2025 Term 3 Week 2
- From the Principal - Lisa Cavanagh
- APMI - Kerri-Ann Manthey
- Sports Coordinator News
- Prep - Tennille Kauter
- Year 1 - Jodie Inskip
- Year 2 - Kirralee Bronkhurst
- Year 3 - Sarah McAllister
- Year 3/4 - Stacy Mills
- Year 4 - Katie Green
- Year 5 - Anna Vaessen
- Year 6 - Sandra Rosentreter
- ICAS Testing
- Shaping Our Future
- Census Privacy Collection Notice
- Acceptable Use of ICT Systems
- Strengthening Young People Against Anxiety - Karen Young Webinar
- Transition to Highschool - Webinar for parents and carers
- eSafety Webinar
- NRL After Schools League Stars - Term 3 2025 - Holy Name Primary School
- SQ Tennis Academy
From the Principal - Lisa Cavanagh
Newsletter report Term 3 Week 2
Dear Holy Name Families,
Welcome back to Term 3. The students are off to a flying start to the term, with some fantastic teaching and learning opportunities already happening in all classrooms. The teachers began the term with a special professional learning day, where we were led by TCS staff Tawana Carmody and Lee ann Weekes from the Mission and Identity Team, on a First Nations Pilgrimage and Spirituality Retreat. We travelled to UniSQ’s Gumbi Gumbi Gardens, meeting with Mr Paul Carmody, and to Picnic Point, to learn about Multuggerah and his defence of Meerwah (Tabletop Mountain) at the Battle of One Tree Hill. Staff thoroughly enjoyed the day, gaining insight and knowledge into First Nations perspectives and spirituality.
Catholic Education Week
Next week is Catholic Education Week, an opportunity for us to celebrate all the wonderful things that come with being part of a Catholic school. Our week begins with a shared school / parish Mass at Holy Name Church on Sunday 27th of July at 8:30am. All are invited to attend, and we ask that families bring a plate of morning tea to share after Mass. Our week will be filled with celebrations and events that highlight our wonderful, distinctively Catholic school.
As part of Catholic Education Week, the Toowoomba Catholic Schools conducts a biannual survey – Shaping Our Future – where all staff, parents and students (years 5 and up) are invited to share their thoughts. I encourage all families to complete the survey to help us ensure our school is meeting the educational, social and spiritual needs of our students. A QR Code link is included here in the newsletter and has been emailed to all families from Dr Pat Coughlan – Executive Director of TCS.
Updated policy notification
As a part of your Enrolment Agreement with our school, we agreed to notify you of any changes to policies that form a part of this agreement. The Acceptable use of TCS provided ICT systems, devices and resources policy has recently been reviewed and is available on the Toowoomba Catholic Schools website. I have also included a link to the document in the newsletter.
There are a number of policies uploaded to the Holy Name School website and any official communications are sent via Sentral or through the classroom teacher. The week ahead is also published on the school official Facebook and Instagram pages. Families are encouraged to contact the school office when they have any clarifying questions or concerns.
Parking around the school
As you would be aware, there are some key, busy times in the streets around the school. I ask our families to adhere to the parking signs, ensuring that we are following the road rules and checking that we are not blocking any driveways etc. if you do experience any difficulties in this area, please contact the school office or staff on duty and we can assist you.
Best wishes for the fortnight ahead. I look forward to seeing many of our families at the Catholic Education Week Launch Mass at Holy Name Parish this Sunday.
God bless
Lisa Cavanagh
APMI - Kerri-Ann Manthey
APMI News
As we journey through Week Two of Term Three, we continue to celebrate the values that shape our identity as a Catholic school. This term, our focus on the Gospel Value lived in the Mercy Tradition of Justice and the Learning Power of Collaboration has brought meaningful learning and faith experiences to life across our classrooms.
Justice, as a Gospel value lived in the Mercy tradition, is grounded in the call to honour the dignity of every person and respond with compassion to those most vulnerable. It challenges us to walk alongside others in love, advocate for fairness, and act courageously to bring the healing presence of Christ to our world.
Collaboration, as a Learning Power helps students grow through shared thinking, mutual respect, and teamwork—building understanding together, not alone. It fosters a spirit of generosity in learning, where listening and contributing become pathways to deeper discovery and stronger community.
Looking Ahead: Catholic Education Week
Next week, we join Catholic schools across Queensland in celebrating Catholic Education Week (27 July – 2 August). This year’s theme, Hope: Pilgrims of Faith, Hope & Love, invites us to reflect on our shared mission and the joy of belonging to a faith-filled learning community.
At Holy Name Primary School, we’ll mark this special week with a range of events, including:
- Catholic Education Week Launch Mass at 8.30am on Sunday 27 July at Holy Name Church
- School Photos on Monday 28 July
- Grandparents Day Prayer Celebration at 8.45am on Wednesday 30 July at the MEAC hosted by Prep, celebrating the wisdom and love of our extended family
- Catholic Netball Carnival for Years 5–6 on Thursday 31 July
- Class Reflections throughout the week, highlighting the spirit of Catholic education
- Bishop’s Inservice Day a Staff Professional Development Day (Student Free Day) on Friday 01 August
We look forward to sharing these moments with you and celebrating the gift of Catholic education that nurtures hearts, minds, and souls.
Blessings,
Kerri-Ann Manthey
Prayer
Loving God,
You call us to be pilgrims of hope, walking together in faith and love. Bless our Catholic schools, where hearts are nurtured, minds are inspired, and spirits are lifted. May our learning be filled with wonder, our teaching rooted in truth, and our community united in compassion. Help us to see your presence in each person we meet, and to live as beacons of your light in the world. As we celebrate Catholic Education Week, may we grow in courage, kindness, and joy— always guided by the example of Jesus and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Term Three Date Claimers:
Friday 25 July Year Three/Four Parish Mass 9.00am (Holy Name Church)
Friday 27 July Catholic Education Week Launch Mass 8.30am (Holy Name Church)
Wednesday 30 July Grandparents’ Day Prayer Celebration 8.45am Hosted by Prep (MEAC)
Friday 01 August Bishop’s Inservice Day – Student Free Day
Wednesday 06 August Fr Darrell Classroom Visit Year Four 10.00am
Thursday 07 August Michael Mangan Concert 9.15am MEAC
Thursday 07 August St Mary Of The Cross Mackillop Prayer Celebration 2.15pm Hosted by Year Three/Four (MEAC)
Friday 08 August St Mary Of The Cross Mackillop Feast Day
Friday 08 August Year Four Parish Mass Attendance 9.00am (Holy Name Church)
Wednesday 13 August Fr Darrell Classroom Visit Year Three/Four 10.00am
Friday 15 August Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary Mass 9.00am (Holy Name Church)
Wednesday 20 August Fr Darrell Classroom Visit Year Three 10.00am
Friday 22 August Year Five Parish Mass Attendance 9.00am (Holy Name Church)
Wednesday 27 August Fr Darrell Classroom Visit Year Two 10.00am
Friday 29 August Year Six Parish Mass Attendance 9.00am (Holy Name Church)
Monday 01 September St Mary Of The Southern Cross Feast Day 10.00am Year Six (St Patrick’s Cathedral)
Wednesday 03 September Fr Darrell Classroom Visit Year One 10.00am
Thursday 04 September Father’s Day Prayer Celebration 8.45am Hosted by Year Two (MEAC)
Wednesday 10 September Fr Darrell Classroom Visit Prep 10.00am
Wednesday 17 September Wellness Wednesday
Wednesday 17 September Fr Darrell Classroom Visit Year Six 10.00am
Thursday 18 September Mercy Day Mass 9.00am Hosted by Year Five (Holy Name Church)
Thursday 18 September Footsteps Of Jesus Awards Assembly
Sports Coordinator News
Junior Chess is on the move in Toowoomba again! The annual Toowoomba District “Primary School” Teams Chess Championship is coming up soon. This year it has a new name and a new sponsor:
2025 Heron Eyecare Primary Teams Chess Classic
Last year the tournament attracted around 471 students from local schools around the region.
Our desire is to promote and display the value and benefits of chess throughout the Toowoomba district community. The tournament atmosphere is something to behold. The children love it!
The tournament is open to all primary school students and caters for Year 1 to Year 6 (male & female).
The top 12 teams will go into a new tournament where they will compete to qualify to enter the Queensland Inter-school Teams State Finals. The final number of teams to represent the local region will depend on the number of entries we receive.
I would greatly appreciate your support by promoting the tournament in your local school newsletter and by your organizational input within your school. Your help guarantees success.
Important Dates:
Tuesday 2 September 2025 – Heron Eyecare Primary Teams Chess Classic
Saturday 7 September 2024 – Toowoomba District Primary Teams State Qualifier
The details for the Primary Teams Chess Championship are as follows:
Date
Tuesday, 2 September 2025
Start Time
8.30am arrival for a 9.00am start.
Pickup & Drop Off
Car and bus parking is available in the big, grassed area just before the Founders Pavilion.
Finish Time
Approximately 4.00pm
Venue
Founders Pavilion - Toowoomba Showgrounds
Divisions
There will be 2 divisions:
Open Division (All Ages)
Novice Division (Years 1 – 3)
Prizes
- Perpetual Trophy – 1st Place Team Overall (Open Division)
- Perpetual Trophy – Les Lord All Rookie Encouragement Award (Open Division)
These prizes will be repeated in both divisions:
- 1st Place – (4 trophies)
- 2nd Place – (4 trophies)
- 3rd Place – (4 trophies)
- 4th Place – (4 medallions)
- 5th Place – (4 medallions)
- Best All-Female Team (4 trophies)
- Outstanding Team Achievement Award (4 trophies) (Novice Division Only)
Entry Fees
$95.00 per team of four
No. of Rounds
7 Rounds
Deadline For Entries
Friday 29 August 2025 at 6.00 pm.
Food and Drink
Details of canteen onsite will be provided in due course.
Other Important Details
- Each school needs to have a representative/s (eg. teacher) from their school for the supervision & responsibility of their students. See Tournament Participation Rules.
- It is recommended that students bring a book, or a ball to play with in between the rounds/games.
- It is recommended that students bring bottled water on the day.
- Please collect the money for all your students (at your end). The Toowoomba Chess Club will invoice your school for the total amount of teams from your school after the event.
- All parents/family members/friends etc are able to attend the tournament.
- Information about the Toowoomba District Primary Teams State Qualifier will be handed out to the school representatives involved at the end of the Primary Teams Chess Championship. Please stay until the end to allow for the distribution of this information to the top teams’ schools. Note: This is important because it is on Saturday 6 September 2025. It will also be put up on the website under school tournaments.
Entry Forms
https://toowoombachessclub.com.au/school-tournaments/heron-eyecare-primary-teams-chess-classic/
Please download both entry forms above, complete and send your completed entry forms (Open and Junior Divisions) to sam@toowoombachessclub.com.au by the entry deadline.
You will find one entry form for each division. Please complete the details in the relevant columns and make sure you group each team on the entry form, giving each member of one team the same team number.
Enquiries
Please direct all enquiries to Sam Buckley, Toowoomba Chess Club on 0413 147 494 or email sam@toowoombachessclub.com.au.
Prep - Tennille Kauter
Prep Newsletter – Welcome to Term 3!
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back! I hope you all enjoyed a well-earned rest and are feeling refreshed for another busy and exciting term in Prep.
This term, our enthusiastic Prep students will reach a major milestone — their 100th Day of School!
It’s always a delightful and fun-packed celebration, filled with smiles, creativity, and plenty of counting fun. On Thursday 24th July, students are encouraged to wear ‘bright clothes’ to tie in with our theme- ‘100 days BRIGHTER!’
Week 3 – Grandparents Day
We are thrilled to be celebrating Grandparents Day in Week 3. Prep students have the special privilege of presenting the Prayer Celebration, and following this, grandparents will be warmly invited to spend time in the classroom with the children. More details will be shared soon!
Buddies
Buddies will continue this term on Monday afternoons. Students have thoroughly enjoyed connecting with the Year 6 group and are excited to build on those friendships in the weeks ahead.
Homework & Library
- Homework will follow the same routine as Semester 1: handed out on Tuesdays and returned the following Tuesday.
- Library sessions also run on Tuesdays. Please ensure your child brings their library bag and returns any books or home readers.
Curriculum Focus – Term 3
Religion
- How can I be like Jesus in my world?
English
- Fairy tale unit with a focus on characters, sequencing, retells, and preferences
- Introduction of Set 3 of the alphabet in Decodable Readers Australia
Mathematics
- Building number knowledge
- Addition and subtraction
- Positional language and measurement
- Learning Through Doing program continues
Science
- Investigating objects and materials
HASS (Geography)
- Exploring special places and their significance
We're looking forward to another wonderful term of learning and growth. Thank you for your continued support!
Mrs Kauter and Mrs Thomas
Year 1 - Jodie Inskip
Year 1 News – Term 3
Welcome back to Term 3! We hope you had a restful and joyful break. This term promises to be full of exciting learning opportunities, special events, and memorable moments for our wonderful Year 1 students.
Below you will find an overview of the curriculum areas we will be working on this term.
Religion
This term in Religion, students will learn about how we can live the way God wants us to—by caring for each other, the world around us, and living in loving communities. They’ll hear stories from the Old Testament that show how God was present and active in people’s lives.
We’ll also explore different ways to pray, including quiet, meditative prayer using music, prayer beads, and closing our eyes to help us focus and feel close to God.
English
This term in English, students will continue developing their reading, writing, and speaking skills. They’ll continue to build their awareness of sounds in words through phonics and spelling, and work on reading with fluency and understanding. In writing, students will learn how to construct simple and compound sentences and use these to create their own texts.
Maths
This term in Maths, students will explore two-digit numbers and deepen their understanding of place value. They’ll practise addition and subtraction facts using different strategies and begin learning about multiplication by making equal groups. We’ll also investigate the features of 2D and 3D shapes, compare the weight of objects using balance and “hefting,” and learn how to collect and display data using simple graphs.
Science
This term, our young scientists will explore the question: “How do push and pull forces affect how things move?”
Students will learn how different strengths and directions of pushes and pulls can change the way objects move or change shape. They’ll make predictions, carry out simple investigations, and record their observations.
HaSS (Humanities and Social Sciences)
This term in HaSS, students will explore the features of local places—natural (like rivers), managed (like parks), and constructed (like buildings). They’ll learn how these places can change over time and how different groups, including First Nations Australians, care for them.
Through an inquiry process, students will ask questions, gather information, and use maps to record what they discover.
On behalf of the Year 1 team, we look forward to a term filled with learning, laughter, and fun. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you again at this term’s Learning Meetings (Tuesday 26 August) to discuss your child’s journey in Year 1 this year.
Year 2 - Kirralee Bronkhurst
Year 2 Newsletter
Welcome back! I hope you had a relaxing break and are ready for an exciting Term 3. This term, we’ll be diving into new learning adventures, exploring new topics, and continuing to build our skills in all aspects at Holy Name.
This terms overview:
Religion - Students recognise the sacredness of God and all creation, especially human life. They identify ways in which human being respond to the call to be co-creators and stewards of God’s creation. They recognise that prayer and the wisdom of the saints help the believer to nurture their relationship with God, with others and with all creation.
Mathematics - Students will recognise and describe one-half as one of 2 equal parts of a whole and connect halves, quarters and eighths through repeated halving. They will multiply and divide by one-digit numbers using repeated addition, equal grouping, arrays, and partitioning to support a variety of calculation strategies. Students will add and subtract one- and two-digit numbers, representing problems using number sentences and solve using part-part-whole reasoning and a variety of calculation strategies. They will recall and demonstrate proficiency with multiplication facts for twos; extend and apply facts to develop the related division facts using doubling and halving. Students will identify common uses and represent halves, quarters and eighths in relation to shapes, objects and events and will recognise, compare and classify shapes, referencing the number of sides and using spatial terms such as “opposite”, “parallel”, “curved” and “straight”.
English - Students will learn how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories are represented in Dreaming stories, focusing on the features, behaviours and characteristics of animals. Students will discuss preference for characters and write about an animal, with a focus on using complex sentences and using Tier 2 words. Students will make inferences while reading the various stories.
AND
Students are learning about hybrid texts using Great White Shark by Clare Saxby as a model. Students will be learning about informative text writing and descriptive text writing. Students will be learning how to retrieve information from books and websites. They will use this factual information to produce a mini hybrid text on seals.
HASS - Students learn about the history of Toowoomba's landmarks and their significance to our local area. They will also research people of significance to our community.
Science - Students will recognise Earth is a planet in the solar system and identify patterns in the changing position of the sun, moon, planets and stars in the sky.
Design and Technology - Students explore corn and cotton production from planting of seeds to human use and the technology used to assist in this.
Looking forward to seeing the curiosity and creativity our Year 2 students bring to the classroom each day. Thank you for your continued support and I can’t wait to share another fantastic term with you!
Year 3 - Sarah McAllister
Term 3 Learning Overview for Year 3 – A Message for Our Parents and Guardians
Dear families,
Welcome to Term 3!
🗓️Key Term 3 dates:
- Thursday 24th July, 2:30pm: Year 3 Assembly presentation (Feast of Mary Magdelene)
- Sunday 27th July, 8:30am Holy Name Church: Catholic Education Week Launch - all welcome!
- Catholic Education Week Monday 28th July - Friday 1st August
- Monday 28th July: School Photos (Full correct winter uniforms and neat hair please)
- Wednesday 30th July, 8:45am: Grandparent's Day Prayer Celebration
- Friday 1st August: Staff Professional Development (Pupil Free Day - NO SCHOOL)
- Wednesday 6th August: Year 3 Amaroo Excursion "Mapping and Tracking"
- Tuesday 19th August: Book Week Parade
- Monday 25th August - Wednesday 27th August: Mrs Mac away at Retreat
- Thursday 4th September, 8:45am: Father's Day Prayer Celebration
- Friday 5th September: Staff Professional Development (Pupil Free Day - NO SCHOOL)
- Wednesday 17th September: Wellness Wednesday
- Thursday 18th September: Mercy Day Celebrations & Mass at 9am
- Friday 19th September: Holy Name Ball Games Extravaganza
We have a vibrant and enriching Term 3 ahead, packed with curiosity, creativity and critical thinking across all learning areas. Here's what our Year 3 students will be exploring:
🕊️ Religion – Images of God
Students will engage with different ways people describe and relate to God, exploring how religious imagery shapes understanding and meaning. They'll reflect on how these perceptions of God influence values and beliefs in everyday life.
🔬 Science – Transfer of Heat
Through hands-on experiments, students will investigate how heat moves through different materials. They'll explore conduction, convection and insulation while considering real-world applications in our unit "Scorching Swings and Slides"
🏗️ Design Technology – STEM Playground Design Ideas
In this STEM-focused project, students will channel their inner designers to imagine and create models of inclusive, imaginative playgrounds. This task encourages teamwork, spatial thinking and design innovation based on feedback and function.
🗺️ Geography – Australia and Its Neighbouring Countries
Students will deepen their understanding of Australia's place in the world by exploring nearby nations, discovering key geographical features and learning about cultural and economic connections with our neighbours.
🌿 First Nations Australian Culture and History
We’ll honour and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples. Through stories, artworks and historical inquiry, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the world’s oldest continuing cultures and their contribution to contemporary Australia.
🧮 Mathematics – Time and Money
This term’s focus will be telling time on both analog and digital clocks and managing money in everyday contexts. Students will develop problem-solving skills through scenarios like budgeting for a party or planning a travel itinerary.
📖 ✍️ English – Novel Study and Persuasive Writing
Our literary anchor is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate—a touching story that opens conversations about empathy, captivity and friendship. Alongside reading comprehension and response tasks, students will strengthen their persuasive writing skills by crafting arguments on topics based on rich literature.
🎨 Art Show Spotlight – “Pilgrims of Hope” (date to be confirmed!)
We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Art Show, themed Pilgrims of Hope. This student art exhibition will showcase the creativity and heartfelt expression of our students as they explore what hope looks like through a Catholic lens - whether it’s chasing dreams, overcoming challenges, or imagining a brighter future for all. Each artwork tells a story, and together they form a powerful visual journey that celebrates compassion, resilience, optimism and HOPE. We warmly welcome you to support our budding artists! More information to come....
✨ We're so excited for the discoveries and growth this term will bring. Thank you for your ongoing support in making our learning journey dynamic and meaningful.
Warm regards,
Mrs Mac 🧑🏫🌟
Year 3/4 - Stacy Mills
Welcome back to Term 3! We have a few key events that we are looking forwards to this term. We are presenting a Prayer Celebration in Week 4, and the Year 3 class will participate in an excursion to Amaroo during this week also. Year 4 will get to visit Amaroo during Week 10. Book Week Parade will occur in Week 6. The following is an overview of what we will be covering in each key learning area this term.
In English, students will gain a deeper understanding of the textual concepts of genre and perspective and context through an analysis of the texts Icebergs, The Big Book of Antarctica and Earth’s Incredible Oceans. Throughout the unit, students will apply their understanding of genre to group texts according to their purpose, subject matter, form, structure and language choices. Students will experiment with genre to create a hybrid text based on the work of Claire Saxby.
In recognise students will learn about the Trinity, by identifying and explaining some Scriptural passages that express God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They will also learn about and explain ways in which the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist) welcome and strengthen members of the Church community. They will describe significant people, events and features of a parish and diocese, past and present, including the collaboration of clergy, religious and laity. Finally, they will investigate Church community and describe practices and characteristics of contemporary parishes and dioceses (including celebration of the Sacraments of Anointing of the Sick and Penance) and explain how these are modelled on the mission and ministry of Jesus.
In this term's mathematics curriculum for Year 3/4, we will focus on a diverse set of key concepts. Student will cover the following: Representing Data, Represent Numbers – Number Lines, Place Value, Multiplication and Division, Time, Mass, Addition and Subtraction – Inverse (Yr 3), Equations – Multiplication and Division (Yr 4), 2D Shape, Subtraction Strategies – Break Up
In Science, students will develop an understanding of the different ways heat energy is produced. They will investigate the production of heat through friction, explore how heat energy is produced, and identify different sources of heat. They will also investigate and conduct an experiment about how heat energy moves and flows from one object to another. Students will learn that we can measure heat using thermometers and will investigate the effects of heat energy on our everyday lives. Students will also learn about various types of forces, including frictional, gravitational and magnetic. The key understanding will be that forces can be exerted by one object on another through direct contact or from a distance and affect the motion (speed and direction) of objects is explored throughout the lessons.
In Hass students will learn about community. They will explore the rich history, culture, and knowledge of Australia’s First Nations People. They will describe the diversity of experiences of people in Australia prior to and following 1788. Students will explore and identify the causes of the establishment of the first British colony in Australia in 1788. They will examine the journeys of explorers who sailed the route to Australia, and of others who then went on to explore the Australian coastline.
In Design and Technologies, students will investigate how forces and the properties of materials affect the behaviour of systems and products. This unit addresses the Engineering principles and systems context, along with the Technologies and Society context outcomes.
Year 4 - Katie Green
Term 3 is off to a busy and exciting start as our Year 4 class embraces a range of dynamic learning experiences—anchored by our shared reading goal: “I will use clues from the text and my own knowledge to figure out what the author means.”
In English and History, students are immersing themselves in the Stories of the First Fleet, investigating the motivations for transportation, the types of crimes that led individuals to be sent to Australia, and the diverse groups—families, children, convict guards—who made the voyage. They're also exploring the societal views of the poor, how prisoners were treated, and examining what life was like in the Botany Bay penal settlement, including the challenges faced and how they were managed. These inquiries are supported by rich texts, group discussions, and reflective activities that build comprehension and critical thinking.
In Mathematics, our focus is on reading analogue and digital clocks, calculating time durations, recognising and using Australian currency, and mastering multiplication facts for 7s, 8s, and 9s through games, collaborative problem-solving, and differentiated tasks. Alongside academic content, each student has crafted a personalised reading goal. It’s shaping up to be a term full of historical inquiry, mathematical exploration, and literacy growth!
Year 5 - Anna Vaessen
Welcome to Term 3. I hope everyone has had a restful break and is ready to tackle another busy term. We started the first week off by doing different activities to celebrate and acknowledge NAIDOC week. The year 5 class will be attending the Catholic Schools Netball Carnival on Thursday 31st July with the Year 6 class. This term we will also be engaging in Science Week rotations, watching performances (Shake & Stir, Michael Mangan. There is also Book Week activities, assemblies, Masses and finishing off with a Ball Games Carnival. Wow!
In English this term we are studying the book Wonder. It explores concepts and the world through the eyes of a “different” young boy who is in Year 5. The students will be completing a portfolio on the text and also writing their own chapter to go with it. We are continuing to use the Diocese Approach to Reading and Diocese Approach to Spelling programs and consolidating learning through different types of Apps and media.
Mathematical concepts are still a big focus and we have been using a hands on approach with the program Learning Through Doing. We continue to develop our knowledge of concepts and develop problem solving skills using Mathletics. It is fantastic to see how much all of the students have improved at their rolling numbers!
In HASS this term we are focusing on Civics and Citizenship, specifically the responsibilities of the different levels of government, discovering democracy and the voting process. Students will identify the values: Freedom, Equality, Respect, and Justice and explain the process of voting in relation to Australian Democracy.
Science this term follows closely on from our HASS knowledge last term. We are exploring how the Earth has changed over time and the processes that can make those changes such as erosion, climate change and weathering.
We have two units for Religion, the first of which is looking at pioneering Catholics (such as the Sisters of Mercy) and how they paved the way for todays church. The second unit use features of Gospel texts to show how the Gospel writers shaped their Gospels for particular communities. Students will explore the wisdom of the saints, including St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, for communities of believers.
The students will continue to attend specialist Library, Arts, PE and Health lessons, and our timetables have not changed. As always please email me if you have any concerns.
Year 6 - Sandra Rosentreter
Religion
Unit 4: How does the Australian Church continue the New Law of Jesus today?
Students identify and describe many ways in which faith is lived out in the lives of believers past and present, including Catholics in a developing Australian nation (c. 1900 CE to present). They explain the significance of Jesus' New Law for the way believers live their faith and examine the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. They demonstrate an understanding of the term 'communion of saints'.
Unit 5: How do I talk with God?
In this unit, students identify and describe many ways in which faith is lived out in the lives of believers. They explain the significance of personal and communal prayer, including the Our Father and The Examen, and the use of spiritual exercises, including reflective prayer journaling and praying with the icons of the saints, for the spiritual life of believers. They explore the term 'communion of saints' and the spiritual bond that exists, through Baptism, between all the members of the Church, living and dead. They participate respectfully in a variety of these personal and communal prayer experiences and spiritual exercises.
English
Unit: Once by Morris Gleitzman
Once is a captivating and heart-wrenching historical novel written by Morris Gleitzman. Set during World War II, the story follows the journey of Felix Salinger, a young Jewish boy living in Poland. The students will read and analyse the novel, focusing on its themes and historical context. They will research Poland, its geography, culture, and history during World War II and write an information text based on research.
Mathematics
Number and Algebra:
Students continue to develop their understanding of fractions. They will apply their knowledge of the order of operations to solve multi-step problems. Students will apply mental computation and estimation strategies when working with decimals.
Statistics and Probability:
Students will create compound column graphs and manage continuous numerical data using groups.
Measurement:
Students examine angles and use angle relationships to identify unknown angles. They will apply the rule to calculate the area of a rectangle and investigate surface area. Students will also use timetables (12 and 24 hour) to plan activities.
Space:
Students will investigate and create tessellations involving 2D shapes.
Science
Unit: Living Things in Their Environment
In this unit, students will investigate how physical conditions of the environment affect the survival of living things. Investigating organisms that live in extreme environments, students will learn that changes in physical conditions will affect the behaviour and survival of living things, including animals that migrate or hibernate, and mould growth. Students will investigate how changing the physical conditions for plants impacts on their growth and survival and understand that First Nations Peoples’ knowledge of the physical conditions necessary for the survival of living things helps them protect the natural environment.
HaSS
Unit: The People and Places of Asia
In this unit students study the continent of Asia. The location of different countries and some of the key geographical features of the continent are looked at in detail. There is guided investigation into the lifestyles that different people lead in a variety of Asian countries and students learn about the differences in population, employment and ways of life. Students also complete an independent research project on a chosen Asian country.
Digital Technologies
This unit incorporates an engaging game called Stair Jumper. Students become user interface detectives, identifying areas for improvement in the game's interface. Through interactive activities and collaborative exercises, they delve into the essential elements of user interface design. Students work together to assess in-game screens, analyse code and make real-time modifications to enhance the user experience. They delve into the logic of algorithms by exploring flowchart symbols and the decision-making processes in programming.
ICAS Testing
ICAS Tests
Thank you to those who have already purchased ICAS tests for their children in Years 3-6. If you wish to read further information or make a purchase, please click on the link. ICAS letter 2025.docx Registration for all subject areas closes on Monday 28 July at 11:59pm.
Holy Name students will sit the tests between 8.30-10.30am on the following dates:
English | Wednesday 13 August |
Science | Wednesday 20 August |
Spelling | Wednesday 20 August |
Mathematics | Wednesday 27 August |
The contents of this email are confidential. Any unauthorised use of the contents is expressly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please advise the sender by email or contact support at support@twb.catholic.edu.au and delete / destroy the email and any printed copies. Thank you.