Independence Centre

Curriculum

Selamat siang!

As the end of term looms over the school, the Independence Centre has been incredibly busy. There has been a lot to do before we can celebrate next week with the big three! Colour Fun Run, Family Breakfast, and Easter Hat Parade!

In Reading sessions this week we investigated the author's intent. We used the acronym P.I.E to help think about why the author has written their text. We noticed that the author was trying to persuade us to agree with them, sometimes to inform us, and sometimes to entertain us. We even thought about how authors change their methods to target specific audiences. An interesting thing we found was that even though some books look like their purpose is to entertain us they can still be informative while some texts that are supposed to inform us are entertaining to read. For some of us, the author's intent does not always match what we are getting from the text.

Our persuasive writing unit on ‘The World's Greatest Invention’ has come to an end with students presenting their persuasive speeches with their class across the week. It has been fantastic to see students applying the writing structure taught over the last week and taking on feedback to improve their writing. Teachers have been blown away by the way our students presented their speeches this week, thank you 3/4 ‘s! These presentations should be uploaded to seesaw to share with the family!

This week in Mathematics, students have continued to focus on fractions. We have started to extend our thinking but comparing fractions and counting with fractions. We used number lines to help order fractions and some students even started to investigate how fractions, decimals, and percentages are connected. A major focus for us has been to ground our fractions thinking in real life situations to help us understand how they work. Although it did lead some of us to wonder….why can’t I order a pizza in quarters instead or half and half? What about thirds?

In Guided Inquiry we have continued to work on our game boards for our Game of Life project. The students are excited to share these projects with you when we have our Guided Inquiry showcase Wednesday afternoon in the last week of school. I wonder if you will learn something new from your child or some of the other 3/4 students?

While researching living and non living things in science some classes became interested in lerds and psyllid action happening on some of our eucalypt trees. On top of that, a few of us have been collecting seeds for the school garden…but not from packets…from FRUIT! We are fermenting tomato seeds now to break down the slimy covering around the seeds before we dry them out and store them to grow in our school's garden!

Have a wonderful week,

Miss Chooi, Miss Richardson, Miss Wang, Mrs McCoy,Mr O’Connor and Miss Honan

Student Voice

Ava M - "I liked doing the speeches because I felt a little bit like royalty using the 5/6 classrooms and their podium."
Jeremy K - "This week I liked the persuasive speeches because it helps me understand more about what other people think is the greatest invention."
Angus K - "I liked presenting my speech because we wrote to build up my confidence."
Sophie C - "I liked doing the fractions work when we were allowed to draw on the tables because there was lots of space to work."
Mr O'Connor - "Only 3/4O drew on the tables and we cleaned up afterwards."
Jason D - "I liked looking at the minibeasts in science because they were real and stuck in a hard jelly. They were insects from around the world. We should buy the sea beasts."

Reminders

Please complete the I.C.E. form on google classroom or Sentral
Students need hats and water bottles each day
Students need their own pair of headphones at school
Please pack a spare mask in your child’s bag in case one breaks or is lost

Pupil of the Week

3/4C: Amelia J -

For demonstrating a love of learning and perseverance to improve your understanding of place value during this term. It has been great to see your confidence grow. Amazing effort, Amelia!

3/4H: Sara G -

For demonstrating a love of learning and perseverance when exploring fractions. You worked hard to show a variety of fractions in a range of different ways. Keep up the splendid work, Sara!

3/4M: Claire S -

For demonstrating a love of learning and bravery when presenting your speech 'The Greatest Invention' to the class. You showed determination and focus when preparing and it was easy to see the outstanding effort you put into making your presentation engaging. Keep up the amazing work, Claire!

3/4O: Emily F -

For demonstrating bravery when presenting your persuasive speech “Unicorns are real!”. You wrote creative arguments and practised to build confidence before presenting. Excellent Emily!

3/4R: Tilly N -

For demonstrating perseverance and bravery when presenting your persuasive speech “The Greatest Invention” to the class. It was fantastic to see your confidence shine. Terrific Tilly!

3/4W: Olivia L -

For demonstrating perseverance and a love of learning in Maths this week. You took pride in your fractions tasks as you made, named and recorded your fractions in different ways. Great work adding like-fractions and reflecting on your work.