Year Four
A huge welcome back to Saltwater P-9 College. We hope you had a wonderful holiday.
Meet the Year Four Team
We would like to take the time to introduce you to the Year Four team.
Leading the Year Four this year we have:
Assistant Principal - Sarah O'Connor
Leading Teacher - Denae Vines
Learning Specialist - Natasha Palombi
The Year Four teaching team:
4A- Catherine Liley
4B- Payton Meirs
4C- Andrea Taliana
4D- Michael Failla
4E- Kristin Vanden Houte- Smit and Matthew Symmons (Mondays)
4F- Amanda Arnott
4G- Denae Vines & Jasmine McDonald (Wednesdays)
4H- Salmina Imran and Jasmine Mc Donald (Thursday, Friday)
4I- Veronica Zhang
4J- Julia Sambell
4K- Wing Wong
4L-Natasha Palombi and Matthew Symmons (Thursdays)
We would like to congratulate the students on their smooth transition into the new school year. It has been wonderful to see them settle into their new classrooms and build relationships with their new teachers and classmates.
Students have been participating in our First 20 Days 'Learning to Learn' program in all learning areas. The First 20 Days are crucial for setting the foundation for a successful and positive learning experience. During this time, building strong relationships and establishing consistent routines help students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. When students feel connected to their teachers and classmates, they are more likely to engage in class and take risks in their learning. Routines, on the other hand, provide structure, reducing anxiety and helping children know what to expect each day. Together, these elements create a sense of security that allows students to thrive academically and socially, making the first days of school essential in laying the groundwork for a successful year ahead.
Reading
In Reading, have been building strong reading habits through daily independent reading and shared class novels. We have focused on understanding what independent reading looks like, sounds like and feels like, as well as developing reading stamina. Students have also learned how to choose a “just right” book that matches their reading level and interests. These skills help foster confidence, enjoyment and a lifelong love of reading.
Writing
In writing students have reflected on themselves as learners and individuals by setting a personal goal for 2026. They wrote a thoughtful Letter to Their Future Self, explaining why their goal matters and offering encouragement for the year ahead. This activity supported goal-setting, self-reflection and purposeful writing, while also helping students understand that growth happens academically, socially and emotionally.
Mathematics
In Mathematics, students have been practising working independently and building their learning stamina. They are learning to stay focused, use their time effectively and apply strategies when solving problems. Emphasis has been placed on developing positive learning behaviours, such as perseverance and confidence, which are essential foundations for mathematical thinking.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing has been a strong focus as we establish classroom routines and expectations. Through goal-setting, reflection, partner discussions and class sharing, students have been encouraged to recognise their strengths and think positively about their growth. Activities have supported confidence, self-awareness and respectful communication, helping to create a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone. Students have been learning about the IB Learner Profile attributes through shared stories and discussions. They explored what attributes such as Caring and Communicator look like in characters and in themselves, and reflected on how they can demonstrate these in everyday classroom life. This learning supports empathy, communication and positive learning behaviours.
Meet and Teacher
We are excited to invite the students and their parents and guardians to our Meet the Teacher evening. This will be a great opportunity to meet your child’s 2026 teacher, share important information about your child, and discuss how we can work together to support their learning and help them achieve their goals. Student will finish school at 12pm on this day.
Date: Tuesday 17 February
Time: Parents to book
Location: Year Four classrooms
We are looking forward to a fun and exciting year.
Reminders
We are a sunsmart school so students need to wear there hats in Term One and Four
If you have not brought in your stationary pack, please do so at your earliest convenience.
Please ensure your child brings a drink bottle to school each day
Kind regards,
The Year Four Team