Year 3 News

Didgeridoo Australia Incursion  

On Thursday the 15 May, Sean from First Nations Incursions visited the Year 3 students, delivering a highly engaging educational program on Australia’s First Peoples. Sean, a descendant of the Palawa people of Tasmania, is an accomplished didgeridoo player. The students were captivated by his yidaki (didgeridoo) performance and particularly enjoyed guessing the animal sounds he created. 

They also learned how ochre is extracted and mixed with fluid to form a pigment used for painting on rocks, ceremonial objects, or skin. The incursion was highly interactive, with students passing around animal furs, boomerangs, and an emu egg while listening to Sean share insights into the culture and experiences of Australia’s First Nations people. 

Here are some of the highlights from our Year 3 students: 

Sean showed us different boomerangs and told us how they got the emu egg. They would dress up and he showed us the special boomerang that you hold on your head. The emu would get up so you can take the egg. My favourite part was when he crushed the rock up and put some water in it and put it on us.  

Joni W - 3C 

My highlight was when he showed us his didgeridoo and played different animal noises. It was so fun.  

Brody P - 3A 

I liked the didgeridoo. Its real name is yidaki, but the sound made the didgeridoo sound. I liked it when we had an animal fight it was so fun.  

Eva V - 3B 

I really liked when they passed around the boomerang, possum fur and the emu egg. I also really liked when he played the didgeridoo. I learned about how to make Ochre which he painted on us. I liked the story about the didgeridoo/ Yidaki. I really liked the incursion! 

Sonny A - 3A 

Sean taught us about how they used the different types of boomerangs to hunt. He also let us feel kangaroo and possum fur. The possum fur was the softest.  

Liam R - 3C 

When Sean passed around the kangaroo fur, I said I loved it. Sean said “if you like the fur, you can get it at the Victorian Market” 

Alia B - 3B 

AFL Incursion – Carlton Respects  

On Friday the 23 May, 3A and 3B had the pleasure of welcoming Georgia from Carlton Respects, along with Carlton AFLW player Harriet Cordner, who visited to speak with students about managing emotions as part of the Carlton FC Respect program. 

Through an interactive presentation, AFL player Marc Pittonet shared the emotional highs and lows he might experience during a game. Throughout the morning, students explored a range of ‘comfortable’ and ‘uncomfortable’ emotions and discussed coping strategies to manage them. They also learned about respectful relationships in an engaging and meaningful way, using footy as a reference. 

Students then took part in a STEM activity where they were challenged to build the tallest tower using popsicle sticks and Blu Tack. They demonstrated teamwork, active listening, and kindness while collaborating in teams. 

The Year 3 students were highly engaged throughout the incursion. At the end of the session, there was time for a Q&A and the chance to get signatures from Harriet. Congratulations to Elliott S (3B), who received the Engagement Award and took home a Carlton bucket hat! 

3C is looking forward to their visit this coming Friday, the 30 May! 

Interview with Harriet Cordner – Carlton AFLW Key Defender 

What is the hardest team you've versed?  

Harriet: Brisbane Lions 

How long have you played in your career?  

Harriet: I've been playing since AFLW started, Season 1, I have played for 10 years. 

What age did you start loving footy?  

Harriet: I have loved footy for a long time. I have 2 older brothers, and I used to watch them play Auskick every week. Girls weren't allowed to play footy, so I used to goal umpire with my dad for my brothers’ games. I grew up a Melbourne Supporter. My Grandpa won a Brownlow Medal and played for Melbourne. I started AFLW at age 23. 

Mathematics – Times Table Rockstars 

The kids are buzzing with excitement over our new online numeracy program, Times Table Rockstars! This platform allows children to practise their times tables like true rock stars. The program automatically adapts to each child’s unique learning needs, helping them recall their times tables at record speed.  

The rewards provide plenty of motivation - students have been racing to earn coins to personalise their avatars and climb the rock leaderboard, progressing from "New Artist" to "Rock Hero"! 

It’s been a fantastic tool for boosting fluency and recall in both multiplication and division. We’re excited to see which Year 3 class will earn the most coins each week!