Year 4/5
Anzac Day
In the lead-up to ANZAC Day, we learned about the significance of this important national day and the history behind the Gallipoli campaign. We explored what life may have been like for the soldiers and animals who served, and imagined how people at home might have felt during this time of great uncertainty, courage, and sacrifice.
To show our respect and reflect on the bravery and resilience of those who served, we created a beautiful collective poppy wreath. Each poppy represents our gratitude and remembrance for the men, women, and animals who played a part in Australia's wartime history. This activity helped us connect personally with the meaning of ANZAC Day and reminded us of the importance of honouring those who gave so much.
Civics and Citizenship
This term, we are learning all about Civics and Citizenship. We have been exploring the important role of local government in our community and asking the big question 'What does local government do? Through reading and discussions we have discovered that local governments—like the one on the Mornington Peninsula—provide essential services and organise special events that benefit everyone in the community.
We’ve learned that local government is made up of elected representatives called councillors, including the mayor, who are chosen by the people through an election. These leaders make decisions on behalf of the community and have many responsibilities, from managing waste and recycling, to keeping our parks and roads safe, and hosting events like Youth Week and the ANZAC Day service.
We have been introduced to the formal language used in council communication and the importance of community input when planning events and services. By learning key vocabulary—such as activity, council, elect, and responsibility—students are building a strong understanding of how local government works and why it matters in our daily lives.
Maths
Exploring Fractions in the Classroom
The start of term has seen us diving into the world of fractions through hands-on activities and number line exploration. We have been learning to identify and accurately place fractions on number lines, helping us understand where fractions fit between whole numbers. We have explored proper fractions (less than one whole), improper fractions (greater than or equal to one whole), and mixed numbers (a combination of a whole number and a fraction). Using folded paper strips, masking tape number lines and icy-pole sticks, we have discovered how some fractions may look different but represent the same value and these are known as equivalent fractions. This practical approach is helping us build a strong foundation in understanding fractions in a meaningful and engaging way.
The times table challenge is back off to a flying start with everyone in 4/5 super excited to practise everyday! It is amazing to see the confidence and skill development improve since we started this back in Term 1.
Literacy
Our class has been diving into some exciting new learning areas! In reading, we’ve been exploring how local governments support our community, with a focus on the services provided across the Mornington Peninsula. From waste collection to parks and libraries, students are gaining a deeper understanding of how councils help our everyday lives. We have been exploring new vocabulary linked with Civics and Citizenship including, community, council, councillors and responsibility.
In spelling, we’re working with words that use the ‘ae’ sound, and have studied words with the a-e, ay and ea spelling patterns. We have been practising through games, word hunts, and creative activities to build strong spelling strategies.
In writing, we’ve been developing character profiles for our upcoming narratives. These stories are all about creating a better world. We are crafting characters with unique strengths and dreams, ready to bring positive change to their imagined worlds and to be the stars in their own inspiring stories that show how one person can make a big difference.