Gibbs 1 End of Term 3 Newsletter.

Parents and Caregivers, And so it is that another term materialized, grabbed me by the collar with urgent hands, and retreated just as I was learning to pronounce its name. Term 3 was full to the brim of successful learning experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. The students of Gibbs 1 explored their subjects, their world and themselves admirably. Ive noted some specifics below. With the truest sincerity I want to warmly express my heartfelt gratitude to parents and caregivers for the support they give to the students, the class and the school. As Ive mentioned ad nausem, the kids in this class come to
school happy and excited to learn because they feel empowered, safe and energized by you at home. This term will see the final report handed out for students in all classes. Many have made strides in their learning when compared to the opening term, so I trust itll be a positive experience. If you have any questions or comments regarding reports or anything else really, Im always available for a chat if youd like one, after or before school. Im certain term 4 will see off a successful year in style, Reece.

English

This term has seen students explore the information reports, procedure and the basic tenements of response. We explored the procedures and information reports we see in real life (Masterchef and Wikipedia, for example) identified the main elements and produced our own. Weve also explored prefixes and suffixes that repeat themselves for a reason in spelling. One of our weekly tasks sees students read a real life article or short story, explore the starts or ends of the words (as well as other things) and see how they fit in with the context of the text. Ive been pleased with the response and questioning students have developed using this strategy.

Maths
Students have looked a broad range of mathematical topics as well as refining and regularly revisiting the basic tenements of functional mathematics. In particular, weve explored problem solving and development of the skills needed to find answers for extended questions (and to answer our own questions in a variety of ways), analyse data and represent it in a number of forms, and recently we have created our own budget plans for a fictional nature park. In between that busy topic schedule, weve revised our (oftentimes lucid) perception of percentage, fractions and decimals. That will continue into next term.

Science
An intensive look this term was given to electricity, light and circuitry, with out class lucky enough to have a hands-on experience with the materials needed to create light. Weve examined and compared the benefits of parallel and series circuits, looked at the structure of a light bulb and the importance of filament, and looked at the important terms surrounding the topic. Ive been impressed by how the students have listened, applied and analyzed in every science lesson this term.

Gibbs 1 End of Term 3 Newsletter. History

Students have taken a balanced and considered look into modern Australian immigration patters and how theyve changed since Federation. Many students have come from families that originally left another country due to conflict, economic pressure or governmental regimes. Weve taken the perspective of a person seeking refugee status to give this exploration greater meaning, A task that was particularly meaningful to students was when we explored the experience of the first Vietnamese war refugees on the boat Hong Hai using a terrific online resource from the National Museum of Australia.

Other
The year 5 students have enjoyed a week of swimming recently; an experience the year 6s will soon have in term 4. Science week took the class to the City of Unley Library where they had a workshop with the Flightastic CSIRO team. Students took a first hand look into the Australian electoral system by participating in preferential voting, creating their own parties and looking at the methods politicians might use to persuade people to vote for them. A class vote was had just after a new Prime Minister was elected. SAPSASA State Day was participated in by 7 Gibbs 1 students, with a high level of success. Students who participated in the NSWU exams received some exceptionally positive results during the term, with Samuel He obtaining a result in the computing exam that placed him in the top half a percent nationally.

Some reminders in preparation for term 4

If you have any tissue boxes to spare, our class would appreciate them greatly. Our rations took a hit in the winter. Swimming payment has been due for the year 6/7 cohort for a few weeks. If you havent made payment yet can you please see that it comes soon. If your student needs a new diary, please let me know. Its critical to communication with you and their own organizational habits that a diary is with them everyday. Students are, as mentioned a few times this year, required to be reading 20-30 minutes every night. Not only does it give them the wonders of placid entertainment, it also increases their vocabulary, develop their capability for empathy, their ability to comprehend messages and symbols. A good writer will generally be a good reader first (in my humble opinion). Students have a binder that can organize all of their books centrally. If you have things you can add to it for better organisation, please think about incorporating the binder in your system.