Wow! It's hard to believe that we've finally reached the end of Term 4. It has been an amazing year of fun learning, challenges and positive growth.
Term 4 has certainly been filled with a wonderful array of learning activities both inside and outside the classroom. The students have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating and applying their mathematical skills and reasoning during our Stage 2 Maths Drinks Stall project (see video below).
They learnt with interest about the life cycle of plants and we explored seeds and observed the germination of a broad bean seed. We discovered that out of 19 seeds, many started to germinate but only a few survived and just one in particular thrived growing into a long stalk and network of roots. They were surprised to learn that these seedlings can, for a while, survive in just water. Students were fascinated to learn how plants reproduce and the role of insects and birds in the process. They also researched and created a Google Slides presentation on a chosen animal. Students chose to work individually or to collaborate in pairs. I was super impressed with their high absorption levels, distilling skills and imagination to create a visually engaging and balanced presentation on crocodiles, alpacas, arctic and fennec foxes, bottlenose dolphins, lions, kangaroos, polar bears, poison dart frogs, blue jay birds and vampire bats. Students have taken home a printed copy of their presentation.
In Drama, students also really enjoyed creating their own twist on a traditional fairy tale and performing it for the class. I can see many budding actors and actresses and the usually tentative students really shone in their performances. They wrote scripts, created props and costumes pieces mostly from paper! Very effective. Not only did the students actively engage in their drama, they also loved Dance lessons during PE. Below is a snapshot video of their talents.
One highlight this term for many students has been Crazy Club at second half Thursday lunch in the Flexiroom. Thanks to the initiative and creativity of Ruby and Emily and with Mrs CJ's help, these lunchtime sessions were a definite hit. See photos and video below. It is wonderful see students being resourceful, compassionate, graceful and inclusive in their organisation and implementation.
Transition morning was a lot of fun. Students spent time in Year 4 with Mrs Brixen and then we combined with next year's Year 3, for a hands-on STEM session. Their goal was to build a contraption from recycled materials that would allow them to drop an egg from a height without it cracking. Students collaborated in groups of 3 and came up with some very interesting designs. The classroom was a positive hive of activity, with students using their imagination, reasoning and collaboration skills with great success.
Thank you so very much for entrusting me with your precious children. It has been a joy and my absolute pleasure to be able to teach and guide them in their learning journey this year.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a blessed and very Merry Christmas and a relaxing holiday break.
Warm regards
Wendy Lucas
