Level 6: Connect

Welcome to Term 3! We trust that everyone enjoyed a much needed reset during the holidays. This is a short and busy term, with preparations for the School Production and Market Day (which is scheduled for early in Term 4). It's wonderful to have Miss Hallowell back with us in the SLC. We are extremely lucky to have her warmth, knowledge, and experience in Grade 6. 

HOUSE ATHLETICS

Congratulations to Waratah House for winning the House Athletics. It was a wonderfully successful day for everyone, with the sun shining and an outstanding display of effort & participation from Level 6. We are proud of everyone who took part, contributing points to their House and the fun of the day. 

LITERACY

This term, we are shifting gears with our Literacy instruction. Unlike the past two terms where we have used a class novel as our focus, students will now work in small groups known as 'Literature Circles/ Book Clubs' to examine different texts. This week we introduced the different reading roles of Summariser, Questioner, Connector, Illustrator, and Word Wizard. These roles provide a specific lens for students to analyse their chosen text. Literature Circles are more than just reading groups — they’re a powerful opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning. Through student agency, learners make key decisions about what they read, how they discuss texts, and how they share their insights with others.

This sense of autonomy fosters deeper engagement, critical thinking, and a genuine love of reading. Students learn to listen to diverse perspectives, pose meaningful questions, and reflect on themes that matter to them. By choosing books that spark their interest and leading their own discussions, students develop both confidence and independence as readers and thinkers. As teachers, we are really excited because Literature Circles help our students grow into thoughtful, empowered participants in their own learning journey. Stand by for further details of the books your children have chosen. We look forward to sharing more about Literature Circles.

MATHS

This past fortnight, our Grade 6 students have been deepening their understanding of fractions, with a particular focus on comparing fractions and finding common multiples to solve problems. Students have used number lines to plot fractions between two whole numbers. To support all learners, teachers and Gillian from our Education Support team have been working in small groups that target specific points of need. This allows for focused teaching and tailored strategies, helping students build confidence as they develop efficient methods for working with fractions in real-world and problem-solving contexts. Teachers are currently working behind the scenes to provide a more targeted maths program for SEPS.

INQUIRY

This term, our focus is on Business and Economics. Students are learning about the importance of market research and how meaningful data can inform a successful business plan. This week, they conducted surveys with their Level 1 Buddies to practise gathering and applying data in a real-world context. We’ve also been exploring the difference between wants and needs, a key concept in understanding consumer behaviour. During these sessions, teachers are observing how students collaborate, ahead of group selections for our upcoming Market Day. Students understand that working effectively as a team is essential to developing a strong business proposal and running a successful stall on the day.

KINECT 2 DANCE

Students are aware there has been a slight change to our weekly schedule this term because of the school production. Our specialist lessons (P.E., Visual Art and Chinese) have just moved up an hour, commencing at 10am, instead of after recess. Assemblies now take place on Monday afternoons, after our 40 minute dance lesson. The Garde 6 students are learning 2 dances for the production - Men in Black and Waka Waka.

Next term, Kinect2Dance will also be teaching the Grade 6 students a special dance for their Graduation. 

COMMUNITIES - GRADE 6 ARE ALL LEADERS

This Friday is our first Communities session for Term 3. Communities will operate on the even weeks this term and be led by our Grade 6 students. The purpose of our Communities sessions is to:

• Help all students build connections and strengthen their social skills across year levels
• Expand their repertoire of games for recess, lunch, and indoor play
• Support our Grade 6 students in developing leadership and responsibility as they prepare for high school.

Each House consists of 5 Communities with students across all year levels. The Houses will rotate between paper games, outdoor activities, stadium games, and construction challenges throughout the term. We are looking forward to watching the Level 6 leadership skills blossom. This might be an interesting discussion point for your family dinner, tonight!

Visual Art- please see 'Specialist Happenings' for an exciting whole school art project. 

IMPORTANT DATES

Thu 14th August - Queen Victoria Market Excursion 

Thu 21st August - Dad's Pizza & Planes event

Thu 28th - Special Friends Day & Book Parade

Week 6, Aug 25th - 29th Lamont Book Fair

Fri 5th Sep - Father's Day Breakfast

Mon 8th Sep - Curriculum Day NO SCHOOL

Tue 16th Sep - School Production 'A Night at the Museum' 

Fri 19th Sep - Term ends at 2:30pm

Wishing you all an enjoyable fortnight,

The Grade 6 Team