Year 4 News 

Text Study

Exploring the Power of Myth 

This week, our text study concluded with the dramatic ending of Theseus and the Minotaur. Students were highly engaged as we explored the theme of actions and consequences, discussing how even brave or well-intentioned decisions can lead to outcomes we don’t expect. 

We have now moved on to our next Greek myth, Demeter and Persephone, which introduces students to the ancient Greek explanation of the changing seasons. As part of this learning, we are also comparing these ideas to Australian Indigenous Dreaming stories, noticing how different cultures use storytelling to explain natural phenomena, share knowledge, and reinforce cultural beliefs. 

Maths

Angles 

In Maths, students have been strengthening their understanding of different types of angles, including right, obtuse, straight, reflex, and revolution. They have been practising identifying angles in various contexts and estimating their size in degrees. 

We also explored how angles relate to clock faces, using minute markings to calculate degrees and better understand how time and angles connect. Students have been adding angles to form straight lines (e.g., 60° + 50° + 70°) and right angles (e.g., 45° + 45°), and it has been wonderful to see their confidence growing as they apply their knowledge in increasingly complex tasks. 

PYP: Where We Are in Place and Time 

In our PYP unit, students have been exploring life in Britain in the late 1700s and the reasons behind Britain’s decision to establish a new colony. They were fascinated by the tough living conditions, the petty crimes that led to transportation, and the overcrowded prisons and prison hulks that shaped the First Fleet’s journey. 

Students channelled their creativity into building dioramas of the Australian landscape, which opened up rich discussions about the harsh environmental conditions early arrivals faced, and the hard work involved in establishing the colony. As part of this learning, we have also acknowledged the importance of being respectful and sympathetic to Australia’s First Peoples, recognising the significant impact of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Students are now researching individual First Fleet arrivals—convicts, officers, marines, and free settlers—in preparation for their oral presentations next week. 

Student Agency Team Representatives 

Congratulations to all the enthusiastic risktakers who put themselves forward last week to represent their class on the Student Agency Team (SAT). During our SAT speeches and elections, we were incredibly impressed by the thoughtful and persuasive presentations students delivered, as well as the supportive behaviour shown by classmates while their peers were speaking. 

A big congratulations to our elected representatives: 

• Eliza X (4A) 

• Charlie T (4B) 

• Liam R (4C) 

We look forward to seeing the leadership, initiative, and creativity they bring to the SAT Team this year.