Grade 3 & 4

 Writing from Different Perspectives

Grade 3/4 students explored how characters see events differently by writing from Willy Wonka and Veruca Salt’s points of view. We read the scene where Augustus falls into the chocolate river and discussed how Mr. Wonka’s quirky style might include funny, unusual words. For example:

“I was standing right there looking at Augustus, then he started eyeing off my chocolate lake. The second I knew that he jumped in, I was a bit scared a chocolate tsunami was going to happen” 

Stevie-Lee

"All of a sudden...SPALSH!...he goes into my spectacular chocolate river. Mrs Gloop yelling all about, Mr Gloop getting ready to jump in but all of a sudden, the kids gets sucked up my enormous pipe that leads to my fudgemallow scrumdidilyumptious chocolate maker room."

Harvey McC

Next, students wrote from Veruca Salt’s bratty perspective, using vocabulary that matched her spoiled personality, like:

“ Fake vomits* "Urgh it was so disgusting absolutely gross! Like omg who could actually live like that? There were FOUR OLD PEOPLE in one bed, like seriously?!” 

Willow F

"Ewww like seriously who could actually live like this? Why does four people sleep in a bed? Like who could live like that? I would rather sleep on the floor instead! And do you guys ever change out of your clothes, because it stinks in here? Change or spray some perfume!" 

Addy C

"Ugh... Daddy is making me visit Charlie Bucket's house. Honestly, I kind of want to see it for myself. Apparently, his house only has room, one bed, six grown ups and Charlie as the only child. When we were in the car, I thought surely it wasn't that bad. I was mistaken, it was that bad..."

Emme McK

Building on this, students then wrote from Mike Teevee’s perspective, imagining his reaction to Charlie Bucket’s tiny house. 

“Honestly no screens? So not much to do! How does he survive with no tech? I was like see ya wouldn't wanna be ya” 

Riley T 

"It was a disaster in there. There wasn't even a tv and none of them have a phone! It was disgusting, it smelt like dead rats. The floorboards were all broken and there were ancient zombies in the bed in the corner of the shack. There weren't even any fake guns there. I tried playing a game on my phone, but there was no Wifi. I had to get out because it smelt like cabbage soup!" 

Riley F

As well as Grandpa Joe's perspective when Violet snatches the gum:

"I decide to come here and all I see is kids getting awfully hurt. I mean, is this a chocolate factory or a survival show?! Violet had it coming either way, that disgusting, horrid jaw of hers is always chewing and never stopping!"

Paw 

"Mr Willy Wonka warned Violet but that spoiled brat did not listen. No, no, no. Instead she took the gum and shoved it into her mouth. Mr Willy Wonka tried to stop her but no use...that brat turned into a big blueberry tii quickly, then the little oompa loompas sand a song and took her away. 

Ruby D

These activities helped students understand perspective and improved their creative writing skills.

Measuring Area with "Mr Cumming’s Zoo"

In their latest maths lesson, Grade 3/4 students explored the concept of area by designing their own zoo! Using grid paper, they planned enclosures for at least five different animals, calculating and labeling the area of each space.

Students practiced drawing rectangles with different areas—some larger, some smaller—and even created three rectangles all sharing the same area. They also learned about complex shapes, which combine two simple shapes, and practiced working out their total area.

This hands-on activity helped students understand how to measure area and apply their skills creatively in a real-world context.

Waste not, want not!

We had a visit from the Bendigo Council to refresh our memories about waste sorting. We heard about NEW purple bins the council has... which are just for glass recycling. We also found out that we can leave lids on our plastic bottles, leave the containers a little bit dirty (they don't need to be SUPER CLEAN...which means we don't need to waste water), and that they only want us to use the green bags  that they provide, in our green bins at home. 

What did the students think...??

It was fun to get all our questions answered and learn a bit more about bins. We also played a game and had to sort the rubbish into the correct bins. 

Zeek

I thought it was fun when we played the sorting game and tried to sort the rubbish out. I also learned there is a separate bin for electronics. I found out that there's a difference between hard plastic and soft plastic. 

Ally

I had a fun time doing the waste sessions because I learned new things about how we need to sort rubbish. I enjoyed playing the game we played. I learned that soon we will use purple bins to put glass in. 

Lily Mc

Perimeter and the Green Nest

This week, Grade 3/4 students tackled a real-world maths challenge: helping Mr I plan new fencing for the Green Nest, which ‘hypothetically’ had a perimeter of 126 metres.

Students worked in groups to come up with as many possible combinations of side lengths as they could that would add up to 126m. They used addition, logical thinking, and trial and error to record their ideas in their books.

The focus wasn’t on one correct answer, but on understanding how perimeter works and showing their thinking.

One student shared, “There are so many ways to make 126—it was fun to figure them out!”

Grade 3/4 Takes on a Sweet Science Challenge

Recently, Grade 3/4 students explored the science of crystallization by attempting to grow sugar crystals using a supersaturated solution of sugar and hot water. They carefully followed the steps—adding food coloring, setting up strings in jars, and waiting patiently over several days.

Surprisingly, the crystals didn’t form as expected. But instead of disappointment, this led to some great scientific thinking! 

Students asked questions like “Did the jars stay warm enough?” and “Could the string have been in the wrong place?”—turning the experiment into a real investigation.

One student shared, “This is fun—and now I want to try again at home!”

That’s exactly what Bella did. She repeated the experiment at home using  Epsom salt instead of sugar,and it worked! Bella proudly brought in her experiment of her growing salt crystals to share with the class.

This experiment was a great reminder that science is about curiosity, trying new things, and learning—even when things don’t go to plan!

Mad About Science Incursion

In Week 6, the Grade 3/4's enjoyed an incursion from Mad About Science. They learned about the different states of matter and conducted multiple experiments such as dry ice and boiling water mixed together.

As you can see below, they had an awesome time!

Mother's and Special Guests Afternoon

Cross Country Success for Riley!

A big congratulations to Riley for his fantastic effort in this week’s cross country event! Competing in cold, windy conditions and facing a tough, hilly course, Riley showed great determination. Impressively, he completed the race in 8 minutes and 12 seconds — nearly a full minute faster than his previous run in Bendigo!

Well done, Riley, on taking on the challenge and giving it your all!

Kind Regards,

Mr Hartland, Miss Pedretti, Mrs McKenna, Mr Price, Mrs Salm, Ms Capozza-Delves, Mrs Coppola and Mrs Hancock.