Grade 5/6 - Room 101

Grade 5/6 Overview

As a community of learners, students at Robertson School are expected to be responsible, respectful, and safe.

Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year at Robertson School! My name is Ms. McLennan, and I am excited to be your child’s Grade 5/6 teacher this year.

This year, our classroom will focus on fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a strong sense of social responsibility through inquiry-based learning. Students will be encouraged to ask meaningful questions, investigate topics that matter to them, and take action based on what they learn. Through this approach, students will develop the skills needed to become thoughtful problem-solvers, confident communicators, and informed youth activists.

My goal this school year is to engage students in activities that help them build a strong understanding of local and global human rights and environmental issues. By exploring real-world topics such as equity, justice, sustainability, and responsible citizenship, students will learn how they can make a positive difference in their school, community, and the world.

Students will demonstrate their learning through independent projects, collaborative group work, discussions, presentations, and creative tasks that reflect their unique strengths and interests. Opportunities will be provided for students to engage their multiple intelligences, including visual-spatial, linguistic-verbal, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, naturalistic, and musical abilities.

Outdoor education and land-based learning will continue to be an important part of the program. Students will participate in learning experiences that connect curriculum to the natural world and to the communities around us. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for all weather conditions so they can fully participate in outdoor activities.

My goal is to create a classroom environment that is safe, supportive, and inclusive, where all students feel seen, heard, and valued. In this nurturing space, students will build confidence, independence, resilience, and strong relationships with their peers and adults.

I am looking forward to a year filled with growth, learning, inquiry, and meaningful action.

English Language Arts

English Language Arts is meaningfully integrated into all areas of learning. Writing instruction will focus on the full writing process, from brainstorming and drafting to revising, editing, and publishing, across narrative, persuasive, and informational genres. Students will strengthen their ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively while developing their voice as writers. Through whole-class discussions, read-alouds, novel studies, small-group book talks, creative writing, quick writes, and independent reading with conferencing, students will learn to analyze texts, evaluate information, and think critically about issues that matter to them and to the world around them. Students will develop both fiction and nonfiction reading comprehension strategies and are encouraged to continue nightly home reading to build fluency and understanding.

Mathematics

The Mathematics program emphasizes exploration, collaboration, and problem solving in real-world contexts. Students will develop multiple strategies to solve problems and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts. Through critical and creative thinking, data analysis, and logical reasoning, students will build confidence in their mathematical abilities. Students will frequently work in randomly assigned groups at vertical whiteboards to promote teamwork, perseverance, and academic risk-taking. Math Talks will be used regularly to encourage students to explain their thinking, justify their strategies, and learn from one another.

Science and Social Studies

Science and Social Studies will be guided by inquiry and the design process, encouraging students to explore and respond to complex questions about the world around them.

In Science, students will investigate real-world problems through observation, experimentation, collaboration, and reflection. Topics will include environmental stewardship, ecosystems, and the impact humans have on the natural world.

In Social Studies, students will deepen their understanding of Canadian history, Indigenous perspectives, democracy, and responsible citizenship. Students will examine local and global human rights issues, social justice, and environmental challenges, while considering how young people can take meaningful action to create positive change.

Throughout both subjects, students will conduct research, analyze information, refine their ideas, and present their learning in a variety of individual and collaborative formats.

NOTES

Attendance

Students are to enter the school at 8:50 AM. Dismissal is at 3:25 PM. All absences must be reported through the Safe Arrival system. If an absence is not reported, an automated call will be sent to the guardian. Please contact the school office if you are unfamiliar with this system.

Reminders

• Cell phones are not permitted during the school day as per provincial policy. Phones brought to school must be turned in to the teacher each morning and will be returned at the end of the day.
• Students should dress appropriately for outdoor learning and recess.
• Indoor and outdoor shoes are required.
• Gym clothes should be kept at school.
• A reusable water bottle is encouraged daily.
• $40.00 for school supplies is due during the first week of school unless alternate arrangements have been made.
• Communication will be shared through email.

 Ashley McLennan: amclennan@wsd1.org