Welcome back for Term 2. This newsletter is to help keep you informed about the curriculum for the grade and the day-to-day activities of the grade.

This newsletter highlights all the necessary Term 2 information for your child.

This term the following teachers will be supporting learning in Year 5:

*Teachers work under the structure of an Enterprise Agreement that includes a number of entitlements. One of these is the engagement in Profession Planning Time (PPT) where they are released from class to carry out other professional responsibilities. Each full time teacher is entitled to the equivalent of 2 hours PPT each week, or a pro-rata thereof for part time teachers. Therefore, all students operate across the school week with at least two teachers engaging in the classroom program of learning.

This term, 5 blue will be facilitating the Practicum placements for Education students at the Australian Catholic University

This Curriculum Outline is designed to communicate what your child is learning so you can support them at home this term. At Good Samaritan, we believe that the partnership between you as parents and our teachers are the most important influences on your son’s or daughter’s education.

The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is responsible for setting and monitoring quality teaching, learning, assessment and school standards across NSW public, Catholic and independent schools. NESA also develops Kindergarten to Year 12 syllabuses for NSW schools. Syllabuses identify: the knowledge, understanding, skills, values and attitudes students are expected to develop at each stage; what students are expected to know and do; Learning across the curriculum areas: cross-curriculum priorities, general capabilities and other important learning for all students.

At Good Samaritan we have a K-6 Scope & Sequence of learning which supports the implementation of the NESA Syllabuses. Below, is an outline of the Key Learning Area content & skills being taught this term.

All students take part in Religious Education Programs. The school also provides other opportunities for students to express and deepen their Faith through school Masses, liturgies, prayer and in Christian service and witness within their school environment and the wider community. 

Religious Education follows a curriculum set and approved by the Bishop of the Diocese in conjunction with the Catholic Education Office.

This term in Religious Education, Year 5 will be engaging in the following units:

Unit: Easter: A Time for Hope and New Life

Students will be able to 

• explain how Jesus’ life and ministry brings hope and new life
• identify ways that they live the message and hope of the risen Jesus
• express their understanding of death and everlasting life

Unit: Pentecost: Celebrating the Presence of the Holy Spirit

Students will be able to:

• describe the mission of Jesus in Luke 4:16-22

• name and describe the ‘fruit of the Spirit’

• identify how the good works of individuals reflect the presence of the Holy Spirit

English is the Key Learning Area where students develop knowledge, skills and understandings about English language and literature. The students will be actively engaged in the development of skills through:

This term in English, Year 5 will be engaging in the following:

Convince me! Is a unit based on persuasive texts. The students will learn to compose, edit and present a variety of persuasive texts for a range of audiences and contexts. Throughout the unit the students will learn that persuasive texts must consider audience, form, and purpose. Persuasive writing / argument can be objectively or subjectively presented. Students will recognise that choice of language has an impact on all types of argument - visual, spoken and written. Students will also learn to recognise the effect of language and multimedia elements in a range of multimedia texts.

Texts that will be employed throughout the term in class;

• A Girl with a Book - Malala Yousafzai
• Malala’s Magic Pencil - Malala Yousafzai
• Every Day is Malala Day - Malala Yousafzai
• Atlases and maps (visual literacy)
• News Reports (ABC’s Behind the news)
• A variety of small group guided reading texts 
• Picture books (language features and grammar conventions

We ask that your child have a variety of texts available to them for specific reading purposes, ideally;

• An easy enjoyable novel that they can read independently 
• An information book on a topic that interests them.
• A form of online commentary from a reputable source. (sports reports, gardening blog, newspaper etc…)

We are happy to recommend and assist with your child’s reading choices so that they are developing a reading repertoire to support their learning. 

Students should be encouraged to read at home. Here are some tips:

1. Read funny things
2. Read anything anywhere
3. Talk to your children about what they have read
4. Follow their interests
5. Read regularly 
6. Read for pleasure
7. Variety is the spice of life!
8. Make a dedicated reading space in the home

An essential component of Mathematics is the development of students’ ability to Work Mathematically. This includes the skills of Communicating, Problem Solving, Reasoning, Understanding and Fluency. 

Students’ ability to work mathematically is developed through the achievement of outcomes and working with content of the Mathematics K-6 Syllabus. Content is organised within the following content strands: 

This term in Mathematics, Year 5 will be engaging with the following substrands:

• Number and Algebra
• Factors and multiples
• Multiplication and Division word problems 
• Fractions and decimals (adding and subtracting)
• Multiplication and division  involving larger numbers
• Number Patterns
• Measurement, Geometry 
• 2D Shapes 
• Time
• Statistics and Probability.
• Collecting and displaying Data

It is important that students are competent in their knowledge of times tables. Here are some tips:

1. Hang up a times table sheet (in the toilet)
2. Teach your kids some tricks
3. Listen to some fun songs
4. Quiz them regularly, but not incessantly
5. Reward their efforts

The objectives and outcomes of the Geography Syllabus are based on courses of study across Kindergarten to Year 6. The organisation of content for the stages in primary school is as follows:

Geography is taught in Terms One and Two.

Our term 2 focus for Geography is: A Diverse and Connected World - Asian Countries

Students will explore countries of the Asia region and the connections Australia has with other countries across the world. Students learn about the diversity of the world’s people, including the indigenous peoples of other countries. Students will explore and reflect upon similarities, differences and the importance of intercultural understanding.

The outcomes and content in the Science and Technology Syllabus are organised in the following strands and substrands:

This term in Science & Technology, Year 5 will be engaging in the Digital Technologies unit Game Time!

In this unit students will use a variety of coding applications to explore and examine opportunities for design projects. They will use research and existing solutions to inform their ideas. Students will be able to reflect on their processes to identify risks and improve their design ideas, methods and findings. They will communicate their ideas in tables, graphs, diagrams and multimodal texts, using digital technologies where appropriate.

The Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus is organised within the following strands: 

 This term in Creative Arts, Year 5 will be engaging in: Music

During Term 1, students will be exploring West African Cyclic patterns. Students will gain the  ability to perform rhythmic patterns and with a strong sense of pulse through West African cyclic music. Throughout this topic, students will develop their theoretical understanding of cyclic terms and specific techniques; and performance ability by using a range of percussion instruments- specifically the djembe. This unit is broken into three section which develops and builds upon their understanding: 

• How does some music use cyclic patterns?
• How can different sounds be used rhythmically?
• Can we make our own cyclic pattern?

Students will be assessed on their ability to work collaboratively, explain relevant terms learnt throughout the unit and show learnt techniques and skills through performance and theoretical understanding.

Students at Good Samaritan engage in Physical Education/Sport each week. All students participate in the School Athletics and Cross Country Carnivals. Eligible students participate in the Swimming Carnival. After these carnivals squads are chosen to represent the School at Regional and Diocesan Carnivals. Students can then be selected to compete at MacKillop and State levels. Good Samaritan has a clear policy regarding student participation in sporting gala days and representation at competitive sports. Parents are asked to become familiar with this policy. 

This term in PDHPE, (Physical Education) Year 5 will be engaging in: 

PE - Grammar of Games: Students will learn decision making, strategy, tactics, communication and concentration skills while executing movement skills and actions. They will participate positively in groups and teams by encouraging others and negotiating roles and responsibilities. The students will practice track and field events in an Athletics unit as well participate in games skills for Netball. 

This term in PDHPE (Class Sport), Year 5 will be engaging in:

Relationships/ Mental Health & Wellbeing

It is recommended that students read, revise times tables and complete any unfinished daily tasks.

Please support your child to be Ready to Learn each day by ensuring he/she has the following:

stationary supplies, iPad, water bottle, hat and notes returned promptly.

PB4L in Year 5:

• Respectful, Responsible and Safe
• Our Term focus is “Love of Learning”
• Mission Behaviours

Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School operates the Positive Behaviour 4 Learning framework to  assist in improving student behaviour and enhancing learning within the classroom. The PB4L  framework recognises individual student needs on both our playground and in learning spaces.  

PB4L enables the school to identify areas of need where work is able to be done with students who  are unclear of expectations and appropriate behaviour whilst developing empathy within their  relationships. This process may include the key principles of Restorative Practice. In this way Good  Samaritan is making our school and playground a friendly and enjoyable place for all our students.  

At Good Samaritan Catholic Primary School, we are proud of the positive behaviours displayed by  our students. Recognition and celebration of these behaviours occur both within the classroom and  at school assemblies. 

All students are expected to be neatly dressed in their school uniform or sports uniform each day. Classroom teachers will monitor the wearing of the uniform on a day-to-day basis and inappropriate dress will be brought to the attention of the student and, where necessary, parents. 

This term students are to wear the correct Summer/Winter uniform.

GOOD SAMARITAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL UNIFORM

Students are also expected to wear the correct Sports Uniform on sports days:

ALL ITEMS OF UNIFORM MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH THE CHILD’S NAME

Ongoing communication between school and home is essential. The school aims to work in partnership with the home and recognises that parents wish to be informed of any problems. Likewise, there is a need for parents to keep the school informed of any events that may impact on the life of their child at school.

Through this mutual communication we aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for your child.

1. If you have any educational/behaviour concerns about your child always contact your child’s classroom teacher in the first instance. Your child’s classroom teacher will always make contact with you if they have any concerns regarding your child’s education or behaviour. 
2. Grades and classes across the school are supported by Middle Leaders. You are welcome to contact the Middle Leader/s responsible for your child’s class/grade if you have continued concerns regarding your child’s education or behaviour. The Middle Leaders will also contact you when and if necessary.

Middle Leaders 2022

3. If the issue remains unresolved beyond the Middle Leader then please address your concern/s to the Assistant Principal or the Principal.

4.Parents may contact teachers by email via the school office (info@gsfmdow.catholic.edu.au) but are asked to understand that a response may not be immediate and certainly cannot be expected beyond the regular hours of the school day or week. 

At Good Samaritan, we believe it is important to speak with parents either in a face-to-face meeting or over the phone when responding to emails that may be of a sensitive nature or that may require a lengthy response. Therefore, the email response you receive may be of a generic nature. 

5.Parents are asked to understand that the teacher’s primary responsibility throughout the school day is towards the students. Therefore, teachers are unable to engage in discussion when they are in direct supervision of students.

For any absence the school must receive notification of the reason for the absence within 7 days of the return to school. This applies for partial absences as well as whole day absences. Please supply the reason via Compass. In the event that a notification is not supplied the absence will be recorded as Unjustified/Unexplained.

9 May

Staff Development Day (Pupil Free) 

Week 3

Naplan Testing Window

20 May

Athletics Carnival

Week 6

Reconciliation Week

6 June

World Environment Day

Week 10

Parent teacher interviews

30 June  

Excursion Science Space - permission via Compass (tbc)

1 July 

Last Day Fun run/Picnic