Year 6 Learning Leaders
This term, our Year 6 leaders have worked incredibly hard as disciples within our school community, striving to grow in both their learning and leadership inside and outside the classroom. They have been involved in so many wonderful events and initiatives, including: presenting the Year 6 Assembly, participating in the Sorry Day Bridge Walk, selling Zooper Doopers, watching the Carroll College musical, competing in the Athletics Carnival,taking part in Walk Safely to School Day, representing the school at Rugby League Gala Day, visiting the Book Fair, attending soccer, netball, football, and touch trials, competing in Cross Country, attending Photo Day, engaging in STEM activities at Carroll College, hosting the Mother’s Day Breakfast, celebrating Father George’s Farewell Mass, participating in the My Body, My Life program, taking part in the Tennis Clinic and we even welcomed a new Pope during this time, and of course, we continue to walk proudly on our Confirmation journey.

Sam: I am proud to be a leader at St Mary’s because it is such a great school and everyone is kind and caring.
Andre: I am proud of my leadership because I always give everything a go and never give up… no matter what.
Maddie: As a leader, I have had the opportunity to visit Carroll College and meet lots of new people, spend time with our buddies, and help with various jobs around the school. 

Take a look at some special highlights with our incredible Year 6 Students: https://youtu.be/elKpVHbd6J8  

Religion
This term in Religion, our students have been exploring the significance of Baptism and how it marks the beginning of a person’s journey in faith. They have also reflected on what it means to confirm their faith as they grow in understanding and commitment to the Church. In addition to this, students have studied the key elements of the Jewish High Holy Days, including Rosh Hashana. They learned how these sacred celebrations focus on reflection, renewal, and reconciliation. Through this, students made meaningful connections between the Jewish traditions and the Church’s liturgical year.

Lily: I have enjoyed learning about my Saint, using Canva and preparing for Confirmation.
Abbie: I enjoy our Confirmation Retreat at Carroll College and my favourite activity was rock art.

English
Year 6 students are making great progress in their Spelling Mastery program, and this has transferred into their informational texts about Poland, speeches, and their Mayor writing tasks. There has also been a significant improvement in the students' reading fluency, which is practised each morning. On Monday, we completed our class novel Us Mob Walawurru, which the students thoroughly enjoyed for its rich cultural perspective. Students also completed their Public Speaking topic, “What Mistakes Teach Us.”Congratulations to Tessa and Matilda, who will progress to the next stage, and to Ollie, who has been selected as our class reserve.

Gracie:My reading pace has improved because of Reading Fluency each morning.
Ollie: I enjoyed reading my speech, our topic was so much fun.
Matilda: Our class novel has been great learning about Aboriginal culture.

Mathematics
The students are thoroughly enjoying Mathematics this term. They have been working on building automaticity with their times tables, which is helping them develop a clearer understanding of mixed numerals and improper fractions. We have also explored measurement, where students used protractors to accurately measure all three types of angles. This week, the students have been highly engaged in an exciting extension activity—planning a “Dream School Camp.” This task includes budgeting, time management, measurement, and data collection. Each Wednesday, a group of Year 6 students take part in extension Mathematics with Mr. Hill, and they are thoroughly enjoying this opportunity.

Declan: I have enjoyed extension Maths and planning a dream school camp with Ms Lock.
Bella: I have made improvements with my times table and extension Maths is fun with Mr Hill.

Science
This term's science unit is Chemical Science, focusing on the distinctive properties and behaviours of solids, liquids, and gases. Through hands-on experiments and engaging activities,the students have been exploring the fundamental nature of matter. The students have been captivated by The Big Idea, which explores stars, supernovae and the dramatic events within it. Moreover, students are actively learning about the periodic table, gaining insights into the organisation and characteristics of elements.

Benji: I like learning about atoms and how they share electrons with other atoms. Reyansh: Science is cool, because we get to learn about the periodic table and do experiments. 

History
This term, students have been learning about the struggles for rights and freedoms in Australia during the 20th Century. They have described and explained key events and challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and children, examining how Australian human rights have evolved over time. A particular focus was placed on the significance of the Mabo Decision and its impact on the recognition of land rights for Indigenous Australians.

Liam McA: I have learnt about Aboriginal rights and how, in 1967, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples were finally recognised in Australia.
Edwin: I have learnt that the Human Rights Commission helps protect the rights and freedom of all Australians, including the right to vote.

The Arts
Our art journey has been truly inspiring! We've explored influential artists like M.C. Escher and Banksy, drawing inspiration from their unique styles. Through the creation of saint portraits, we’ve embarked on a personal journey of exploration and self-expression. During music lessons with Mrs. Shannon, the students have been studying xylophone tunes and learning to play music from popular songs.

Pham : I am really enjoying art and I love music too.
Anikah : In music, I really enjoy playing the xylophone and performing songs like 'Old MacDonald Had a Farm'. 

Health
During health class this term, students have been focusing on learning how to maintain a healthy diet. One of the key activities involves planning a balanced eating plan that ensures adequate intake of vitamins and minerals from each food group. This activity encouraged students to consider the nutritional value of various foods and how they contribute to overall health and well-being.

Dion : It is really important to keep your body and mind healthy.
Liam G: I really enjoyed learning about proteins and understanding which foods are healthy for your body and which ones aren't.

Dhurga
Year 6 have been super excited every Thursday with Mr Nolan. We have been learning Dhurga, an Aboriginal language traditionally spoken by the Yuin people, who are the Traditional Custodians of the South Coast. Some of the phrases we have been exploring include: "Ngayaga" – Hello, "Ngumbudhaa-nji" – God bless you, "Daramalan" – God, and "Wajaar" – Country.

All Year 6: We are lucky to have Mr Nolan in our class teaching us Dhurga. We love listening to his family’s Dreamtime stories and learning about the culture and language of the Yuin people.

Ms Allison Lock
Year 6 Teacher