English
This term we have been focusing on informative texts, learning about formal documents like reports and news articles as well as using information to persuade. We have put into practice the ideology of “little and often”, working on sizzling starts to hook our readers as well as correct sentence structure and punctuation to lend credibility to our writing. In spelling, we continue to focus on specific rules that will help us spell unfamiliar words in our writing. We have been creating an informative travel poster designed to give travellers valuable information and encouragement to travel to a special destination. Creative skills learned in narrative writing as well as persuasive devices were used in combination with careful research to create their posters. We won’t be surprised to see a number of families jet setting off around the globe in the near future!

Maths
In Year 5, we have adapted exceptionally well to the Maths Pathway program and it is very encouraging to see so much excitement around the prospect of maths lessons. We have worked very hard over the last two months on settling into a rhythm and this is reflected by very pleasing data. Over the last two learning cycles we have averaged 101% and 98% growth respectively. The fact that we can learn at our own pace and have multiple opportunities to demonstrate understanding and receive feedback is proving very valuable. We are confident of seeing even more pleasing growth in the second half of the year with targeted mini-lessons and whole group rich learning tasks. 

Religion
In Religion we have been looking at our own personal beliefs and how they align with the christian beliefs we practise every day at St Mary’s. We have made connections with the bible and the concept of faith as the driving force behind our beliefs. We made a very welcome visit to church to support the Year 6 students as they prepare to welcome the Holy Spirit through confirmation. Mass with Father Rex Curry was sincerely appreciated and enjoyed by all of the students in Stage 3. The mass was interactive, fun and welcoming with a pleasing level of engagement and respect - demonstrating the level of maturity we are coming to expect from Year 5. Students wrote their own reconciliation prayers during Reconciliation Week. 

Jaxon E - Dear God, We say sorry for the wrong things we have done. Please forgive us. We have to move forward together and make sure this never happens again. We need to have empathy and imagine what it is like. Help us not to just move forward, but to move forward in the footsteps of Jesus. Dear God, please hear my prayer. Amen. 

Meeka C - Dear God, Please take care of the first owners of our nation. Please let us move forward together. It’s time we say sorry, it is time to apologise and it’s time to move forward together as one loving, caring nation. Amen 

Asher B - I acknowledge all of the stolen generation and their ancestors and their children. I hope that nothing as vile as stealing children from their families happens again. I wish for the day that racism will stop. 

Xavier H - Hope for the future: I hope we can give back all the land we have taken in dishonour and help maintain it. We acknowledge that we took the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples land and that we are sorry. 

Science
Science in Term 2 has seen us consider our place in the solar system and push ourselves to consider the infinite vastness of the universe which has been blowing quite a few minds. We have consolidated our understanding of the planets and their relationship to each other as well as the sun’s central role in our solar system. We have also considered those lesser known aspects of the solar system that cause equal wonder, such as comets, meteorites (visible shooting stars), Oort Clouds, Asteroids and more. With such a strong focus on renewable energies, we were able to harness the sun using “solar ovens” and successfully “cook” some very tasty treats.

History
We have continued to be fascinated by the development of the Australian Colonies throughout the late 1800s to federation in 1901. In Term 2 we have focused on some of the specific influences and events that led to a huge population surge in the latter half of the 19th century. These include the gold rushes, the cessation of convict settlers, British propaganda targeting skilled workers, the construction of the overland telegraph and the Eureka Stockade. We have learned the difference between emigration and immigration, considering the “push and pull” effects of the times.

Visual Art
Year 5 completed a Dean Russo inspired artwork. He is a pop artist who uses bold, bright colours. Graffiti has a big influence on his artistic style and this is evident in his creations through a range of animals. Students chose from a number of different animals and then applied watercolour paint as a base in many different colours. Once the paint had dried, we added small patterns and shapes all over the animal using oil pastel in contrasting colours. They look very effective. 

Berry Camp
Stage 3 had a wonderful time on camp this week. We participated in three fantastic activities; raft building, mountain biking and a cookout. Team building, cooperation and communication skills were evident amongst all students over the three days. As well as some night time fun, we participated in a ‘minute to win it’ games night and some tabloid games. On Friday morning we finished with a ‘Berry Challenge’. Stage 3 thoroughly enjoyed their experience. It was wonderful to see the children smiling and hear the conversations amongst the students highlighting their favourite part of their time away. We are certain that there will be some very tired children on Friday night. Thank you for a wonderful time away Stage 3! You were absolutely amazing! 

Sophie Kenny, Jessica Afflick, James Campbell
Year 5 Teachers