Year Five/ Six 

Communicating with the Year Five/Six Team

We look forward to partnering with you in 2020, and welcome your input:

Llewela Humphries (Class 56A) Llewela.Humphries@education.vic.gov.au 

Gary Monopoli (Class 56B) Gary.Monopoli@education.vic.gov.au

Hayley Oliver (Class 56C) Hayley.Oliver@education.vic.gov.au

Jessica Cameron (Class 56C) Jessica.Cameron@education.vic.gov.au 

An Overview of our Learning

5/6 A - Miss Humphries

What an amazing term we have had! 

I have been blown away with how well our Year Five and Six students responded to Remote Learning. It was a challenging transition from the ‘classroom’ to the ‘loungeroom’. Our class coped brilliantly! Many students were asking me ‘how, where, why and when’ questions which challenged me as a teacher. Together we discovered the ins and outs of the Google Classroom platform. From then on, we all just thrived and grew strengths in many different ways. Students submitted top quality work that showcased their knowledge and skills in all areas of our curriculum. 

The interactions that I saw between our students and their parents was heartwarming and demonstrated support and care for all involved. I am truly grateful for the guidance and encouragement that you all as parents took to continue the educational and emotional development of the students.

Thank you once again for everything you have done. Hip hip hooray!!

Llew Humphries

5/6 B - Mr Monopoli

Who would have ever thought that 2020 would turn out as it has. Term Two brought new challenges to an old teacher!!! I certainly felt as though I had completed a four year teaching degree in three weeks. Our transition to Remote Learning was not without its hiccups but we all learned new ways to teach and learn. It felt a bit like “Groundhog” Day everyday with daily videos, webex meetings, daily emails, planning and correction. I think my dog never had so many walks in her life either.

We can take so much from Google Classroom, we had frustrations with technology and the internet as most of Victoria was connected at the same time, we learned so many new skills, we made frequent connections with our fridges and our days were filled with regularity. For most Remote Learning was a positive experience but for some it was a struggle. From all of it we can learn, change and do much better. 

Thank you for all the hard work everyone has contributed to make for a generally successful term. Also thank you for the wishes, video, gifts I received for teaching 40 years. I certainly didn’t think I would be teaching from home on that milestone. You all have been truly remarkable, the kids have been flexible and resilient and we got through it all.

Regards Gary Monopoli

5/6 C - Miss Oliver

I could never have predicted we’d all be thrown into such different times, with so much uncertainty. The idea of teaching students without being in the classroom was overwhelming, challenging and before it happened, seemingly impossible. We didn’t become teachers to teach to empty classrooms via a computer! However, being in the 21st Century there was an element of excitement to be embarking on such a different journey that will go down in history. 

As we settled into the first few weeks of Remote Learning, we faced challenges and learnt so much, but we also had so many successes. We quickly learnt that our students were resilient, flexible and adaptable. I am so proud of the way the students in 56C adapted to this new way of learning and attempted all that was thrown at them. This time was a different experience for everyone, but we got there. 

I want to say a huge thank you to you, our families for the support, patience and understanding you gave us and your kids during these unprecedented times. I feel so lucky to be part of such a wonderful community and I hope that the students of 56C go into the second half of the year with the confidence that they can face any challenges they may come across. 

Ms. Oliver

56C- Mrs Cameron

Who would have thought that the year 2020 would present us with so many opportunities to change our practice, adapt to a new normal and of course challenge us!? 

Over the course of Remote Learning, I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as I’m sure you and your family can relate to. First the nerves…how was this going to work? What was it going to look like? How on Earth was I going to juggle a one year old and work? Then came a glimpse of excitement…maybe this will be a new way for us all to access education? Maybe this will help students have a voice in a virtual realm who find it hard in the classroom? Maybe this will push us out of our comfort zone enough to embrace the technology that’s been sitting there all along?

Throughout the time of digital teaching, many of those emotions ebbed and flowed. Some days were a success and others were bumpy. I felt so supported by all of our families and really enjoyed getting to know the learners in 56C in a whole new way. Some found this way of learning beneficial and others couldn’t wait to get back to the classroom!

I just want to say a huge thank you to you all for the enormous effort you put into assisting your children on this journey. Thanks for your understanding, flexibility and determination. Together, we go through it…now we adapt back into the classroom and we will continue to work together to ensure the wellbeing and happiness of our students is our number one priority. Here’s to the next six months bringing many happy times.

Mrs Cameron

Mr Monopoli - Celebrating 40 Years of Teaching

Congratulations Mr Monopoli for 40 years of service to Victorian government education. Mr Monopoli reached this amazing milestone in May 2020. What an achievement! 

We would like to thank you for all the hard work and dedication you have given our school community over the past decade of service. 

It has been a special privilege to celebrate this time with you.