5/6 Parent Information evening

questions If you have questions during the evening, please feel free to write them down. If time permits, we will answer this evening, if not, replies will be posted on the class blogs. If you think of a question later on, please either post the question on the blog, send via email or write in the student diary

buddies In term 1 we will be doing training to prepare our Grade 5/6 students to be buddies with the Prep (Foundation) students. In term 2 students will be matched up with a Foundation Buddy. We will meet weekly – once a fortnight to complete a learning activity together, once a fortnight to eat our lunch together. In term 4 we celebrate our year together with a special excursion.

homework The homework policy sets out school expectations for home learning. This can be accessed on our school website, class blog and Year 5/6 Handbook Beginning in week 3 (following our establishment program) students will have homework set on Monday, to be completed by the following Monday. Homework may include 100 Word Challenge, BTN or Herald Sun reflection, HotMaths tasks, reading reflection, commenting on classmates blogs and will include filling in a weekly reading log. At different times during the year there may be variety to the general homework tasks where Literature Circles, Class Masters and Projects.

sport Term 1 – Gala Sport Term 2 – Winter Sports Term 3 – SEPEP Term 4 – Leadership development for Year 5’s – preparing the Year 4’s for Gala sport in 2019 (Grade 6’s generally work on their graduation celebration) Students who achieve excellent results in Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics may be eligible to compete in district sporting events. Parent assistance will be required.

communication It is vital to maintain communication between home and school. Student diaries may be utilised to convey notes between parents and teachers All teachers regularly check their school email Appointments can be made to speak to classroom teachers Teachers will be available in the classroom before and after school for 10 minutes for brief questions or to organise a mutually suitable appointment time. Teachers are available to be contacted by phone when they are not teaching.

Parent helpers There will be a number of opportunities to assist during the year including: Camp Public Transport (P.T.) Challenge Gala and Winter Sports Excursions Athletics and Swimming sports Cross Country District Level sport – particularly District Cross Country Please read the expectations for parent helpers as stated in the recent newsletter so you ensure you are eligible to assist

All staff, visitors and volunteers working with children in our school (including classrooms, school yard, incursions, stalls, etc) must, before they will be allowed to enter the school: Sign in at the office, Read and sign the Child Safe Code of Conduct at the office every year Provide evidence of holding a relevant qualification. This includes a Victorian Institute of Teaching card, a Working with Children’s Check card or equivalent. Any parents, carers or other visitors to the school should not be on the school premises (yard, corridors or classrooms) during school hours without first signing in at the office. While our parents helping in the classes won’t start until later this term, if you are planning to assist we encourage you to apply for a Working with Children’s Card ASAP

blogs Students will post samples of work regularly on their blog. Homework such as 100 word challenges and BTN reflections will be posted weekly. Students are encouraged to read each other’s work and to comment appropriately. We would encourage you to spend some time reading and commenting on your child’s blog too. Please ask your child to introduce you to their blog and show you how to navigate it.

Transition to secondary school During the year the year 6 students will be sent home forms to be completed by their parents. These forms are generally filled out in May- more information will be made available as soon as it comes to hand. These forms are then returned to school where we will process the secondary schools selection according to Department guidelines. It is important that the students and their families visit several schools to assist them in their selection. It is also recommended that year 5 students begin the process by visiting schools to start the conversation – student interests, school curriculum, specific curriculum offered etc. As the process gets underway please contact your child’s classroom teacher if there are any concerns.   You will be given updates as the process progresses, and, where necessary, support and face-to-face meetings can be arranged with individual families.

Specialists and timetables Specialists for the 5/6 cohort are held on Tuesday and Thursday. Please check your child’s class blog for a detailed timetable. It would be great to check out the specialist blogs (accessed through the school website). These give a great insight into what is happening outside the general classroom.

uniforms Reminder that the school uniform is to be adhered to. Details can be found on the school website under policies. Polo tops Hats (September 1st to April 30th)

hygeine Deodrant Sanitary Provisions

CAMP – Canberra 25 – 29 June 2018 Camp will be in the last week of term 2 (25-29th June) We will travel to Canberra by bus Cost will be approximately $600 - $700 depending on numbers. An expression of interest form will be sent home soon so we can determine numbers. We will be seeking some parent helpers – details to follow

questions If you have questions during the evening, please feel free to write them down. If time permits, we will answer this evening, if not, replies will be posted on the class blogs. If you think of a question later on, please either post the question on the blog, send via email or write in the student diary

haigh.elizabeth.j@edumail.vic.gov.au barclay.caitlyn.c@edumail.vic.gov.au brock.antony.j@edumail.vic.gov.au