Week 5

Exploring, Learning, and Celebrating Together

Year 3 this term has been filled with hands-on discoveries, thoughtful reflections, and celebrations of culture and community spirit.

Science: The Wonders of Heating and Cooling

Our budding scientists have been busy exploring the fascinating science behind heating and cooling. Through a series of engaging experiments and demonstrations, students have learned how temperature changes can affect materials in everyday life.

• Practical Experiments: Students observed how different materials behave when we heat and cool them. Students observed how chocolate melts when heated and solidifies when cooled, how a metal spoon gets hotter than a plastic one when heated and colder when frozen, and how cordial freezes when cooled and melts when heated, sparking lively discussions about changing states of matter.

Humanities: Exploring Australia’s States and Territories

Our class has embarked on a virtual journey across Australia, learning about each state and territory’s unique features—both natural and man-made.

• Geographical Exploration: Students identified all six states and two territories on a map, learning their locations, and capitals. We examined the diverse climates and landscapes, from the lush rainforests of Queensland to the arid expanses of the Northern Territory.
• Natural Features: The class discussed iconic natural wonders such as Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef, the Twelve Apostles, and the Daintree Rainforest. Students shared facts and images, sparking appreciation for Australia’s breathtaking environment.
• Cultural features: We discussed the importance of Uluru to the Anangu people, and the Daintree Rainforest (Cape Tribulation) to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people.
• Man-made Landmarks: We explored significant structures like the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Parliament House in Canberra. Through videos and discussions, students learned about the history and importance of these sites.

Religious Education: The Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes

In Religious Education, our focus was on the Sermon on the Mount, particularly the Beatitudes—a cornerstone of Catholic teaching.

• Storytelling and Reflection: we read the story of Jesus delivering the Sermon on the Mount and Moses receiving the 10 Commandments.
• The Beatitudes: Students have started to learn about each Beatitude, discussing what it means to be ‘blessed’ and how these teachings can be applied to their daily lives. Concepts such as kindness, humility, and peacemaking were explored through drawing and class discussions.
• Art and Expression: Children illustrated their favourite Beatitudes and wrote short reflections, connecting ancient wisdom to modern contexts.

NAIDOC Week: Celebrating First Nations Culture

NAIDOC Week activities filled our school with colour, music, and meaningful conversation. This special week honours the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

• Storytelling and History: Students listened to stories about NAIDOC celebrations.
• Art and Music: Classes engaged in art projects.
• Respect for Land: We participated in acknowledging the traditional custodians of our land and reflecting on the importance of Country.

English: Writing Procedural Recounts

In English, our focus has been on procedural recounts.

• Structure and Language: Students learned the structure of a procedural recount, identifying time connectives, action verbs, and the importance of clear, logical sequence.
• Hands-on Practice: After conducting various science experiments and art projects, students wrote recounts detailing the steps, materials, and outcomes. Sharing these with the class helped develop both writing and speaking skills.
• Peer Feedback: Pupils exchanged recounts and provided constructive feedback, learning to appreciate clarity, accuracy, and detail in their writing.

Mathematics: Multiplication, Division, Estimation, and Rounding

Maths lessons have centred on developing number sense and calculation strategies using multiplication, division, estimation, and rounding.

• Building the Basics: Students practised their multiplication tables and explored different methods for solving division problems, including sharing, grouping, and arrays.
• Estimation Skills: Children learned how estimation helps them check their answers and make quick, reasonable guesses in everyday situations, such as shopping or measuring ingredients in cooking.
• Rounding Numbers: Lessons covered when and how to round numbers to the nearest ten, hundred, or thousand.
• Collaborative Learning: Students worked together to solve word problems, sharing strategies and explaining their reasoning to peers.

Looking Ahead

As we move into Week 6, students will continue to build on these skills and delve deeper into new areas of learning. Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement at home. Together, we are nurturing curious, creative, and caring young minds.

As always, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me on

dhamilton@cns.catholic.edu.au

Kind regards

Debra Hamilton

Year 3 teacher.