5/6 Happenings

What a fantastic year it has been so far for all of the year 5/6 students.  We are now in our last term, and it promises to be a busy and productive one for all.

Our Integrated unit of work is a Science/Technology based unit titled ‘Chocology’. We will investigate the chocolate making process, from a cacao bean through to the production of a chocolate bar. The science behind how chocolate bars are made is investigated and different types of chocolates and their features are discussed.  The students will conduct several scientific experiments. In week 3 we have an incursion planned where a Chocolatier will visit and spend time working with students, demonstrating the chocolate making process and getting them involved in making their own chocolates. There will also be a project titled “Package it, Sell it!”  This is due on Wed. November 18^th.

Reading

We will be doing Literacy Circles again this term. This runs for 5-6 weeks and will as usual require a significant amount of commitment. While the work is done at school, sometimes reading or activities may need to be completed at home to keep up with deadlines.

Maths

This term we are focussing on Fractions, Decimals, Percentages and Ratio’s, 3D shapes, some graphing and a revision of the whole year.  There will be a continued emphasis on number and problem solving. 

Homework: 

Homework is given at this level to assist in developing responsible and independent work habits and to enable students to develop time management skills.  We are aware that many students and parents find these projects daunting, but when we consider the expectations at high school, learning these habits, skills and routines is vital.

Each student has been given a detailed homework plan, breaking all tasks into weekly units. This should be used as a guide to help with organisation of workload.

Most secondary schools require the students to put together a collection of work to take along on Orientation Day. We have set aside a few homework free week for Year 6 students to work on their Passports, however this should be an ongoing task throughout the whole term. 

Reading

Home reading - may be Literacy Circle reading each night and is to be recorded in diaries and returned to school each Friday. Please sign the diary as evidence of student reading.

Maths

Students will be continuing their math’s homework from Term 3 with the inclusion of extension maths which will be included on the back of their current sheets.

These will begin in week 1 and continue through until the end of term.

Oral Presentation

Students will be required to prepare and present an oral presentation based on their ‘packaging’ project. (Refer to project sheet for guidance) This presentation will be organised in at home.

Spelling

Children will continue on with the words from their streamed spelling lessons on Monday’s.  These words will vary from 8-10 words per week.  Students are expected for revise and complete activities given by class teacher.

Homework is not the responsibility of parents.  Showing interest and support of your child’s homework is important, but don’t let it become a ‘battle’, or become your homework or project.   Please communicate with the classroom teacher if there are difficulties with homework or projects before they become major issues.  Needs of students receiving external tutoring or additional support will also be considered.

Big Day Out

To celebrate the end of the year we have planned a whole day at Funfields for all students on Thursday December 10th. More information to follow later in the term.

Graduation

Plans have already begun for this year’s graduation. The graduation is to be held on Monday 14th December at the Eltham Community Hall. The Year 6 students will begin dance lessons with David Skinner on November 16th. The students will be presenting three formal dances at the graduation. The graduation evening is a great way to celebrate all of the hard work that your child has put into their primary school education. More information about the graduation will be sent home from the 5/6 teachers soon. Hint for parents of graduates- don’t purchase a signature bear.

Important Graduation Dates

Graduation Practice-Monday November 16^th, 23^rd, 30^th, Dec 7^th, Dec 14^th (at Community Centre)

Graduation Photo-Friday 13^th November, 9am

Graduation – Monday 14^th December

Year 5 Parents

It is traditional that each year at the graduation, all Year 5 parents assist in the organisation of food for the evening. The help of Year 5 parents is also required on the night to organise the supper and assist in the kitchen. Information has been sent home about this.

SLIP Program

This term the Student Leadership Induction Program (SLIP) will be running for Year 5 students interested in developing their leadership skills. SLIP not only prepares students for possible leadership positions in Year 6, but also gives them skills they can use in their everyday life. The program will run over 10 weeks, focusing on the 5 building blocks of being an effective leader: responsibility, organisation, team skills, public speaking, confidence. The students will work each week on these skills and will be implementing a leadership project towards the end of the program.

Transition to Secondary  School

Orientation Day is Tuesday December 8^th.  Year 6 students will attend their new school for the day.  At ENPS we will be running a transition program to assist the Year 6 students allay some of their fears about the first weeks at Secondary School.

Sunsmart

Term 4 is a Sunsmart term. All students need to have a school hat that is to be worn at recess and lunch breaks.  If students have lost or cannot find their hat, a new one can be purchased from the uniform shop. They will be directed to the atrium or Rest a While shelter if they have no hat on the day. NO HAT - NO PLAY!

Behaviour

We have been extremely pleased about the excellent behaviour of most students this year. We will continue to reinforce good behaviour and work habits at all times.  Continuous poor behaviour will have consequences and parents will be contacted if necessary. The Level 4 teachers ask your support in encouraging your child so that the end of year can be a happy and exciting one for everyone.

FROM US TO YOU

Our classroom doors are always open, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or concerns.  We look forward to a great last term and thank you for your support throughout this year.

With Thanks from the 5/6 team

Kate Petty, Nicole Ryan, Julie Sammartino, Julie Francis, Josh Walsh and Michael Farrrell