YEAR FOUR

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School provides a range of holistic learning experiences to enable students to:

• Participate in the life and mission of the school.
• Deepen their knowledge and engagement with the Catholic faith and tradition.
• Build the capacity to continuously reason, reflectively, logically and critically.
• Embrace interdependence of human existence as global citizens, who are responsible to and for themselves and others.
• Engage in learning in a multitude of ways, through personalised and self-paced learning.

Religious Education

This term, our students are set to immerse themselves in exploring the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. They will study significant events from Jesus' early life and his public ministry, helping them understand Jesus as the Son of God. Through Scripture and Tradition, we will examine the purpose and fulfillment of his mission in the Paschal Mystery. Students will reflect on how the risen Jesus is present in our lives today and how Christians continue his mission.

We will also focus on the Liturgical Year, particularly the seasons of Lent and Holy Week. Students will explore the traditions, beliefs, Scripture, and events celebrated by the Catholic community during these times. We will emphasize the call to grow and change during Lent and remember the events of Holy Week through the Scriptural Stations of the Cross.

English

Students will explore the textual concept of ‘genre’ and the supporting concept of ‘perspective and context’ through an analysis of the text The Phasmid. Throughout the unit, students will understand that genre refers to texts that are grouped according to purpose, subject matter, form, structure and language choices. Students will plan, create and revise texts considering genre, perspective, context and informative purposes

Students will continue practising their reading strategies in Reading Groups. They will also engage in the ‘Soundwaves’ spelling program, which is encouraged to be used at home. The students will be tested on their content words throughout the Term. Each child is expected to read for at least 20 minutes each night and record their text title into their homework diary.  

Speaking and listening skills will be assessed in a variety of opportunities including presentations to small and large groups.

Mathematics

This term we will focus on the following units; Data, Representing Number/Mass, Additive Relations/Two Dimensional Space, and Additive Relations/Area. These units will be explored further throughout the year.  This term students will engage in differentiated tasks in their Homerooms. These class groups will remain fluid as we cater to the needs of individuals and their understanding of a variety of Mathematical concepts. Please continue to practise the instant recall of two, three, four, five, and ten times table facts with your children at home as this is an essential skill they will require. 

Science and Technology

This semester we will be focusing on the Earth’s surface and how it changes over time. Students will investigate natural processes and human activity to develop a view in relation to sustainable practices. Students will also explore the effect of the interactions between the Earth and the Sun. A study on rocks introduces the unit and we will investigate the effects of the Sun and moon on the Earth. The students will question, plan, and conduct scientific investigations, collect and summarise data, and communicate using scientific representations. They will select and use technological equipment to develop solutions.

Geography

We will explore the climate, natural vegetation, and native animals of places in Australia and Asia. We will also examine the importance of natural vegetation and natural resources to the environment, animals and people, as well as learn about the ways people value environments, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Year Four students will identify sustainable practices and examine different ways that sustainability can be achieved.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Open Parachute will continue K-6. Open Parachute aims to provide practical support on mental health to students. The program aims to reduce stigma and generate authentic dialogue in classrooms about the real issues students face. The psychological skills-building exercises aim to increase empathy, self-compassion, self-awareness, mental health literacy, and self-efficacy in students.

In sport lessons, students will focus on refining fundamental movement skills through fun games and challenges that enhance coordination, decision-making, and tactical strategies. The unit also incorporates cultural games, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activities, promoting inclusivity and respect. Students will develop sportsmanship and fair play in a supportive environment, with a focus on soccer skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork, to prepare for the Interschools Sports Soccer Gala Day in Week 9. Additionally, students will participate in games and activities to prepare for the OLF Cross Country, which is on Friday, 14th of March, in Week 6.

Students will also participate in the 6-week Fit Futures Active Gymnastics Program, starting in Week 4 and finishing in Week 9. This program will focus on developing their fundamental movement skills (FMS) while applying decision-making and problem-solving strategies to perform movement sequences. Throughout the program, students will build self-awareness and communication skills. They will have the opportunity to use various equipment, including mats, beams, bars, and mini trampolines, to enhance their gymnastics skills.

Amadeus Music Program

Students will continue with the Amadeus Music Education Program and participate in activities in listening, performing, and organising sound within their regular classroom Music lessons. 

• It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they:

  • Arrive on time for each lesson

  • Bring their instrument and required accessories to every lesson

  • Bring their Essential Elements* music book

  • Bring a lead pencil and eraser

Creative Arts

In Visual Arts this term, students will embark on an exciting journey that integrates artistic expression with the realms of science, poetry, and religion. They will explore these subjects through sketching and painting, using these mediums to delve deeply into each topic. Their artworks will be infused with elements of poetry and religion, allowing them to convey their emotions, thoughts, and reflections.

In Music this term, students will be introduced to and build upon their knowledge of music notation, covering rhythmic values, pitch notation, time signatures, composition, and performance. They will engage in practical activities such as clapping rhythms, composing short melodies, performing from notation, and analyzing different musical styles. The unit will culminate in students creating and performing their own notated compositions.

Homework 

It is recommended that Year 4 students spend up to 30 minutes on homework per day. This includes 20 minutes of reading every night. Students are required to record what was read in their School Diary each day. Parents are asked to sign their child’s diary. The homework grid will be shared with the students via Google Classroom. A Homework book will be used to record set tasks throughout the year. 

A "Maths Plus" mentals workbook and lined homework book will be provided to all students. A weekly task will be set and we ask that this be returned each Friday. "Maths Plus" follows a graded and spiraling approach, allowing for the revision of concepts throughout the year. It will provide students with opportunities to sequentially develop, practise and master their skills and knowledge.

Both diaries and homework will be due each Friday. Please make sure your child has filled in their daily reading in their diary and you have signed it and their homework books are brought in to school every Friday.

Mr Michael Faber and Mrs Jolene Cullen (4 Blue)

Mrs Amanda Stewart (4 Gold)

Mrs Margaret McCarthy (4 White)

Important Dates for Year Four

We would like to remind parents of the following schedule for this term:

• Library: 4B & 4W will visit the library during odd weeks. 4G will visit the library during even weeks. Please ensure your child brings their library bag and any books that need to be returned.
• Music: All Year 4 students will have music lessons on Mondays during Even weeks. Amadeus tutorials and ensemble rehearsals will be on Thursdays. 
• Sport Uniform: All Year 4 students are required to wear their sports uniform on Mondays and Fridays. Please ensure they are dressed appropriately for physical activities on these days.

2025 - School Term 1

 Parent calendar available at this link