Year 4 Celebration 

Newsletter

We are excited to share with you all of the hard work and dedication that our grade 3/4 students have completed this term. 

Reading

In our reading sessions, we have been exploring the wonderfully imaginative short stories of Paul Jennings. His unique style, filled with humour and unexpected twists, has captivated the students and sparked their love for storytelling. Two of our class favourites have been Grandad's Gift and The Cabbage Patch Fib. These stories not only entertain but also encourage discussions about themes like honesty, family relationships, and the importance of creativity. By reading and analysing these tales, the students are developing critical thinking and comprehension skills while enjoying the magic of storytelling.

Writing

In writing, we have explored the genres of biography. Through biography, students have delved into the lives of amazing individuals, learning to research, organise, and present key details about their achievements, challenges, and legacies. In our work on recounts, students wrote about their own experiences including camp and holidays. Both genres have helped students develop essential writing skills, including structuring their ideas, using descriptive language, and reflecting on the significance of events. 

Mathematics

In mathematics, we have been exploring the topics of fractions, capacity, and length. In our study of fractions, students have learned to recognise, compare, and use fractions in everyday contexts, developing their understanding of parts and wholes. When exploring capacity, we focused on measuring and comparing the volume of liquids using standard units, encouraging practical, hands-on learning. Similarly, in our work on length, students practised measuring objects with accuracy, converting between units, and solving real-world problems involving distance and size. These topics have helped to build a strong foundation in measurement and number sense while fostering problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Wellbeing

This term in our Wellbeing program, students have been focusing on the themes of positive self-talk, empathy, and gratitude. Students have learned how to use positive self-talk to build confidence and resilience, helping them to approach challenges with a growth mindset. Through discussions and activities on empathy, they have explored the importance of understanding and valuing others' feelings and perspectives, fostering stronger relationships. Our work on gratitude has encouraged students to reflect on and appreciate the good in their lives, promoting a sense of positivity and mindfulness. These areas have supported students' social-emotional development, equipping them with tools to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Inquiry

This term in our inquiry units, Digital Communications and Melting Moments, students have engaged in hands-on learning and critical thinking. In Digital Communications, we explored the ways technology helps us connect, create, and share information. Students examined different forms of digital communication, discussed online safety, and considered how technology influences our world. In Melting Moments, we delved into the science of change, investigating how materials melt, freeze, and transform through experiments and observations. These units have sparked curiosity, encouraged collaboration, and developed skills in research, problem-solving, and analysis. It’s been a dynamic and enriching term of discovery!

Camp

Our recent school camp at Camp Wilkin was an incredible experience filled with adventure, teamwork, and fun! Students bravely took on challenges like The Leap of Faith, tested their precision in archery, and built cooperation and problem-solving skills on the low ropes course. Evenings were just as exciting, with a movie night featuring Camp Rock bringing everyone together for laughs and music. Mealtimes were a highlight, with delicious meals that kept us energised for all the activities. The scavenger hunt added an extra layer of excitement as students worked in teams to solve camp clues. Camp Wilkin was a fantastic opportunity for students to step out of their comfort zones, build friendships, and create lasting memories!

PERFORMING ARTS:

This term the Grade 3 and 4 students explored concepts of song structure, including chorus and verse, as well as beat and rhythm when they worked on a Body Percussion performance to the sea shanty song ‘The Wellerman’. Students used patterns of sounds created by tapping, stomping and clapping and combined this with learning the lyrics to the song. Students were very proud off themselves when they shared their performance at assembly. In the second half of the term, students enjoyed rehearsing for the Kismet Christmas Carols and built their on-stage confidence when they shared their performance with the Kismet Community.

VISUAL ARTS

This term, students had the opportunity to learn about the rich culture and traditions of the Aboriginal people of Australia. They discovered that stories about the land, animals, ancestors, and the Dreamtime are shared through spoken stories and shown in artwork.

Students participated in a series of learning activities that led to a completed artwork titled ‘Bush Medicine’. Students explored the shapes, colours and appearance of leaves from local native trees, as well as colour mixing and mark making through painting and collage. Students practised the painting technique of blending and applying their colour knowledge to make painted papers used to create their own leaves. The dot painting technique was explored as a final element of their artwork.

JAPANESE

This term in Japanese, the Grade 3 and 4 students developed their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through a unit on transport. Students developed their vocabulary of 10 vehicles and how to use them in the sentences “I love ~”, “I like ~” “I don’t like ~”. Students also revised their previously learned self-introductions. They continued to learn new hiragana and consolidate previously learned hiragana, to support their reading and writing in Japanese. Students learned about undokai (Sports festival) which is celebrated in October in Japan.

PE 

In Grades 3-4 PE classes, students continued to develop their fundamental movement skills while exploring more challenging games and sports. They refined their techniques and strategies, focusing on fair play and teamwork. Students refined their skills while playing sports like pickleball. Grade 3-4 students were also given the opportunity to learn and play Indigenous Australian games. They learnt how to play a variety of games and taught them to their classmates.