14 December 2021
Assalamu Alaikum Parents/Guardians
We have reached quite close to the finish line before the end of Term 4, 2021. Year 4A students have come a long way this year coping with many new challenges from transitioning to online learning during this pandemic to keeping an optimistic front to attain their educational goals. They have been exceptional in building their resilience adjusting to many changes with an unwavering determination to succeed.
They thoroughly enjoyed their learning this term in literacy with a focus on writing persuasive texts part of their genre using Seven Steps. Students had to learn and identify the critical components of persuasive text structure, use persuasive devices, technical vocabulary and attention-grabbing phrases to persuade readers. Book Club was a major hit with Year 4A students who enjoyed the reading sessions and worked as teams to reflect on their reading using the various strategies taught throughout the year. Students have wrapped up their Lexile reading for this term with flying colours as well and will continue to keep up their reading over the holidays by borrowing books from public libraries that matches their Lexile range.
In Math, we focused on thinking analytically to solve word problems related to multiplication and division. They had to learn various strategies to multiply two-digit numbers, divide two-digit numbers as well as three-digit numbers by a one-digit number using long division with and without remainders. One-step and Two-step word problems related to both multiplication and division were challenges they enjoyed problem-solving. Using accurate mathematical terminologies to explain concepts learned has been a vital focus throughout and encouraged consistently during discussions in class.
Weathering was one of the key concepts investigated and learned extensively in Science this term. Students were very engaged and interested in collecting soil samples, studying the three components that made up soil i.e. sand, clay and silt. They conducted various experiments and used a lot of concept maps to research and study physical, chemical and biological weathering.
Drama sessions were a thrill as students actively participated to use voice, actions and linguistic elements to express themselves using several pay scripts getting into the skin of the characters they portrayed.
When our class found out it was a design term, they were initially disappointed not to have technology. This quickly changed when they began their Bedroom design project. Students were given $3000 and a design brief to redesign a bedroom for themselves. Spending this money was a steep learning curve for many students who soon worked out they needed to budget carefully to buy everything they needed. Completing the seven-step design process from beginning to end proved to be a lot of fun.
In Health this term we have investigated sun safety. We wanted to explore how to best look after ourselves when we are in the sun. In doing this, students explored how the sun effects their skin, what the UV Index is and what we can use to protect ourselves on days where the UV is extreme. We had a cricket coach for part of the term and once we had solidified our skills, we played several games. This helped the students to practice team play and learn how to work together. We certainly have some talented cricketers in our class!
In HASS this term we looked at European Exploration. Students investigated the journeys of the great explorers from the 1400s to the late 1700s and discovered what the daily lives of our First Nations People were like before European settlers. Students worked especially hard on their final assessment task. They chose an Explorer they were interested in learning more about and presented research in the form of a poster.
It has been an amazing year of teaching Year 4A students, watching them progress academically, socially, and emotionally. I wish them all the best for next year and pray that Allah Ease all the challenges that come their way and Guide them through the right path always. Ameen.
– Rumana Mazhar
– Katy Javor