoking texts that encouraged deep thinking, meaningful discussion, and thoughtful responses.

Mathematics: In Mathematics, students began the term exploring decimals up to thousandths. More recently, we have shifted our focus to measurement. This includes measuring length, calculating area and perimeter, and estimating and recording capacity and mass, with an emphasis on using correct units. Students have enjoyed hands-on learning experiences, such as measuring the distance of their two-footed jumps.

Humanities: This term, our Grade 5 students explored the world’s deserts, learning about their key features and the unique adaptations of plants and animals that live in these environments. They engaged with a range of interesting concepts and were especially fascinated to discover that some deserts are polar regions with no sand at all.

Harmony Day: Grade 5 students enthusiastically participated in Harmony Day celebrations. It was wonderful to see the vibrant cultural clothing and to celebrate the rich diversity within our school community. Wimba Primary School is proud of its inclusive and multicultural environment, and this day was a joyful reflection of that.

Summer Gala Day: Some of our Grade 5 and 6 students recently took part in the Summer Gala Day, enjoying a range of sports including Volleystars, Basketball, Cricket and T-ball. It was a fantastic day filled with energy, teamwork and fun, with students thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to get involved and represent the school.

Upcoming Learning: Term 2

English: Students will begin a new text-based unit exploring Lone Pine by Susie Brown and Margaret Warner. Through this text, they will develop their reading, writing, and speaking and listening skills by discussing ideas in full sentences, building vocabulary and practising fluent reading. Students will listen for understanding and respond to questions about the text, as well as research reliable information to plan, draft and publish a written piece about the Battle of Lone Pine. In Morphology, students will explore the suffixes -ion and -ant. Keyboarding skills will continue to develop, with a focus on accuracy, speed, and correct use of punctuation, numbers and symbols. In Grammar and Syntax, students will work with adverbs in different sentence positions and practise writing compound sentences using coordinating conjunctions.

Mathematics: Students will continue with our Measurement unit, exploring length, mass and capacity using formal units, and learn how to measure and compare combinations of these. This unit encourages students to apply their understanding of measurement across a variety of real-world contexts.

Humanities: Students will begin our unit on Exploring Immigration, learning about different waves of immigration to Australia, consider diverse perspectives and explore ideas around cultural diversity. They will also examine challenges, rights and policies connected to immigration, as well as migration stories, democracy and Aboriginal rights.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): We continue working through the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program, focusing on Topic 3: Positive Coping. Students will explore the concept of self-talk, identify positive and negative self-talk, develop their own personal coping strategies, and share ideas to support their wellbeing.

Reminders:

Please ensure that your child has a school hat, or a navy blue wide brim.
School Diaries: Don’t forget to send your child’s reading journal to school daily to encourage consistent reading practice. Please sign the dairy each night you read.
Tissues: We encourage families to please bring a box of tissues for our classrooms, 1 box per family truly goes a long way. Thank you.
End of Term 1: Thursday April 2nd 1:30 Finish.
Start Term 2: Monday 20th April.
Cross Country: Monday 30th March. We encourage students to dress in their house colours!
Grade 5/6 Phillip Island Camp: A 25% deposit or payment in full must be received by Thursday 2nd of April in order to sucure a spot. Camp dates: Monday 18th May-Wednesday 20th May.

We welcome Joanne Mamone to our Grade 5 team. Joanne will be working in 5A on Mondays and Wednesdays. We wish her all the best in her new role!

Thank you for your support, have a lovely weekend. Kind regards, The Grade 5 Team.

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