Student Learning

Year 3/4H Class News: Same class, new location

At the end of last term we moved into the Indonesian Room while the main building roof is being renovated. Our new class has lovely views out to the trees and surroundings, and we're getting the chance to observe lots of different native birds as the gum trees blossom. It also has a wonderful feel with all of the hard work that Bu Tretheway put into decorating the space with Indonesian objects and artefacts.

It was a busy end to the term, providing many opportunities to work in different spaces and different combinations. Here are some reflections on what happened.

ANZAC Day Displays

The Year 3/4 classes combined to explore the historical events and ongoing importance of ANZAC Day. We created a display based on the "In Flanders' Fields" poem using symmetrical patterns to create poppies and crosses, and another display to remember the First Australian ANZACs based on the style of Elizabeth Close.

Christian Education: Easter Rock Art

We made some "rocks" with an Easter message inside to open on Easter Sunday. This activity reflected the Easter story where Jesus dies, is buried and is resurrected three days later. What Good News!

Maths: Fractions

Here are some examples of the fractions artwork Year 3/4H produced using a variety of fractions we have been learning to recognise and use. For each artwork to be complete, it needed to also show symmetry or an animal, and have the fractions listed on the back of the artwork. 

A Parliament of Owls

In Art we explored using brown paper and pastels for different projects, including an abstract scribble that became part of a larger scene, and a formal piece of art - an owl beneath the full moon. In both artworks, the brown paper background created some really interesting effects. 

This term we are integrating lots of different subjects and combining classes to enrich the learning opportunities for all Year 3/4 students. Our iUnit will begin with exploring friendships and take that learning to a global scale when we look at neighbouring countries later in the term. Christian Education will also be part of this unit to include God's perspective on the importance of good friendships. These photos show our combined classes sharing the results of their small group discussions about friendship.

Warm regards, 

Andrew Harris

Year 3/4H Class Teacher

Premier's Reading Challenge 

The Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) plays an important role in promoting the love of reading. With your continued support, our students will keep reading and participating in the Challenge! This year is an extra exciting time for the Premier’s Reading Challenge as it is their 20th anniversary. 

To celebrate 20 years of the Premier’s Reading Challenge, students have the opportunity to take part in an additional challenge. Students can opt to do a ‘20 Years, 20 Books’ challenge and receive a one-off 20th Anniversary Certificate in addition to their usual Premier's Reading Challenge award. We would encourage everyone to take part in the additional challenge and will be providing students in Years 3-6 with the 20 Book Challenge Record. Regular Challenge Record (of 12 books) can be obtained from the Front Office or Mrs Spencer.

1. Rules - students will read 20 books by September. A Student Reading Record needs to be kept and a hard copy will be sent home today. 8 books MUST be from the PRC list and the additional 12 books can be anything at your reading level. You can search for books on the PRC list here

You can search for titles according to year level (F-2, 3-5, 6-9, Mature) or you can browse the list. There are over 8000 books on this list, so you are sure to find something you are interested in. The school library and public libraries will have a selection of PRC books for you to borrow.

2. Students will still need to submit their record sheets to their teacher by the 1st September at the latest. We will accept a scanned copy via email.

3. Awards will be sent to our school in November as in previous years.

Foundation - Year 2 Student Reading Record sheets will be sent home at a later date. Good luck with the Premier's Reading Challenge this year and please contact your class teacher should you need any support.

During this time I encourage you to read more than just a single series - broaden the genre of books you choose and explore the wonderful world of reading.

Mrs Spencer 

PRC Coordinator

Oliphant Science Awards 

I am very excited to be coordinating our school's involvement in South Australia's biggest science competition! The awards are open to students from Foundation to Year 6 across a range of project topics. The competition encourages students to discover the wonders of science while exploring their interests and showcasing their unique gifts and talents. This also aligns with our Pilgrim Student Attributes:

BE engaged thinkers and active learners

Be effective communicators and collaborators

BE prepared for new futures.

With categories from crystal investigations to photography, games, robotics and so much more, there is something for everyone. 

Students may enter as an individual or a group of up to three students. All projects submitted must have strong scientific content, and, further information as well as past years entries can be found on the website:

It is important to note that the competition entries are to be completed by students or groups at home and submitted to school for entry. However, your child's class teacher as well as the Diverse Learning Team may provide feedback and guidance along the way.

If your child would like to participate, please fill in the registration form and risk assessment form (if applicable) and return to school. Hard copies will also be available at school from next week. Entry fees can be paid via the Qkr! app with a $16 fee for individual entry and $24 for a group entry (one fee per group). Student registrations and payments close Friday May 19th. Further details of submission days will be provided to students relative to their entry.

I look forward to seeing all the wonderful thinking and creative entries that our amazing students have to offer!

Blessings,

Yiota Chesterfield

Diverse Learning Coordinator