Year 4 News

As we near the end of the term, Year 4 students have been busy researching famous explorers who helped discover and map Australia. Over the last two weeks, our classrooms have been filled with excitement as students learned about various explorers and their journeys across our continent. 

Each student chose a different explorer, from those who mapped the coastlines to those who explored inland for resources and knowledge about the land and its original peoples. This project has helped students understand the reasons behind exploration and the impact these explorers had on our history. 

In preparation for their oral presentations, students created informative posters that showcase the key achievements and challenges of their chosen explorers. This project has not only improved their research skills but also deepened their appreciation for Australia's history. 

Additionally, we were thrilled to see the beautiful family trees that students shared with the class. It was wonderful to see the different ways they presented their ancestry and the connections they made to their family histories, including traditional family names. 

In our reading comprehension activities, students have delved into the past, exploring the discovery of Ernest Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, found in 2022 after sinking in the Weddell Sea in 1915. 

On a lighter note, they also examined bizarre historical rules for teachers, such as wearing two petticoats under ankle-length skirts, being prohibited from colourful clothing, and even being banned from dyeing their hair or visiting ice-cream parlours. The students were truly gobsmacked by these rules, sparking lively discussions! 

In Maths, we have wrapped up our unit on Subtraction and have focused on strategies for calculating Elapsed Time. Students have tried out various methods, including 'Mountains, Hills, and Rocks,' T-charts, the Z-strategy, and number lines. We are impressed with their growing confidence in these strategies. Now, students are revising multiplication, and we look forward to seeing their progress! 

As we finish the first term, we are proud of the Year 4 students for their enthusiasm and willingness to embrace new challenges, and we eagerly anticipate their continued growth and exploration in Term 2.  

We thank you for your support and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday break. We look forward to seeing you next term.