This term has been full of events for Grade 5/6, offering our students enriching learning experiences. Some highlights included the Polwarth Sports Day at Alvie, where many senior students successfully advanced to the Colac Division Athletics trials. We also had a fantastic day at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong for the BioCats excursion, which focused on science and maths. Students learnt what it takes to be drafted as an AFL athlete and researched important performance factors such as optimal footwear, diet, and hydration. Additionally, our 5/6 students had the opportunity to explore the Barwon River, investigating the various species that call the river home in Birregurra thanks to Barwon Water, the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and the Arthur Rylan Institute.

Every student in the Year 5/6 level has embraced their leadership role with pride, demonstrating the school’s values. They have been committed to their designated school or classroom jobs, assigned fortnightly, and have learnt to work effectively in small teams to complete these tasks to a satisfactory standard. Some students have also volunteered their time at Breakfast Club before school, which has been a rewarding experience for them.

This term, we have welcomed Clubs back into the curriculum, allowing students to express their love of learning in a forum of their choice. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with students eagerly looking forward to participating in their chosen Club each Friday afternoon.

The Grade 5 students impressed us with their outstanding attitude and efforts as they prepared for and completed their NAPLAN assessments. Their focus and determination during this crucial time was wonderful to see and we are very proud of their efforts.

In English, students have engaged with supplementary materials to deepen their understanding of the themes and concepts explored in our novel study of War Horse by Michael Morpurgo. Additionally, our work with Sounds Write has been progressing steadily, as we continue strengthening our understanding of morphology through alternating weeks of studying suffixes and base words. Students have eagerly collaborated with their ‘Fluency Pair’ to enhance their reading skills and are motivated to achieve their personal bests during this part of the English block. As a result, DIBELS assessments have shown that this classroom activity effectively improves students' fluency and expression in reading.

In Maths, we incorporated NAPLAN practice questions into Daily Review and have also been reviewing multiples and factors in each lesson through learning-based games such as Buzz and rapid fire questioning. Students enjoyed learning measurement through practical activities and have extended their knowledge in the classroom in the way of learning conversion methods between different units of measurement. The topic Space was grasped quickly by students and saw them apply new vocabulary to coordinate-based tasks involving the x and y axis. Students were then able to consolidate their learning at the end of the topic with the classic game of Battleships. The remaining weeks of term will see us investigating conversion of 12 and 24 hour time through a project-based learning task of ‘Planning an Adventure’ which will ask students to accurately read timetables and manage a planned itinerary.

Some interruptions in the Inquiry timetable have allowed for brief but focused learning topics. These have included understanding and appreciating Cyber Safety, particularly since we now have access to our class laptops. Students have also enjoyed engaging with global news topics. Additionally, Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Week have been important opportunities to explore how collaboration impacts the communities in which we live and thrive.

In Respectful Relationships, we begin to place an emphasis on Personal and Cultural Strengths and converting these strengths to actions.

Overall, the beginning of the year has been fantastic, with students exhibiting eagerness, inquisitiveness, and a solid dedication to their education. I look forward to witnessing their ongoing progress and advancement in the upcoming months!

- Miss Dillon