Year 5 News
Reading
To start off Term 3, Year 5 students have been focusing on building their literal comprehension skills. They have been learning how to skim and scan texts to locate specific information and answer comprehension questions. Students learnt that skimming involves quickly running through a text to get an overall idea by identifying keywords and phrases, while scanning requires them to read carefully but at a fast pace to find specific information.
“It has helped me gather information more efficiently.” - Devrim 5D
Writing
This fortnight in Writing, Year 5 students have been exploring how to craft more engaging narrative texts by learning how to create interesting story openings. The purpose of a strong story opening is to hook the reader and make them want to keep reading. Students explored different ways to begin a narrative: action, dialogue or thought, and painting a picture of where the story is taking place by describing the setting. Over the fortnight, students practised each technique using picture prompts to inspire their creativity.
“ I have enjoyed using my imagination.” - Clarissa 5D
“The freezing cold weather almost bested me. The snow was so deep that with every footstep I nearly slipped. My surroundings were so frosty, it left me shivering.” - 5B
Maths
Over the past fortnight in Maths, Year 5 students have been revising their knowledge on fractions. They explored how to place fractions on a number line and learnt about using symbols such as greater than (>), less than (<), and equal to (=) to compare them. Students are learning to recognise different types of fractions, including proper, improper, and equivalent fractions. They have explored a variety of strategies to represent fractions, including number lines, fraction bars, part-whole diagrams, and visual models such as shaded squares and circles.
“I enjoyed putting the fractions on a numberline.” - Aaron 5D
Inquiry
To begin Term 3, Year 5 students have begun their new Inquiry topic on ‘Humans and The Environment’. They will be exploring the relationship between humans and the Earth. Students will be learning how people have shaped, changed, and cared for the planet over time. A strong focus of the unit is on understanding the deep connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have with Country.
This week, Year 5 students have been using time-lapse videos, real-world examples, and class discussions to identify different ways humans have influenced the environment, including farming, construction, pollution, and the burning of fossil fuels. Students have begun discussing how Aboriginal
Peoples care for and respect the land, and why Country is so important to culture, identity, and storytelling.
“I enjoyed watching all the different timelapses videos on all the countries.” - Lianora 5D
“I wonder how many people it took to build the whole world.” - Maddy 5C
“I wonder what the world will look like in 1000 years.” - Josh 5C
Auslan
This fortnight in Auslan, Year 5 students have been learning to sign numbers from 0 to 20 using their dominant hand. They enjoyed playing interactive games like ‘Buzz’ to practise their number signs while keeping their voices off. As the term progresses, students will build their confidence and fluency with Auslan by revisiting and revising previously learnt signs and being introduced to new ones.
“I like being able to use my hands.” - Clarissa 5D
“I like the sign for Fast.” - Lianora 5D
Social and Emotional Learning
Over the past two weeks in SEL, Year 5 students revisited classroom expectations and routines to ensure a positive and respectful learning environment. Students discussed the T.E.A.M (Together Everyone Achieves More) classroom posters that were made at the beginning of the year, including classroom expectations, what makes a good student and teacher, and our school values. As part of their learning, students reflected on and wrote about how they demonstrate the expected behaviours of a CPS student and spoke about any personal goals they want to achieve in the new term.
“A good student follows instructions. A good teacher sees their students struggling.” - Chelsy, Ronan, Josh, Brodie 5C
Special Event
NAIDOC Week -
Last week, Year 5 students explored the importance of NAIDOC Week by learning what NAIDOC stands for and why it is celebrated across Australia. They watched a video introducing the week and discussed its purpose and importance. Students worked collaboratively to research a nominated Indigenous Australian from the 2025 NAIDOC Award finalists, and wrote about their contributions and achievements in their own words. This task helped students in recognise and celebrate the culture, and accomplishments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
‘I enjoyed researching about an aboriginal award winner.’ - Jethro 5D