Year 5/6 Term 2 Overview

Year 5/6: Term Two

Welcome back to the start of Term Two! We had a very busy and productive Term one with Year 6 camp, Twilight Sports, Harmony Day and our Summer Sports Day being just some of the learning and events which took place. There is much to look forward to this term with Year 5 camp to Sovereign Hill, NAPLAN and Grandparents’ Day all taking place. We look forward to building on our learning opportunities and experiences now that we have settled into our routines from first term. 

Inquiry

Our Inquiry unit of learning this term will have a Civics and Citizenship focus. Students will be exploring the levels of government in Australia and the systems of voting that lead to elected members of parliament being chosen. This will include students investigating and creating their own political party to campaign including the democratic values and responsibilities they would most like to promote.  

Religious Education

In RE this term, students will be reflecting on the changes they have experienced in their lives as well as the changes of others, such as the disciples during the time of Pentecost. They will be exploring the concept of discipleship and investigating the stories of saints. Students will go on to identify the Fruits and Gifts of the Spirit and how these qualities can be used to make a difference in the world.    

English

This term, the senior students will look to develop their reading, speaking and listening and writing skills through a variety of activities and programs. We are very excited that this term our reading rotations will include literature circles. For this, all students will be given the opportunity to select a book to read and engage in discussion around the following reciprocal reading roles: predator, clarifier, questioner and summariser.

Writing this term will focus on creating narratives. Students will further develop their ability to engage audiences, use descriptive language, create original ideas and follow the conventions of narrative writing.

Maths

The following curriculum topics will be taught this term:

• Measurement & Geometry: Length/Perimeter/Area
  • Students will choose appropriate units of length, convert between different units used to measure length and area and calculate the perimeter and area of different shapes. 
• Number and Algebra: Subtraction
  • Students will use efficient mental and written strategies to solve subtraction problems involving four and five digit numbers. 
  • Students will use estimation to check the reasonableness of their answers. 
• Number & Algebra: Pattern and Algebra
  • Students will describe, continue and create patterns. They will explore the use of brackets and order of operations to write number sentences. 

Social Emotional Learning

This term in SEL our focus is on Self Management. This includes an exploration of how our emotions have an impact on our behaviour. Students will learn to recognise and name their own positive strengths, identifying coping strategies in stressful events and identifying stress management strategies that they can use.

Home Learning

Home learning will once again be given to students in the 5/6 area on a fortnightly basis at the beginning of this term.  Students will be required to complete all compulsory activities and 3 of the free choice activities, continuing the same structure they are familiar with. We see home learning as a terrific opportunity for students to develop and improve in their organisation and time management skills and greatly appreciate family support with this. 

Communication

Effective communication between family and school is an important factor in a student's learning. Please make contact with us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Please don’t forget to login to Seesaw to view you child's Digital Learning Portfolio. The login details were handed out at the end of last term. If you did not receive the QR code for this, please let us know. Last term’s samples of learning are available to be viewed and to leave comments.

Timetable

Specialist classes of Performing Arts and Visual Arts will continue on Fridays. 

PE/Sport will continue on Wednesdays and Fridays. The St John's Sports uniform will need to be worn on these days. 

Library borrowing will take place on Tuesdays. 

Please note in your calendars:

• Mother's Day Stall - Tuesday 3 May
• Year 5 Camp Sovereign Hill - Wednesday 4 to 6 May
• Grandparents Day -  Wednesday 11 May, 9 - 11am
• Scholastic book Fair - Monday 9 to Friday 13 May
• Curriculum Day/ No School -  Friday 10 June

Please check the newsletter each week to make sure you are aware of any updates.

If you are not receiving the email already please email:

jmacleod@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au

All other school dates will be included on SkoolBag app and in the school newsletter.

Many thanks,

Emma Pattison and Rhett Masters 

rmasters@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au  

epattison@sjmitcham.catholic.edu.au