Year Four

As the year is quickly coming to a close, the Year 4 teachers and students are preparing to wrap up their learning journey together. We've had a wonderful time getting to know each and every student, and supporting them throughout the year. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the students grow and flourish! We've still got plenty going on before the celebrations begin.

Camp

Last week, some of Year Four stepped back in time as we headed to Sovereign Hill for our much-anticipated camp and what an adventure it was! From the moment we arrived, the students were immersed in the excitement (and occasional dust) of life in the gold rush era.

A highlight for many was panning for gold. There was intense concentration, great teamwork and even a few triumphant shouts of “I found one!” A handful of students even struck it lucky and found tiny pieces of real gold to take home! We also ventured deep into an underground mine shaft, where students showed courage and curiosity as they learned about the challenges miners faced.

The spectacular Aura light show brought history to life, complete with the burning of the Eureka Stockade - a moment that had everyone captivated. Students made thoughtful connections to our inquiries into landforms and explorers, recognising how geology shaped opportunity and how exploration (and sometimes conflict) can change people’s lives.

Our visit wouldn’t have been complete without exploring the wonderful shops of the era, including the famous lolly shop, where self-control and being principled were sorely tested. Students watched confectionery being made, learned how everyday items were crafted and even tried their hand at candle dipping before making their very own candles to take home.

Throughout camp, the students demonstrated being thinkers during historical investigations, communicators as they supported one another and principled as they represented our school with pride.

It was a camp filled with learning, laughter and memories - one we’re sure Year Four will be talking about for a long time!

Literacy

Students have been practising quick writes with various prompts in preparation for next year when they participate in NAPLAN. They are working towards developing ideas, characters, settings and plots, and writing quality pieces of writing within a limited period of time. The focus is on the quality of the writing, not the quantity.

For most, Book Clubs are coming to an end, which has required continued commitment in reaching targets and keeping up with tasks. We hope the exposure to different texts will drive student enthusiasm to continue reading during the summer holidays! 

Mathematics

If money did grow on trees, life would be quite different. But as it doesn't, teaching the students about financial math is an important step towards eventual financial responsibility. The students worked on problem solving purchases and calculating change, and thinking about best buys. Bernadette's Burger Bar just made record sales last week, with students creating their meal orders for themselves, their families, and considering the cost options. They've also put their minds together to succeed at escaping the multiplication escape rooms! The students communicated well, collaborated and problem solved!

 Inquiry

The Year 3 students visited the Year 4 classes to view the land forms the students had constructed. There was much excitement and discussion as the Year 4s show cased their work and answered questions about the development of their landforms. 

Many of our students were able to make further connections to their learning during their experience at Sovereign Hill.