Year 4 News
Reading
This term, our Grade 4 cohort has launched into an exciting new novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf. The students have been thoroughly engaged with the story and its thought-provoking themes. As we read, we’ve been exploring strategies that authors use to make a text interesting—such as character development, descriptive language, and building suspense. It’s been wonderful to see students thinking critically about what makes a story compelling, while also connecting emotionally with the characters. We’re looking forward to continuing our journey through this powerful book!
“I liked learning about alliterations as i was reading books on EPIC and copying examples down” - Kayaan 4C
Writing
This term in Writing, our Grade 4 students have been focusing on recounts—learning how to structure and write engaging personal and factual recounts. We’ve explored key features such as orientation, sequence of events, time connectives, and personal reflections, with students practising how to bring their experiences to life through clear and descriptive language. Alongside this, we’ve been working on spelling patterns, with a focus on “ie” and “ue” words, helping students build their confidence and accuracy in writing. It’s been fantastic to see their skills develop through a range of fun and purposeful writing tasks!
“My favourite part about writing is that we got write a recount about school holidays” - Rayan 4C
Maths
At the end of Term 3, the students explored the different types of angles, including acute, right, straight, and reflex angles. They deepened their understanding of the characteristics of angles, which enabled them to calculate complementary and supplementary angles with confidence.
The Grade 4 cohort began Term 4 by learning about fractions. Students identified the key features of a fraction and expanded their mathematical vocabulary by understanding the roles of the numerator and denominator. Building on this knowledge, they explored equivalent fractions, applying their multiplication and division skills to find and create equivalent forms.
“I enjoyed learning lots of different things in fractions” - Abigail 4C
Inquiry
In Inquiry, our Grade 4 students have been exploring the rich and diverse tapestry of cultures, families, and traditions within our community. We’ve begun creating family trees to better understand our own backgrounds, and students have been conducting peer surveys to learn more about the languages spoken, cultural practices, and traditions celebrated by their classmates. This unit has sparked thoughtful conversations and a deeper appreciation for the unique stories that shape who we are. We’re excited to continue building connections and celebrating the diversity within our classroom.
Social and Emotional Learning
To finish off Term 3, the Year 4 Cohort focused on building positive coping skills and revisiting our school values of Kindness and Responsibility. Students reflected on how their actions impact others and explored how to make a genuine apology using honesty, courage and empathy. They also discussed responsible technology use by revisiting the ICT Acceptable Use Agreement and identifying ways to stay safe and respectful online.
In the first week of Term 4, students continued practising kindness by learning to focus on their own actions and understanding that everyone learns in different ways. They also combined creativity and persuasive writing skills to design posters for the CPS Night Market, using bold visuals and clear information to engage their audience. Across both weeks, the Year 4 students demonstrated growing maturity, reflection and teamwork as they transitioned into the final term of the year.
Special Event
Aboriginal Incursion
To celebrate the end of Term 3, students participated in a special Aboriginal incursion led by a respected Elder from the local community. The session provided a rich learning experience, where students discovered the traditional uses of native plants for healing and wellbeing. The Elder also shared the fascinating origins of Australian Rules Football, tracing it back to the Aboriginal game Marngrook, which was traditionally played with a possum-skin ball. This hands-on and engaging incursion deepened students’ understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture, knowledge, and its enduring influence today.
