Term 4 Insider #1
Term 4 is shaping up to be an exciting and memorable end to the year for our Year 5 students.
In English, we’ll step into the creative world of poetry, exploring how figurative language, rhyme and rhythm work together to create meaning and mood. Students will experiment with different poetic forms, with a particular focus on writing their own odes and ballads, applying what they learn to craft expressive and engaging poems.
In Mathematics, we’ll build skills in two key areas: data and chance. Students will learn how to organise and present information clearly using a range of graphs, and they’ll explore how to use Excel spreadsheets to process and interpret data effectively. In our study of chance, we’ll investigate the probability of different events occurring, using experiments and real-world examples to understand likelihood in practical contexts.
Our HASS unit this term centres on natural hazards, with a particular focus on bushfires. Students will explore how and why these events occur, their impact on people and environments, and the ways communities can prepare for and respond to them.
In Science, our focus on Earth science will help students understand how weathering, erosion, and deposition shape the Earth’s surface. Through investigations and hands-on activities, they’ll discover how these processes can bring about both slow and rapid changes to our planet over time.
Technology will offer a creative and practical challenge as students design and build their own 3D-printed boats. These boats will need to float and self-propel, encouraging students to think critically about the design process, apply problem-solving skills, and test and refine their prototypes.
Beyond the classroom, there’s plenty to look forward to, including the Swimming Carnival, our school musical Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS, the Primary Disco, and our end-of-year Awards Night. It’s set to be a fantastic final term, and we’re excited to celebrate all that our Year 5 students will achieve!
Introducing Mrs Newman
Hello Year 5 families!
My name is Gemma Newman and I am excited to be joining the 5VAL class for Term 4. I will be teaching on Wednesdays and Thursdays, focusing on Science and HASS, along with daily Maths and English.
For those that don’t know me, I am returning back to TMC after taking maternity leave and long service leave. I have been teaching at TMC since the Primary School first opened 10 years ago, and over the years I’ve had the privilege of teaching across Years 2, 3, 4 and 5. My passion for teaching began after spending a year in England working at a boarding school, where I realised I wanted to become a teacher.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my husband Luke, our 4.5 year old son Cohen, and our 16 month old daughter, Gracie. Our family also includes two chocolate Labradors, Charli and Olly. Together we enjoy days out at theme parks, the beach, and local parks, as well as quiet time at home where you’ll find me sewing, watching movies or TV shows.
I am looking forward to working with 5VAL and getting to know both the students and their families this term.
Mrs Gemma Newman
Accessing your child's TMC account from home
Logging into school accounts from home can sometimes be tricky. If your child encounters a login issue, they may need to use their Student ID code first. This can be found on their Student Card (beneath the barcode) or on their bag tag.
When prompted for an Employee ID, enter the last five digits of the Student ID code.
For step-by-step instructions, visit https://www.tmc.qld.edu.au/resources/for-students/it-howtos and look for the 'Access from Home' page.
The Aristocats Musical
We’re excited to remind families about our upcoming school musical, Disney’s The Aristocats KIDS, taking place this term! Our students have been working incredibly hard, and we can’t wait to showcase their talents in two special performances:
- Wednesday 5 November – Matinee Performance at 12:00pm
- Saturday 8 November – Afternoon Performance at 3:00pm
Please check the email sent by Mr Stevens on Thursday 18 September for the ticket booking link.
Tutorials
Maths tutorials will be offered again this term from Week 2 to Week 8, taking place every Tuesday from 2:50 pm to 3:30 pm. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity for students to revise key concepts and strengthen their confidence. At the end of each session, staff will walk students to the car park — please ensure you arrive on time to collect your child.
Students who attended last term are warmly invited to continue, and we’ll also reach out to families directly if we feel their child would benefit from joining the tutorials.
Uniforms
A quick reminder that our uniform schedule remains the same as last term. Sports uniforms should be worn on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, while formal uniforms are required on Mondays and Thursdays.
Please also ensure that students are following the jewellery and hair expectations outlined in the TMC Uniform Policy: Student Uniform and Personal Appearance Policy. As we move into Term 4, a reminder that boys are not required to wear a tie.
Thank you for helping students arrive each day dressed appropriately and ready to learn!
TMC Stationery Drive for Beaucare
It’s that time of year again when our community comes together to support a great cause! This term, TMC is running a Stationery Drive to help local organisation Beaucare, which provides book packs for families in need across the Scenic Rim.
Students and families are encouraged to donate new and unused stationery such as pens, pencils, notebooks, grid books, coloured pencils, erasers, glue sticks, rulers, and other school supplies. Collection boxes will be available in classrooms from next week.
Every little bit helps — thank you for your generosity and continued support in making a difference for others.
Key Dates
Friday 31st October - Day for Daniel and World Teacher's Day
Wednesday 5th November - Primary Musical Matinee
Friday 7th November - Primary Talent Show
Saturday 8th November - Primary Musical Performance
Tuesday 11th November - Remembrance Day
Friday 14th November - Years 3 to 6 Swimming Carnival
Wednesday 19th November - Awards Night
Friday 21st November - Primary Disco
Friday 28th November - Primary Instrumental Music Concert