Year 4 News
Reading
The Year 4 students have recently concluded their novel study of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, finishing with a comparison between the book and the movie. We have now begun our new novel study, Charlotte’s Web. The students are thoroughly engaged with the story, practicing a range of reading strategies including making connections, summarising, visualising, and inferring about the characters, setting, and plot. We are reading the novel together as a class, with plenty of rich discussions where students enthusiastically share their thoughts and opinions.
Writing
The Year 4 students have been exploring information reports in writing! They’ve been learning how to research and organise facts into clear, structured texts. From fascinating inventions to faraway planets, students have enjoyed choosing topics they're passionate about! They’ve practised writing clear introductions, grouping related facts into paragraphs, and using subject-specific vocabulary. We’re so proud of how confidently they’re becoming young experts and communicators!
Maths- Over the last two weeks, our Year 4 class has been working hard on subtraction skills, with a focus on vertical subtraction, regrouping (borrowing), and solving word problems. Students have practiced lining up numbers by place value and using regrouping strategies when subtracting across zeros or smaller digits. We’ve also been using number lines to visualize subtraction by jumping backwards, which helps students better understand the relationship between numbers and the concept of taking away. Real-world word problems have given students a chance to apply these strategies in meaningful ways. We’ve introduced important math vocabulary such as difference, regroup, and students are encouraged to use these terms when explaining their thinking. It’s been a busy and exciting couple of weeks!
Inquiry
In Inquiry, we have started the term exploring Earth Science, focusing on the sun, moon, Earth, and the planets in our solar system. Over the past few weeks, students have been learning about the sun—how it provides energy and why it is essential for life on Earth. We are now investigating the interaction between the sun and Earth, including how the Earth's tilt on its axis gives us our seasons. To deepen their understanding, students also conducted a classroom experiment to explore whether sunlight is invisible, using tap water and tonic water. This hands-on activity sparked great predictions and rich discussions about the importance of UV light
Social and Emotional Learning
Students have been learning about the importance of recognising their personal strengths and knowing when and how to ask for help. Through stories, discussions, and role-playing, they’ve explored what makes them unique—whether it's being a good friend, a creative thinker, or someone who never gives up. We've also focused on building confidence to have help-seeking conversations, encouraging students to talk to trusted adults or peers when they need support. These lessons are helping students grow not only as learners, but as caring and resilient individuals.
Special Event
Footy Incursion:
This week, our Year 4 students were treated to an exciting visit from two AFL players from the Essendon Bombers! Kayle Gerreyn and Nikolas Cox shared insights into their journeys as professional athletes, offering a behind-the-scenes look at life in the AFL. They spoke about the dedication, teamwork, and resilience required to succeed in sport—and highlighted how their education played a vital role in shaping their careers. The students were thrilled to ask questions, learn from real-life role models, and walk away feeling inspired to chase their dreams, both on and off the field!
Making a Splash!
Over the past two weeks, our Year 4 students have been diving into swimming lessons—and having a blast! We've been working hard on learning and improving different strokes, including freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke. Each session begins with focused practice, and then we wrap up with some fun water games that keep everyone smiling and active. From relay races to floating challenges, students are building confidence in the water while enjoying every moment. It's been a great mix of learning, teamwork, and fun! Way to go, Year 4 swimmers!