Year Three
Dear Year Three Families,
Welcome back to Term 3! It has been wonderful to see the Year 3 students return refreshed, enthusiastic and ready to learn. The first two weeks have been busy and productive, and we're delighted to share some of the highlights with you as we settle back into our learning routines.
Reading
In Reading, the children have continued their exploration of non-fiction texts, this time investigating how different systems work around the world. In Week 1, students read and compared texts about medical, transport, water and energy, waste and emergency systems in a range of countries, using the features of non-fiction texts to locate facts and explain how each system works. They discussed what is similar and different about the way these systems operate in places such as Australia, Japan, India, China, the USA and the UK.
In Week 2, our "Action Week," students turned their attention to school systems. They compared schools around the world, including Finland, Japan and Singapore with our own school, exploring why different schools have different systems and what we might learn from them. From there, the children identified a problem within a familiar school system, such as the library, canteen, playground or lining-up routines, and designed a solution, presenting their "Action Plan for Change" with a clear explanation of how their idea would improve the system.
Writing
In Writing, students investigated a school system, identified a problem within our school or community, and worked through the process of creating a solution, publishing their work and presenting their ideas. They learned to support their thinking with evidence, what they can see, what happens often, and who is affected, using sentence stems such as "I notice…," "The problem is…" and "This affects…"
In Spelling, students have continued to build their word knowledge through their regular spelling focus, collecting and sorting words to strengthen their understanding of spelling patterns.
Mathematics
In Mathematics, students have been developing efficient strategies for addition and subtraction. They have been solving two- and three-digit problems using materials and recording their thinking as a vertical algorithm, as well as interpreting worded problems to decide whether to add or subtract and choosing the most efficient strategy to solve them. Through Challenging Mathematical Tasks and open-ended activities, students have been building confidence and flexible mathematical thinking.
Inquiry
In Inquiry, the children have continued their study of systems, this time researching different systems and thinking critically about how they might be improved. Building on their Reading and Writing, they have been considering what makes a system work well and identifying practical ways systems in our school and community could be made fairer, more efficient or more effective.
Professional Learning with Trevor MacKenzie
We were also fortunate last Friday to spend the day with renowned inquiry consultant and author Trevor MacKenzie. Trevor is an experienced teacher, author and keynote speaker who has supported schools in implementing inquiry-based learning practices around the world, including across Australia, Asia, North America, South Africa and Europe.
The Year 3 teachers spent the day working alongside Trevor to restructure our thinking towards inquiry, before heading into 3B together to run a TeamLab lesson with the class. The students did exceptionally well, drawing on their knowledge of systems to further enhance and showcase their thinking. It was a wonderful opportunity for both our teachers and students, and we look forward to bringing these enriched inquiry practices into all of our Year 3 classrooms this term.
Wellbeing
In Wellbeing, the children have been learning practical strategies for managing their emotions. They have explored what to do when we feel stressed and have been practising self-calming strategies they can use both at school and at home, building their toolkit for staying calm and focused.
Upcoming Events
Swimming Program: Our Year 3 swimming program is coming up, and classes will attend in two groups:
Group 1 (3A, 3B, 3C, 3H, 3I): 3 – 7 August
Group 2 (3D, 3E, 3F, 3G): 10 – 14 August
Further information about what your child will need to bring will be sent home closer to the date.
ICAS Testing: ICAS assessments will be taking place across the school this term. Sign-ups close soon (entries close 27 July at 11:59pm).
Please note that sessions will only run during each subject's scheduled week, and Mr Vivoda (or an alternative Assistant Principal) will be running the sessions for students during the school day. Each subject will have 1 additional catch up at the end of the week in case a student has missed their session.
The Year 3 dates are:
Digital Technologies: 3 – 7 August
Writing: 3 – 7 August
English: 10 – 14 August
Science: 17 – 21 August
Spelling Bee: 17 – 21 August
Mathematics: 24 – 28 August
Reminders:
School begins at 8:30am. Gradual entry begins from 8:20am.
Please ensure your child brings a named drink bottle each day.
Students arriving after the roll has been marked will need to sign in at the office for a late pass.
Thank you for your ongoing support. It's lovely to have everyone back, and we look forward to another term of celebrating the wonderful growth, creativity and achievements of our Grade 3 students.
Kind regards,
The Grade 3 Team