Grade 4

Literacy

Over the past two weeks, the Grade 4's began and continued exploring the novel 'Leo and Ralph' through a detailed novel study. As we dive deeper into the story, students are engaging with key themes, character development, and plot twists. We are able to see many text to self connections the students are making, finding that a lot of us have been through similar events and feelings as our main character, Leo!

In addition to our reading, we've also made great progress in our narrative writing unit. Students have written their introductions, setting the theme for their creative stories. Throughout the process, we’ve focused on refining writing skills such as combining independent and dependent clauses, incorporating direct speech for more dynamic dialogue, and using similes to make descriptions come alive.

We look forward to reading the remainder of Leo and Ralph, and finalising our narrative pieces as we head towards the end of the Term!

Maths

Our Grade 4 students have been diving into the concept of time in math! They are learning to read both analog and digital clocks, calculate elapsed time, and solve real-world time problems. Through interactive activities and fun challenges, they are building essential time management skills while strengthening their mathematical thinking. Keep encouraging your child to practice telling time at home—it’s a skill they’ll use every day! 

Respectful Relationships

The Year 4 students have been exploring ways to support each other both in the classroom and the yard, especially when things become challenging. They have been learning the importance of using kind and encouraging words to uplift their peers, whether it’s helping a friend who is struggling with their work or simply offering a reassuring, “You’ve got this!” Active listening has been a key focus, as they recognize that paying attention and valuing each other’s thoughts can create a more inclusive and respectful environment. In the yard, they are working on ensuring that everyone feels included, inviting those who are alone to join in games and looking out for friends who may be upset. They are also practicing ways to resolve conflicts peacefully by using calm words and “I” statements, rather than reacting with frustration. The students are beginning to understand that small acts of kindness—like taking turns, sharing, and helping when someone is hurt—can make a big difference in making their school a supportive and welcoming place for everyone.

Integrated

In Year 4, students learn about Indigenous languages and their origins, gaining an appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples. They explore how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are among the oldest in the world, passed down through generations for tens of thousands of years. Students investigate how these languages are deeply connected to Country, storytelling, and identity, with different groups across Australia speaking distinct languages and dialects. Through this learning, they develop respect for the diversity of Indigenous cultures and understand the importance of preserving and revitalizing these languages today.