5/6 NEWS 

It has been a busy, but brilliant start to Term 2 for our senior school starting with our camp in Foster. The student's enthusiasm, courage and the way they interacted with each other was a credit to their families and as a school we couldn’t have been more proud. 

We have certainly hit the ground running since returning from camp. Along with a full academic schedule, there is Confirmation preparation for Yr. 6, NAPLAN in Yr.5 and our inter-school sport; we haven't a minute to spare. Expect more of the same, students, over the coming weeks; we don't stop in the senior school. 

MATHEMATICS

Students have continued to work in different groups where possible over the last two weeks. We have been working on the 4 operations with a focus on problem solving. We unpacked the types of questions that students might encounter during NAPLAN. 

We hope these types of exposures allay any concerns/worries as they became familiar with the expectations and assessment conditions. The students responded well, and developed the skills to analyse a question and eliminate those parts not important.

ENGLISH

This fortnight the students made an amazing start to our study of the text, ‘We Are Wolves.’ Each week we allocate three separate lessons to read and discuss two chapters. This has allowed students to dig deep into the themes of the text, which include identity, belonging, culture and discovery. Within these literature lessons, students have impressed us with their ability to make connections to the themes, characters and events. This has included connections to self, other texts and the world, in particular the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Respectful Relationships

Last term we looked at how intense emotions can be felt in your bodies, and how we can experience ups and downs, and more intense emotions. We have looked at how character strengths can be drawn on to help deal with the challenges in our lives. Now we are going to look at how their minds can create or deepen their level of upset, or help them to manage or reduce it. 

A key focus will be, ‘Self-talk.' This refers to the conversations that they have with themselves in their head. When they were younger they probably did quite a bit of thinking out aloud, or talking aloud to themselves. As they have gotten older, this ‘talk’ is mostly done inside their head, rather than out loud. It is part of our thinking. Sometimes our level of upset is produced by our ‘self-talk’ or the things we say to ourselves about what that experience means. 

RELIGION

The Yr.6 students have been focusing on their Saint project for Confirmation, exploring the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and how these are reflected in their chosen Saint. As a lovely connection piece, Yr.5 have been doing a project on a spirit-filled person (not a saint) and how the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are reflected in this person.

We are so grateful for all your support and look forward to seeing you at Confirmation,

The Senior Team