The Year 5/6 students have been kept extremely busy with their new learning units this term. What’s more, we have just heard the speeches of all senior students for the upcoming public speaking competition. The selection of two students from each year group was made difficult by the high quality of the speeches. We wish all students chosen to represent our school the best of luck!

In Religious Education, the students are looking at some of the ways in which faith is shared and strengthened in communities of believers, past and present. They will describe the significance of personal and communal prayer and worship for communities of believers including the importance of the Sabbath for members of Jewish communities, as well as of prayer for Catholic communities.

In English, the students are focusing on the book “Way Home” written by Libby Hathorn. The set tasks in all content strands relate to the text. The students will both jointly and independently construct a written narrative, discussion and recount. They will complete tasks to develop their reading skills, and deepen their understanding of the text, by examining events and settings. The students will also engage in speaking and listening tasks to develop their listening skills and knowledge of oral narratives, discussions and expositions. As a class, we are also enjoying reading the book “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio. It portrays a community as it struggles with differences and challenges readers to wonder about the nature of empathy, compassion, acceptance and friendship.

The students are enjoying their study of the Japanese language and culture. So far, the students have learnt about Tanabata. Tanabata, or the Star Festival, is held on the evening of July 7. The festival traces its origins to a legend that the Cowherd Star (Altair) and Weaver Star (Vega), lovers separated by the Milky Way are allowed to meet just once a year - on the seventh day of the seventh month. On this day, children make wishes on strips of paper and hang these on display. They are also learning about words that relate to the ocean, such as nami (wave) and sakana (fish).

In Science, the students will deepen their understanding of the production of different types of foods, and how different products and services are designed to meet the needs of different people. They will be involved in doing research to discover more about the production of a specific type of food from its raw state to the final product. The students will also design a product or service that meets the needs of a specific type of person and describe how it can be produced on a larger scale.

The year is flying by, and shortly it will again be time for the highly anticipated Grenfell Show. The students have been exceptionally busy preparing handwriting and art, which will be judged and placed on display in Simpson Pavilion for all to view. The Grenfell Show is another wonderful community event that provides students with an opportunity to showcase their skills and talents.

Soon, we look forward to welcoming all visitors during our upcoming school open day. The Interschool Public Speaking contest, against students from St Mary’s in Young, will be held at our school on Tuesday the 20th of August. This will be followed by the Archdiocesan Athletics Carnival on Thursday, and our Book Week Parade on Friday. We are also looking forward to a visit from the Life Education Van on Monday the 26th of August. Mufti Day will be held on Friday the 30th of August. Thank you for continuing to take the time to keep up with the latest news from the Year 5/6 class!