Senior School Parent Information Session

1. Senior School Parent Information Session Thursday 14th March 2013

2. Welcome (Amy) • Curriculum in 5/6 • Literacy • Numeracy • Inquiry (Science & History) • ICT (School Website, Cyber Safety) • Specialist classes • Homework • Mobile Phone Usage • Behaviour & Protocols • Questions- welcome throughout

3. Curriculum- Literacy (Amy) • Literacy • Reading Groups • Whole Class Reading Sessions: Lisa K Reading Comprehension Strategies • Independent Readers • Reading Structure: • Whole class reading activity on Mondays • Reading Group lessons over a 6 session cycle: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Tues, Wed. • 3 x Teacher groups, 3 x Independent groups alternating • T group: Reciprocal Reading, Spelling/Word Study, Genre Focus (Information Reports/Persuasive Texts) • I group: Computer based research tasks, Comprehension activity, Speaking & Listening Activity (e.g. readers theatre/role play) • All students are grouped according to specific needs.

4. Curriculum- Literacy (Amy) • Writing- Choice Writing, Writer’s Notebook, Genre Focus, Teacher Modelling, Teacher Conference, Author’s Chair • Writing: • Conditionsfor writing and expectations • Structure of lesson • Genreswill include choice writing, information reports and persuasive pieces • Skills will include planning, brainstorming, editing, structuring pieces to match a specific genre, self and peer assessment, inspiration for writing

5. Curriculum- numeracy (Daniel) • Numeracy: • Monday: Problem Solving focus in own class • Tuesday: Number Groups 1 (Students are grouped according to their needs in number based topics) • Wednesday: Number Groups 2 (Follow up lesson to Tuesday) • Thursday: Maths Zones 1 (Lessons for maths topics other than number, the topic is split into 3 ability zones, the teachers for each zone change depending on the topic, students choose the zone they think matches their ability- with teacher discretion) • Friday: Maths Zones 2 (Follow up lesson) • Homework will match the Number group students are in.

6. Inquiry- science & history topics (stuart) • Changes to AUSVELS • Focus on Science & History • Shorter topic length to cover all that is required • Term 1: Earthquake Explorers, Earth’s Place in Space • Term 2: The Gold Rush/Migration to Australia, Australian Politics • Term 3: Australian Politics,Energy- It’s Electrifying/ Essential Energy/ Light Show • Term 4: Chemistry- Marvellous Micro Organisms, Biology- Desert Survivors/Animal Survival

7. ICT (daniel) • School Website (Information available, password) • http://toorakps.vic.edu.au/grades-56 • Student Netbooks/ Chargers/ Expectations • Bring their netbook every day • Bring their netbook charged • School Netbooks - For students who do not have their own netbook • Cyber Safety http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/ • Incorporation of Netbooks into daily lessons • Netbooks are used daily & need to be at school

8. Specialist classes (stuart) • Art • French • PE • Library • Music Other: • 5/6 Sport sessions • Conduct Art activities in class and visit art room when applicable • Taking classes to the library every 2nd week • French websites provided by Madame will be incorporated throughout the week for several mini lessons • French Word of the Day • Music in class & Production Practice

9. Mobile phone policy (stuart) • Is your child carrying a mobile phone to and from school? • Please provide a written note to inform the class teacher of this. • Phones must be switched off during the hours of 9.00am-3.30pm. • Contact and messages to students must be made through the office during these hours.

10. Homework (Daniel) • Handed out on Monday afternoons • Due back the Friday of the following week • Grid compiled of 9 boxes • Inquiry, Art & Design, Literacy & Numeracy sections will change to reflect the class teaching and learning. • Physical Activity, Reading, Values & Spelling will remain relatively the same each week. • Numeracy will be tailored to specific number group needs and set by that maths teacher. • We recognise the added pressure of many students having extra curricular commitments outside of school hours. Please see your child’s teacher if your child is struggling with the workload. • We are very conscious of ensuring the students are prepared for the heavy workload they are soon to face in secondary school.

12. Behaviour & protocols (amy) • Student Leadership- Very high expectations • Expectations of senior school students • Behaviours & consequences • Representing the school • As in all year levels at Toorak Primary School, the teachers have very high expectations for the behaviour and conduct of all 5/6 students. • As leaders and role models in the school to the younger students it is of the utmost importance that they follow and adhere to the protocols developed as a group at the beginning of the year. • Please encourage and discuss the below protocols with your child. We appreciate your support in this area of your child’s development.

13. Toorak Primary School Leaders

14. Protocols & consequences • Protocols: • We are respectful of everyone and all materials we use. • We stay on task and strive to extend our learning. • We are active and respectful listeners. • We are responsible, mature role models. • We will think, act and speak positively. • Consequences: • General hint given in relation to the protocol. • Verbal warning given to specific student in relation to protocol. • Student moved to another area in the classroom. • Student sent to another classroom to work. Restorative Practices conversation with teacher. • Student sent to office to speak with principal or assistant principal. Parents called and informed.

15. Other/Questions: • Late Arrivals/ Absence Notes • Class Reps needed please • Parent Volunteers (Gala Days, Displays, Resources, Reading with students etc) • Thank you for attending, we appreciate your time and support of the Senior School Students.