As this year quickly draws to a close, the 5/6 cohort and it’s teachers are increasingly in a whirl of last minute editing and frantic typing; rehearsals and presentations; glue sticks and coloured pencils…

Maths

Students have been learning what it takes to be a travel agent, ensuring their clients have a fantastic and personalised holiday that is within their budget. We have been impressed with the exciting and well thought out packages they have put together – parents, it might be time to give them an opportunity to plan your next family holiday!

English

Students have been drafting and publishing a range of work for their final portfolios: a favourite narrative, poems, scripts or information texts. They are looking forward to having the opportunity to share their work with you. A highlight of the last two weeks was an incursion by poet EZB (aka Zoe Baker). She discussed a variety of contemporary poetic forms, such as rap, black-out and slam poetry. It was an exciting insight into her experiences as a performer and poet.

Genius Hour

While our Year 6 students have been organising their graduation, our Year 5 students have not been resting on their laurels… Each has been working on a passion project of their own choice, which they have greatly enjoyed sharing with each other!

Elections

Our students have all had a taste of the democratic process over the past fortnight, as they have participated in our leadership elections for Student Council, House Captains and School Captain roles. Teachers have been impressed by the standard of speeches from all candidates this year, and the whole school is waiting with bated breath for the announcements next week.

House Music

Yellow, Red, Green and Blue – all the colours of the rainbow! Well done, Loch! It was a very close competition –  Orrong, Carrington, Furneaux, you were all fabulous too!

Speed Limit

This blog cannot go to press without acknowledging the punk magnificence that is… Speed Limit. Spencer, George, Elia and Claude you brought the house down!

Have a great weekend one and all, rest up! We have a BIG week ahead!

Rebecca Skinner, Braden Leech and Bronwyn Howell

The lowdown…Weeks 7-8

A lot has been happening in 5/6 land at Ripponlea Primary School during weeks 7 and 8. It has been a treasure trove of amazing learning opportunities, whacky science experiments, mini-golf antics and battling it out for netball supremacy!

Graduation

Year 6 Graduation is fast upon us, occurring Week 11 of Term 4, on the 19th of December, in the famous RPS Barrbunin! Year 6 students and their families are invited to share the wonderful moments of the students’ final year in primary school. The Year 6 students are busily working away, along with their teachers, to bring a night full of fun and reminiscing .

Don’t forget to get your payment, for the Graduation Bear and dinner food/drinks, to Mrs Howell by Monday 3/12/18!

Genius Hour

While our Year 6 students have been busily working away on their graduation preparation, the mighty Year 5s have not been missing out on the fun. They have been embarking  passion project based on their interests, during “Genius Hour”.  Students have been developing a variety of projects, ranging from creating their own video games, to pinatas, volcano simulations to tie-dyed cushions, just to name a few.

Golf Course Mania

As part of our maths unit into measurement and geometry, students in Years 5 and 6 have constructed mini-golf course holes that showcase their geometrical reasoning. Students applied their learned skills to develop a course hole that had a playing area <450cm squared, included 2D and 3D shapes that they can describe the features of and ensure that four or more different forms of angles were included in their final designs. Students had a fantastic time planning, constructing and testing their mini-golf holes. Here are some examples of final designs:

Science Demonstration, with Dr. Chris Burns

During Term 4, 5/6 students have been investigating the Scientific Method. This is a set of protocols that is common practice in the scientific community when new research is conducted, so results can be accepted by peer reviewers. We reached out to the school community and sought out the expertise of Dr. Chris Burns, a chemist with a knack for amazing students! Dr. Burns conducted two controlled experiments, with the help of his helpful apprentice (Mr Leech), to the laughs and giggles of the wonderful 5/6 audience.

Experiment #1 was to see who could dissolve salt granules in water under different water temperatures…it was a clear cake walk for Dr. Burns and the audience, as hot water was far superior to Mr Leech’s measly cold water.

Experiment #2 was to discover the pH levels of certain household products, to discover their acidity or alkalinity with nothing but red cabbage juice…it was purely amazing! We once again would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Burns for giving us his time and sharing his expertise with the 5/6 family.

Year 6 vs Teachers Netball 

The stage was set, a beautiful sunny day, the perfect day for a rekindled rivalry…Year 6 vs the teachers in a netball competition for the ages! Great teamwork, sportsmanship and a whole lot of fun for all those involved, which leaves the door open for the rivalry to continue into 2019 and beyond! With the final scores 10 to 6, in 2019 the students will be looking to redeem and take back the title of champions of the the asphalt!

From the 5/6 team,

Braden, Bronywn and Rebecca

Wow – what a month it has been!

So many things to celebrate, thank you 5/6s it seems like we are forever busy, and you just keep stepping up and doing us proud!

A few weeks ago, we celebrated a day of learning outdoors!

International Outdoor Learning Day was exactly how we celebrated the day. Multi-age learning was a lot of fun. Each teacher conducted an outside lesson where the students were challenged with a variety of tasks. It was fabulous to experience the calm atmosphere this day delivered. Congratulations to the students who embraced the day and to the Year 6 students who supported the teacher they were assigned to.

Inter-school sport began and has now finished with a fantastic display of sportsmanship! Congratulations to all, you did us proud when displaying your exceptional ability to go with the flow. We are often congratulated by other teachers from other schools in regard to our students’ behaviour. Students supporting other teams, filling in if they are short on numbers. My absolute favourite moments are how you are all so fair – you often ensure that your peers are supported and given equal opportunities, are not fussed by another student’s skill level as long as they get to have a go! We don’t always win on the score-board, but you are all definite winners in our eyes. Thank you to our lovely parents who have given up their time in order to support this experience. Without your help we couldn’t get to another sports field or run as many games as we do.

Remembrance Day service was once again a beautiful tribute to our soldiers throughout the years. Congratulations Year 5s. The solemn atmosphere created a memorable moment.

Our Twilight Market was a huge success. I loved watching how our 5/6 students took every opportunity to assist the parents who worked tirelessly throughout the day to pull everything together. Thank you for carrying tables, cleaning tables, ensuring our yard was clean and basically helping wherever you could. Amazing!

The Antique/Recycled Fashion Parade was definitely a day to remember. Wow, what can we say! Basically, Year 6s you scrub up OK, to say the least and thank you Year 5s for accepting the challenge to present these fabulous role models! The ideas you presented were heard, the humour was enjoyed, and we simply loved celebrating your style. Thank you to the parents who came to take photos for our Year Book, once again you do so much for us!

 

 

 

 

This week we began our ‘Stepping Up’ transition. It was delightful to see our Year 4s arrive and our Year 5s take on the role of our leaders. Once again so proud of how you meet a challenge, we ask, and you deliver. If Thursday was anything to go by, 2019 is going to be amazing!

House Captains over this term had the chance to celebrate our term house point wins. I was very impressed with how students supported each other to ensure each house had the chance to enjoy some fun activities after winning the term house points. Regardless of how many house captains were at school, other Year 6 students stepped in and supported their peers. In week 2 Orrong celebrated a Term 1 win, Loch in Week 4 for Term 2 and this week Orrong again for Term 3. It will be interesting to see who wins Term 4!

 

 

 

 

 

Well, there it is! Another four weeks just slipped by, let’s keep up the momentum and ensure we finish this year with a bang. Keep up your great work 5/6!

Bronwyn Howell, Braden Leech and Rebecca Skinner

Welcome back to Term 4!

We hope that all our students and families had a wonderful holiday break and we officially welcome you back for the final term of 2018!

English

In English, the last two weeks have seen our students developing their poetry skills, reading and writing a variety of styles and adding their own artistic flair. Students have investigated Figurative Language, particularly Similes and Metaphors (with the help of a really catchy song, found here) and are learning to incorporate them effectively into their poems. Many students have begun new Literacy Circle texts this term, with many new titles that have not been previously seen. Students are always encouraged to read at home and can complete their respective Literacy Circles comprehension activities for home learning.

Maths

So far in Term 4 in Mathematics, students have been revising their mental maths strategies, particularly addition, so as to compute numbers effectively and efficiently in their heads (without the need to physically write equations). Students are practising their Jump, Split and Compensation strategies and applying them to real-world situations, particularly supermarket bills. Students have also been putting their angles skills to the test, investigating the properties of angles, measuring angles with technology, classifying angles and locating angles in a 2D and 3D environment.

 

 

 

 

 

Inquiry

Inquiry has taken a scientific turn this term. During Term 4, students in years 5/6 are exploring the Big Idea – “Science is the Process of Discovery”, with the big questions being:

• By posing questions and conducting controlled experiments, what new discoveries can be made?
• What scientific discoveries have an impact on our quality of life and/or living things?

Our investigation has led us into exploring the Scientific Method, which is the agreed format used in the Scientific community to conducting “fair tests”, with a view to testing developed hypothesis. Students have been conducting experiments that require following this process, looking at the ideal environment for growing beans in the classroom and the ideal materials for creating a cup-string phone. A video to check out the Scientific Method can be found here.

Summer Sport

Inter-school sports will be officially back into competitive play beginning on the 26^th of October and will continue for four weeks. Students this term are undertaking some “obscure sports” as part of their exposure to ball and stick sports. The sports for this term are: European Handball, Softcross (modified lacrosse), Rounders and Touch Rugby. Students have been practising very hard and would love for families to come along and support them.

“The Big Day In” – STEM Expo @ Malvern Valley PS 2018

A big thank you to Milo’s mum, Bec Parker, who came along with 25 year 5/6 students to the Big Day In, a wonderful STEM expo held at Malvern Valley PS. Schools from all over the local Bayside area were invited to attend the day, which was a huge hit for all students that attended. Students were able to put their coding, creative and logic skills to great practice by creating commands for electronic devices, build solar lights to deliver to poverty-stricken nations and program a piece of hardware to create a rainbow!

Some students wanted to share their thoughts that attended the day:

Claude: I really enjoyed programming the Raspberry Pi hardware (to make a rainbow). It was amazing to hear how cheap it is and what it can do ($40)

Elia: I was amazed with what the Raspberry Pi hardware can actually do, seeing how small it really is.

Cece: Creating solar lights for poorer nations that have to use kerosene lamps to light their homes made me feel very good. I know that I am helping people in need and that is great.

Fodla: I was thankful that I could do something so simple (building the solar light) that could make such a significant difference to people. We gave them them the ability to study longer so they can get a better education.

Christian: I really liked being able to put my brain to the test and challenge myself to complete complicated puzzles that needed solving.

Lily: I now really understand that programming requires absolute precision. Computers can’t think for themselves and will actually complete the exact task that you tell them to complete, so you need to check your commands carefully.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Braden Leech, Rebecca Skinner and Bronwyn Howell

It’s HOLIDAYS!

What an amazing last two weeks – swimming, an excursion into the city, and our surprise Flash Mob yesterday afternoon.

Along side all of this, of course, there has been our regular classroom learning. This has included our Literature Circles with students beginning a new book last week. It’s been a little messy this week due to so many interruptions, but we promise the minute we return we will be back into it. I am personally enjoying the ‘book club’ feel this brings to our classroom space. Students are expected to read a set amount of text each week – independently – and complete a task to share with their group when they next meet. Whilst teachers are present for this meeting, essentially it is run by the students. It is fabulous to witness this ownership and the joy the students display from the discussions that take place.

Our Inquiry – Summative Assessment – finished this week with the students presenting the project they have been working on for the past three weeks. Congratulations to you all; your movies, Kahoot, Scratch, Diorama’s, puppet shows, dance, songs, PowerPoint’s, models, and posters have been extremely entertaining and certainly showed the hard work you put in. We have spent some time creating a summary which will become a display for our corridor space early next term, plus we have used a rubric as an assessment tool that will be displayed in the students portfolio.

This brings us to an enjoyable trip into the city on Tuesday. Fantastic knowledge displayed at the Immigration Museum along with excellent questions asked. You make us very proud – continue to be as fabulous as you are.

Swimming is now finished and we thank our parents who came with us on the bus. We appreciate all that you do, whether it was one trip or three – you are what helps us do such amazing things.

Now for our Flash Mob Dance – once again 5/6 students you stepped up and blew us away. Thank you for giving us the three minutes after school to show our community how much fun learning can be! I have included a link below to share this with you if you haven’t had the opportunity to see it!

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Enjoy your break and we will see you in two weeks!

Bronwyn Howell, Rebecca Skinner, and Braden Leech

We hope that all our students and families had a wonderful weekend, enjoying opportunities to spend quality time outside in the glorious sun!

In English, the last two weeks have seen our students developing their research skills, reading a variety of resources, including print and online. Students know that good note taking requires first assessing information – is this a fact or an opinion? They also know that it is important not to copy chunks of text, but to only write down the key words, or paraphrase content in their own words, to ensure that they understand what they have read.

Navigating our way through location and transformation area of the Maths curriculum has been an exciting challenge! We have been developing our ability to read a variety of maps accurately, using clear directional language.

I am sure all parents have had some fascinating discussions about your child’s History Inquiry. We have encouraged students to come up with their own way of showing their historical understandings – which has been met with a great deal of enthusiasm! We have needed their help to develop a rubric which will allow us to assess a wide range of presentations: Posters, Prezis, Dioramas, Songs, PowerPoints, Comic Books, Board Games, Stop Motion, Scratch, Performances, Photographs, Films, Pop Up Boosk, RPGs, Kahoot, iMovies and Quizzes.

A big thank you to Maude’s father, Dean Cowie, who came in to talk about his work at the Native Title Unit. It was fascinating to hear about the process and time involved in transferring ownership of land to indigenous Australians. All students were highly engaged, and we are pleased to say that Dean survived Maude’s penetrating questions about his role and the enthusiastic Q&A from the 5/6 cohort that followed.

A few of our students were fortunate enought to be taken by Zoe Keystone to the St Kilda Town Hall and the Eco Centre at the St KIlda Bots last Thursday. They listend to talks given by peers at other local schools, who shared sustainability initiatives that they had implemented. It was a very inspiring day and we working working towards developing new sustainability practices at Ripponlea PS next term.

On Thursday mornings we have been stretching our muscles, playing warm up games and dancing our morning away. During the 50 minute session all students have been completely involved in what is going to be a fabulous performance. Please be aware that you may be sent a little reminder next week, where if possible you may be asked to come to school at dismissal time – this is a little hint as to when this can be viewed. (For those that are unable to make it we will video what we can and pop it on the blog for all to see!)

Only one week and a half until school holidays – this term has flown!

Rebecca Skinner, Braden Leech and Bronwyn Howell.

Good afternoon families,

Many apologies for the lateness of this post, but we are pleased to inform you that the Year 5/6s will be heading on an excursion next Tuesday, the 18th of September. No payment is required, as this excursion is covered under the excursion/incursion levy.

The Year 5/6 students will be heading into the city (via train, no MyKi needed) to attend the Immigration Museum’s “Early Melbourne Settlers” program and a “Mystery Walking Tour”, a behind the scenes look at prominent significant places in Melbourne’s history.

Apologies for the quick turnaround required, however the due date for permission slips is this Friday (the 14th of September). Prompt returns of notes will be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Braden Leech, Bronwyn Howell and Rebecca Skinner

Grade 56 Parent Information Evening-2mbxqzr

A bunch of happy campers 2018

Week 5 of term 3 saw our 5/6 cohort make their rite of passage, in fulfilling their adventure and adrenaline desires at YMCA’s Camp Manyung! Leaving on Monday morning on the 13^th of August, we trekked down the Nepean Highway in our coaches to our destination, set in the beautiful surroundings of Mt Eliza. Following the camp orientation and setting up of cabins, students then broke into their activity groups to begin their adventures.

Students had many different opportunities to be adventurous and push their boundaries in the following activities: beach combing, international games, initiative problem-solving, archery, giant swinging, crate-climbing and tree-top surfing! These activities were amazing and the staff ensured that everyone felt safe and achieved success.

The nights were broken up with team challenges to further bound and test out the wit and problem-solving capacity of the students. Night one saw the students team up with friends to solve a murder mystery (we caught you Tania, haha!), with night two being a trivia completion, of course with copious dancing! Camp Manyung was such a wonderful experience for our students, as it enabled them to push themselves to realms that they never believed possible and further building their bonds with the other students and our wonderful Ripponlea PS staff.

Finally, thanks to the teachers and education support staff that attended the camp as, without them, the camp would be unable to go ahead. A great camp, thanks Camp Manyung, from all at Ripponlea Primary School!

Alex Miles – Visiting author

During our Book Week festivities, our 5/6 students were given the opportunity to met an author and enjoyed a presentation of her craft, how her career began and how they can be wonderful writers.

Alex Miles, a ghost-writer of the Zac Power series and author of the Olive Black quintology treated our students to a play-by-play run-down of how Alex moves through the creative process and what steps are required, for taking a humble idea and it turning into a fully-fledged novel.

 

Greetings all,

Things To Bring to Camp

We will not be bathing as it cold – please disregard the beach towel and bathers requirement!

As to water activity shoes – an extra old pair of runners with rubber soles will be sufficient, special shoes do not need to be specially bought.

If a child wishes to bring a camera – please only send them with one disposable camera. Teachers will be taking photos throughout.

Forms

Almost all medical and catering forms have been returned, any late forms need to be sent in by the end of the day, Monday 6th August.

Lunch and Drinks on First Day of Camp

We will be sending out a reminder next week – however, if parents could please send their children off to school with a separate bag/backpack containing lunch and water for the first day of camp, as lunch will not be provided.

Kind regards,

Your 5/6 Teachers