This term has provided a range of enriching learning experiences for our Grade 4/5 students. A highlight was the Polwarth Sports Day at Alvie, where students demonstrated excellent teamwork, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm. Another valuable experience was our walk to Birregurra Park to participate in Clean Up Australia Day. This initiative allowed students to work collaboratively while caring for their local environment and deepening their understanding of sustainability.

Clubs have remained a favourite part of the week, offering students opportunities to explore their interests and engage in learning in diverse and enjoyable ways.

NAPLAN has been a significant focus this term for our Grade 5 students, with dedicated time spent revising and practising key skills in preparation for these formal assessments. Grade 4 students have also benefited from this focus, applying their skills in the recent whole-school Maths Common Assessment Task (CAT).

In English, Grade 4/5 students have continued their study of Blueback by Tim Winton, with a focus on character development and foreshadowing. By the end of the term, students will produce a persuasive ‘Letter to the Editor’ centred on the theme of sustainability. The Sounds-Write program continues to support students in identifying and applying spelling patterns, as well as developing their understanding of English morphology, strengthening their writing vocabulary. Fluency Pairs have also supported students in building confidence and expression in their reading.

In Mathematics, students have explored multiples and factors, measurement, and time. They have applied their learning through hands-on activities and games, building confidence in problem-solving. Students also continue to develop mathematical fluency through daily multiplication and retrieval practice.

Inquiry learning has focused on the development of self, with students exploring and implementing strategies to strengthen resilience and persistence.

In Respectful Relationships, students have explored their personal and cultural strengths and developed a deeper understanding of how these strengths influence the people and communities they engage with.

Overall, it has been a positive and productive term, with students demonstrating enthusiasm, a strong commitment to their learning, and the ability to build and maintain positive connections with one another.

- Miss Dillion