Middle School News
Well, we can't think of a better way to kick start Term 4 than with not 1, but 2 camps! All of our Middle School students have been so fortunate to ALL partake in camp. Enjoy the recap of our camps in this week's newsletter!
Zoo Snooze
On Tuesday the 7th October, the Year 3 students ventured to the Melbourne Zoo to do the Zoo Snooze. Being their first camp, it was a test of resilience, independence and teamwork to make the camp as successful as it was. They did a night walk around the zoo where they saw Snow Leopards, Dingoes, Lions, Koalas and more. Despite seeing these somewhat dangerous animals, it was the possums that spooked most of us! We finished the night beautifully, with an exclusive ride on the carousel (something my Mum always told me was broken!).
A nice sleep and a fresh start on Wednesday saw a private tour around the zoo prior to the public being there, and a guided visit to the Bird Avery to learn about different habitats for native Australian birds.
The students deserve commending on the way in which they so beautifully represented Sacred Heart and how they conducted themselves, responded to guides and fully embraced the experience provided. Well done, Year 3s!
A big shoutout to our beautiful staff who gave up their time to support our Year 3 students, Sharon and Mrs Stroud. We couldn't have done it without you!
Summit Camp
Two weeks after, on Monday the 20th of October, the Year 4 students went on their way to the Summit Camp. This 3 day camp was an excellent opportunity for the students to practice their independence and resilience before transitioning into the Senior Years.
They did a wide variety of activities, including a mud crawl, high ropes, the flying fox and team building games. Well done to all of the students on their courage and resilience journey throughout these activities. A step out of their comfort zone and a big leap of growth.
The students also took on the responsibility of preparing and cleaning up after dinner, something they have proved they can do at home!
Year 4s, you have well and truly shown your leadership skills, proving you are ready for the Senior School! Well done to each and every one of you for the way in which you represented our school!
A big shoutout to all of our wonderful staff who also supported our Year 4 students on camp: Ms Collins, Miss Porter, Miss O'Meara, Mr Jaynes and Oscar.
Dance Incursion
Last Friday, all of the students at Sacred Heart were fortunate enough to participate in a Dance Incursion. The Middle Years students came together to learn a dance, incorporating the skill of 'popping'!
The Month of the Rosary
A heartfelt thank you is in order for Fr. Martin, who visited the students last week to present them all with their own Rosary Beads. October is a time dedicated to praying the rosary in the Catholic Church to honour the Virgin Mary.
Year Three
English
To kickstart Term 4, the students transferred their Information Report writing skills so they chose their favourite animal from our camp to research, note take and write an Information Report. They absolutely blew us away!
The students have started the Knowledge Rich Curriculum focusing on World Geography, Rivers and the importance of them in the development of different civilisations over time. They have focused particularly on the Nile River and Yellow River and are now moving into the importance of the Murray River and Yarra River in Australia.
They have been looking at the morpheme ‘graph’ which means to write. We have explored the words telegraph, choreograph and autograph, breaking them down to understand their meaning.
Online Morphology mapper
https://phonicsandstuff.com/morpheme-mapper
Maths
As we finish off our unit on Statistics and Data Investigation, the students have worked diligently on interpreting a range of data from frequency tables and pictographs. They have worked using keys with a range of correspondence to the graph, requiring higher order thinking, multiplication skills and fractions. We next move into a Location unit using maps and keys.
Online Maths Resources
https://matheasily.com/math-third-grade.html
Math Crossword — Number puzzle: an excellent app for practicing all operations
Year Four
English
In Writing, the Year 4 students have been busy finishing their Information Reports, showcasing their growing ability to research, organise, and present facts clearly. As part of this unit, they have been focusing on improving sentence structure by using both subordinating and coordinating conjunctions to add depth and detail to their writing. Students have also been learning to use pronoun references effectively, ensuring their writing flows smoothly and that pronouns correctly match singular and plural nouns. This focus on precision and cohesion has helped them strengthen their grammar and produce more polished, informative texts.
Online Morphology mapper
https://phonicsandstuff.com/morpheme-mapper
Maths
Earlier this term, the Year 4 students explored data investigation, where they collected information, represented it in different types of graphs such as bar graphs, column graphs and picture graphs, and interpreted the results to draw conclusions. Building on these skills, they have now moved on to studying 3D shapes. Students have been learning to draw and visualise three-dimensional objects, exploring how nets fold to create familiar shapes like cubes, prisms and pyramids. They have also been identifying and describing key characteristics of 3D shapes, including faces, edges and vertices, deepening their understanding of geometry through hands-on and creative activities.
Online Maths resources
https://au.splashlearn.com/maths/3d-shapes
Math Crossword — Number puzzle: an excellent app for practicing all operations
REMINDER
Please bring antibacterial wipes and tissues for your students classroom. Thank you!
Sarah McGrath
Middle Years Leader
smcgrath@shsandringham.catholic.edu.au