Student Learning
What's been happening in Year 3/4S
In Year 3/4S we have had many different learning experiences this term.
In Art, we partnered with Mr Harris’ class to create foil sculptures. We persevered when things became challenging and in the end, everyone was successful. Here is a sneak peek as they will be combined to create something quite spectacular for you to view at Learning Journeys.
In English, we are writing recounts with Mrs Spencer and information reports with Mr Wheatcroft. We have been learning how to make our recounts interesting to the reader by only focusing on the most important or interesting events. Our information reports have been focusing on our iUnit topic, encompassing life cycles of living things with a marine biology focus and the environments required to sustain life.
In iUnit, students explored the wonders of marine ecosystems:
Marine Exploration: Students categorised marine organisms as living or nonliving, created flip books on marine ecosystems, and learned about coral reefs and their importance.
Animal Adaptations: We investigated marine animal adaptations and life cycles. Students also explored deeper into food webs that exist in marine environments like the Great Barrier Reef.
Conservation Focus: We discussed human impacts on marine environments and brainstormed conservation solutions. Students also examined coral reef biodiversity and threats. It was exciting learning about the Adelaide shellfish reef restoration work from recent years, and the impact it will have on our local marine ecosystems.
Our students showcased impressive knowledge and creativity throughout this unit, deepening their understanding of these vital ecosystems.
In Christian Education, we have explored how to be responsible managers of creation as guided by God. This topic fits nicely with our iUnit and how we care for, and be responsible users of, the marine environment.
Please read about the wonderful experiences of the Year 4s on their camp to Wirraway Homestead below. The Year 3s are very excited about the Zoo Snooze and this will feature in a future newsletter.
Libby Spencer and Jordan Wheatcroft
Year 3/4S Class Teachers
Year 4 and 5 Camp Adventure at Wirraway Homestead
In Week 6, our Year 4 and 5 students embarked on an unforgettable adventure to Wirraway Homestead in Strathalbyn. From the moment we arrived until the final student boarded the bus home, the camp was packed with engaging and often challenging activities designed to foster both personal growth and teamwork.
Throughout the week, students enjoyed a diverse range of activities including horse care and riding, sheep herding, navigating a low ropes course, archery, bushwalking, and participating in an Amazing Race around the campsite. They also had the opportunity to build shelters, embark on a night walk, and enjoy outdoor games under the stars. One of the week’s highlights was the lively karaoke session on Friday morning, following breakfast.
The Livery stables offered additional entertainment with games like carpet ball, table tennis, air hockey, and horseshoe puzzles. Outdoors, students could make use of mini golf, trampolines, the slippery slope, basketball, and volleyball during their free time.
The most remarkable aspect of the camp was the strong sense of camaraderie that developed among the students. The staff were immensely proud of how the students supported and celebrated each other’s achievements throughout the week.
Camp feedback from students was compiled into a word cloud, highlighting key experiences. The largest words—horse riding, archery, and friendships—reflect the main benefits students gained from their time at camp. This serves as a wonderful reminder of the positive impact and value of such experiences.
Ashton - Year 5
A highlight for me was horse riding because I got a very naughty horse, but it was still easy and fun to control a 500kg animal with my arms and legs.
Christian - Year 5
A highlight for me was probably going on the bushwalk and shouting out 'cooee' and hearing it echo along the landscape.
Charlize - Year 5
Some advice that I’d give to the people that are going on camp is to try everything, from the food to the activities.
Emilia - Year 5
The sheep herding was hard because they did not listen to us. In the end, we did learn from our mistakes and we realised that running would just scare them so we walked and stayed calm.
Our Year 4 & 5 students were asked what the first three words that come to mind when they think of their Wirraway Camp:
Andrew Harris, Libby Spencer, Jordan Wheatcroft, Bess Sarre, Phoebe Gordon and Yiota Chesterfield
Teachers attending the Year 4 & 5 Camp
Flourish Enrichment Activities
Students enjoyed our lunchtime Flourish Enrichment activities this term which included Paper Crafts, Robotics and Coding, Lego Challenge, Dodgeball, Strategy Board Games, Origami for Beginners, Landscape Painting and Drawing Techniques.
These have been a fantastic opportunity for students to try something new, connect, engage and be creative.
Julie Wicks
Deputy Principal
