Year 5/6 News
Learning Centre Four
Welcome back to Term 2! The students have come back from holidays excited to see their friends and have had an excellent start to the term. We have had a busy first couple of weeks; students commemorated ANZAC Day and participated in our Athletics Carnival and some students represented our school at District Cross Country. We have also welcomed Danielle into our space to work as one of our Learning Assistants and Jodie as our new Learning Centre Leader.
Year 5
Literacy:
To start the term in Literacy we looked at another version of the story “War Horse”. We have been comparing the picture story version to the novel we read last term to understand how stories can be told in different ways. We are understanding the importance of images to the text's meaning and how they can influence our feelings.
Numeracy:
In Numeracy we began the term looking at fractions of shapes and fractions of collections including halves, thirds, fifths and tenths. Then we moved into combining fractions and representing fractions in different ways and used this knowledge to design flags which represented different fractions.
Inquiry:
We have begun our Geography Inquiry Unit looking at the different continents of the world and their demographics. Our excursion to the city next week relates to our Inquiry unit as well. We will be looking at Melbourne, some of its history and significant landmarks. Don’t forget to sign the permission form on ICON.
Religion:
After celebrating Easter over the holidays we finished our learning about the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection and made connections to the disciples while reflecting on times we may have felt doubt. Now we are moving into identifying and explaining religions from around the world.
Athletics Day
On Monday 21st of April we had our school Athletics day, and on that day we competed in many different events. Some of the events that we participated in were like 200 metres, long jump, discus and many other activities. In each event we showed resilience, sportsmanship and a growth mindset. It was great to see many parents and students encouraging and cheering on other participants. Everybody did a great job and tried at other events that they did not personally like. Thank you to Michelle and Parents for making time to come and to set up and run the events for Athletics day. By Ethan and Princess
Year 6
Literacy: JAPANESE STUDENT PENPALS
The Grade 6 students have been working incredibly hard, writing a letter for a Japanese student across the Pacific Ocean. They are learning how to structure sentences properly and also learning how to write a letter, construct a letter professionally and what it consists of. They read a book called Meerkat Mail by Emily Gravett, which demonstrates letter structure, descriptive words and time sequencing. Then they started drafting a letter to a Japanese student. The letters will be completed today and mailed off to Japan by Monday next week.
By Zoie Yeruva
Numeracy:
In Grade 6, we have been focusing on fractions, with each group breaking the subject down into simpler, manageable steps. In Tina’s maths group, we have been focusing on converting improper fractions into mixed numerals using division and multiplication. The group has been practicing this for a week and now understands the conversion process. They have even begun attempting new methods they hadn't experienced before. Michelle took on a challenge involving eight different questions. Take a look at her work below to see how she applied these new strategies.
By Naveen and Daniel
Inquiry:
This term for inquiry we have been learning about geography; including the world, maps, landmarks, and different places around the world. The grade 6 students have been completing a geographically based Webquest by researching and answering questions, including; longitude and latitude of different cities, the seven continents song and beginning to make a map of Australia to test their current knowledge on the geographic subject and it’s safe to say most of them have a pretty good understanding. But we plan to deepen our learning by using various websites on geographic history or features of the world to create a slide, document, or paper writing answering questions that the teachers have provided us. Why? Because we need to have a vital understanding of the world and more spatial awareness in case we get lost, we should know where we are using our surroundings and knowledge of our world.
Religion:
In religion, we have been learning about the Holy Spirit and the significance of Pentecost, focusing on growing closer to God. The grade sixes have been learning about the meaning behind the story. Pentecost marked the beginning of the Church and the rapid spread of the Gospel into the world. It is a very significant step in Religion and is very important to learn about it. Initially, students shared their prior knowledge of the Holy Spirit. We learnt that the Holy Spirit used to reside in the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place, the temple. People could understand and share the Good News in reflections. The story starts when all the disciples and Mary are gathered in a room. Suddenly, a violent wind emerged from heaven and filled the whole house with the Holy Spirit. Scripture says in Acts 2: 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. The pentecost is a significant story that helps us understand the importance of the empowerment by the believers of the holy spirit.
By Dhriti and Lydia
Athletics Day
On Monday the 27th of April, we had the Whole School Athletics Day. Everyone participated in the whole school events and games, having fun all day. We participated in a variety of activities including, high jump, long jump, three-legged race, sack race, 100 and 200 meter race, hurdles, vortex, shotput, javelin and discus. All the students had fun and received ribbons for the top 3 contestants. MVP (Most Valuable Player) ribbons were awarded to contestants who would give their best and would encourage others . We thank the teachers and Michelle for setting up this wonderful, athletic school event.
By Arjun & Michelle
Cross Country
On Wednesday April 29th a number of students from Years 3-6 competed in district Cross Country at Werribee Race Course. The day was a huge success in so many ways. Students showed our school values all day, cheering each other on and all participated with determination. Many of our runners were successful at getting through to the regional competition. Congratulations to those students who made it through!
Sophie O
Flynn S
Charlie U
Athiek D
Manas P
Dev P
Once again a huge thank you to the parent helpers who came and helped on the day!
A note from Jodie
For those of you who don’t already know me, I’m Jodie, the new Learning Centre Leader in LC4. I’ve been part of the OLSC community for over 10 years, and during that time, I’ve loved working as a Learning Group Teacher and a Specialist Teacher in STEM and Digital Technology. I’ve had a wonderful first few weeks getting to know the students in this new capacity, though many are still trying to figure out why I can’t teach them Digi Tech and be their LC Leader at the same time! I’m truly looking forward to the year ahead. Please feel free to drop by before or after school to say hi, or introduce yourself if we haven’t met yet.
Reminders
Please remember to go onto ICON and give permission for your child to attend our upcoming city excursion on May 7th. If you would like to come along as a parent helper please let Jodie or your Learning Group Teacher know.
Important Dates
Saturday May 2nd - St Andrews Parish Mass
Wednesday May 6th - Mother’s Day Breakfast from 8.00am followed by Liturgy at 9am
Thursday May 7th - Year 5/6 City Excursion. We are still looking for parent helpers.
Friday May 8th - Mother’s Day Stall
Friday May 15th - Whole School Mass at 9am
Sunday May 17th - Community Mass at OLSC with students celebrating their First Eucharist
Monday 18th May - Assembly 9am
Thursday 28th May - Year 5 Excursion to MacKillop - Sponge Bob Musical
Blessings from the Year 5/6 Team:
Scott, Tina S, Ann, Jordan, Leeza, Janeen, Elizabeth, Danielle ,Tian and Jodie