Hello BCPS Community,

It has been another busy and exciting fortnight in our 3 /4 classrooms. We are incredibly proud of the effort and growth shown across all areas of learning.

Writing
Over the past week, students have been working on their persuasive speeches about a place in Australia they would like to visit. They have worked through the important stages of the writing process, including editing, revising, and publishing their work. Students carefully checked their writing for correct punctuation, spelling, and added detail to strengthen their ideas.

To conclude this unit, students will be delivering their speeches to their peers. With focus being on important speaking skills such as using a clear voice, appropriate volume, and confident body language.

Next week, students will begin exploring a new text, Trapped in the Ice. They will focus on understanding the structure of the text by identifying key events in the beginning, middle, and end. Students will then explore the author’s language choices, breaking down sentences to understand how vocabulary and structure create meaning. To build on this, students will engage in patterned writing, where they will practise writing their own sentences inspired by the author’s style, using precise and purposeful word choices.

Mathematics
This fortnight, students have been exploring location and mapping skills. They have been learning how to use grid maps to identify and describe locations, as well as give clear directions using mathematical language.

Students were introduced to grid references, learning how rows and columns work together to help us locate positions on a map. They then applied this knowledge by creating their own grid maps of familiar spaces such as the classroom or playground, ensuring items were placed accurately so others could follow their maps.

We also focused on using positional and directional language, such as left, right, above, below, and describing movement across a grid. Students practised counting spaces carefully and explaining pathways step-by-step, building their confidence in communicating their thinking clearly.

To deepen their understanding, students have been exploring First Nations navigation, learning about songlines and how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have navigated the land for thousands of years. They investigated key features of first nation maps, measured distances, and identified the most efficient routes between locations.

This has been a highly engaging unit, with students developing both their mathematical skills and their understanding of how maps are used in real-world contexts.

Reading
This week in Reading, our learning has focused on developing students’ understanding of important national events, including National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week.

Students engaged in meaningful discussions about the significance of Sorry Day (26 May), learning about the history of the Stolen Generations and the impact this has had on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through shared reading of Stolen Girl, students explored how actions can affect others and considered the importance of empathy, healing, and respect. They expressed their understanding through thoughtful writing and creative activities.

We then shifted our focus to National Reconciliation Week, where students learned about the importance of building respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. We explored the 2026 theme, “All In”, and discussed how everyone can play a role in reconciliation. Students created visual representations using First Nations symbols and reflected on what reconciliation means to them.

To deepen understandings, students also worked collaboratively to research Reconciliation Week, practising how to take notes and share key information with others.

This has been a valuable and reflective week of learning, with students demonstrating respect, curiosity, and a growing understanding of Australia’s shared history.

Events
The school have been very excited to host our Book Fair, with the library open to both students and families to celebrate the love of reading. It was wonderful to see so many students exploring new books and sharing their excitement with parents and peers. Many ‘wish lists’ were filled in by students with many books being purchased and celebrated! Events like this help foster a strong reading culture within our school, and we thank all families for their support in making it such a success.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to another fantastic fortnight of learning ahead.

Kindest wishes,
The Grade 3/4 Team