Grade 4/5 have had a great start to Term 4! Students have settled back into classroom routines and have been working hard as we head into the final term of the year.

In English, we have started reading our class novel, The Blue Cat by Ursula Dubosarsky. Students have been building their background knowledge of World War II to help them understand the setting and events in the story. We have been exploring character development, symbolism, mood and the different ways authors tell stories. Students have also been learning how to use descriptive language and flashbacks in their own narrative writing. Our daily Sounds-Write, handwriting and paired reading fluency routines have continued.

In Maths, students have been learning about factors, multiples, number patterns, measurement and probability. We continue to begin each Maths lesson with fluency and retrieval practice to strengthen students' recall of mathematical facts. We have also introduced Maths rotations, giving students opportunities to work independently, with their peers and in teacher-guided groups. Sudoku Fridays have been a great way for students to practise their logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In Inquiry, we have been learning about Australian government and democracy. Students have explored Federation, the difference between rules and laws, and why rules are important in our communities. We have also started preparing for Market Day, with students working together to plan their stalls, share ideas and make decisions.

Outside the classroom, students have had some great opportunities to get involved in different activities. We welcomed Geelong Venom for a basketball clinic, while selected students represented our school at Division Basketball and Greater Western Athletics. Our Grade 5 students also attended an excursion to BioLab, where they participated in hands-on science activities.

In Respectful Relationships, we have been revisiting classroom expectations and learning about emotional regulation. Students have been exploring ways to recognise their energy levels and strategies they can use to help themselves feel calm, focused and ready to learn.

It has been a busy start to the term, and I am looking forward to seeing students continue to work towards their learning goals and make the most of their final weeks of the school year!

- Miss Dillion