Grade 3 Community News

Dear Grade 3 Families,

Welcome to our newsletter for Weeks 1 and 2! It has been a fantastic start to the term, and we are so proud of how smoothly students have settled back into classroom routines. They have returned with positive attitudes, enthusiasm for learning, and a willingness to give everything a go.

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring students arrive at school well-rested and ready to participate in our morning Circle Time. This has been a wonderful way to start each day, helping students feel connected, focused, and ready for learning.

English:

Text-Level Reading

Over the past two weeks, we have begun exploring our new class novel Uncle Xbox by Dr Jared Thomas. This engaging story follows Dusty

as he navigates family life, friendships, and new experiences. Students have been identifying key events in the text, discussing character

perspectives, and exploring how the author develops themes such as belonging, resilience, and making positive choices. We have also

begun making connections between the text and students’ own lives, encouraging thoughtful discussion and deeper understanding of the

characters and their journeys.

Sentence-Level Writing

Over the past two weeks, students have been developing their sentence writing skills through a focus on sentence expansion. 

They have been learning to add detail using when, where, how, and why, as well as using adjectives to make their writing more descriptive. 

Students have also been revising how to use conjunctions such as but, so, and because to connect ideas and improve sentence fluency 

Text-Level Writing

Alongside this, students have been introduced to factual recount writing. They have been learning about the purpose and structure of introductory

and body paragraphs, and how to organise information logically across a text. Students have begun planning and writing their own paragraphs,

while also developing their ability to vary vocabulary by choosing more precise and interesting verbs. 

Mathematics:

Over the past two weeks, students have continued to strengthen their understanding of number, measurement, and geometry. In Number, they have been solving missing number subtraction problems and building fluency when adding three single-digit numbers. Students have also worked with larger numbers, using number expanders to regroup 4-digit numbers and deepen their place value understanding. In Measurement and Statistics, students have continued their learning in time and statistics, interpreting data and applying their knowledge to real-world contexts. In Geometry, they have explored 2D shapes and investigated how new shapes can be created through folding. Across all areas, students have been encouraged to explain their thinking and use mathematical strategies to solve problems confidently.

Humanities:

Over the past two weeks, students have set off on an exciting new learning adventure called Journey Around Australia. Acting as young explorers, they have been learning how to read and interpret maps of Australia to understand how our country is made up of states, territories, and First Nations Countries/Places. Our first stop has been Tasmania, where students have been learning how to locate it on a map, describe its key features, and understand its significance as the home of the Palawa Peoples. They have also been introduced to the idea of a travel itinerary and have begun creating their own travel journals to record their discoveries along the way.

Next, our journey continues to Victoria, where students will explore some of its well-known natural and human features, including Melbourne, rivers, coastlines, and cultural landmarks. They will learn how people are connected to these places and begin to understand the deep and ongoing connection of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation to the land and waterways around Melbourne. Through mapping, discussion, and investigation, students are building their understanding of how geography, culture, and history shape the places we visit on our journey.

School Reminders

Students are encouraged to read at home each night and ensure their iPads are charged daily.

Warmest regards,

The Year 3 Team