Spotlight on Learning

Dear Grade 3 Families,

In Week 3, students have been engaged in a range of learning experiences across the curriculum. 

In Religious Education, they explored the scripture passage Matthew 5:16 and reflected on how mothers and special people shine their light through kindness and care. Students have also been preparing for the Mothers and Special Persons Morning Tea through songs and gifts. 

In English, students continued developing their spelling, reading fluency, vocabulary, and writing skills while reading Yirra and Her Deadly Dog, Demon. 

In Mathematics, they explored fractions by identifying and representing equal parts of shapes. 

In Integrated Curriculum, students researched an Australian town and investigated its geography, including climate, vegetation, animals, and how people use and care for the environment. 

In Auslan, students practised using facial expressions to show different types of questions and revised signs related to classroom subjects.

In Social & Emotional Learning, students learnt about trusted adults and explored ways to seek help and feel safe and supported at school.

Learning for Week 4

Religious Education:

In Religious Education, students will learn about the Catholic Social Teaching of Human Dignity. They will review different stories in the Bible where Jesus showed or spoke about treating others with dignity and respect. Students will investigate the parable of the Good Samaritan and explore how it connects to Matthew 5:14–16. They will also brainstorm ways they can “shine their light” by showing kindness, fairness, and respect to help ensure all people are treated with dignity.

English:

In English, students will be reviewing key spelling skills, such as i before e and the exceptions to this rule. Students will continue to engage with our whole‑class novel Yirra and Her Deadly Dog, Demon, focusing on characters and building comprehension. Additionally, they will be developing their sentence‑writing skills by expanding sentences to include dependent and independent clauses, while continuing to build fluency in reading and spelling.

Students were sent home a bookmark with their login details for the Premiers’ Reading Challenge. The Premiers’ Reading Challenge is a statewide program that encourages students to develop a love of reading by engaging with a wide range of books throughout the year. It is not a competition, but a challenge to help students build their reading skills, explore different authors and genres, and enjoy reading regularly at home and at school. Students are encouraged to record the books they read online as they work towards completing the challenge. More information can be found at https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge 

Mathematics:

In Mathematics, students will be learning to calculate the fraction needed to make one whole. They will be identifying different fractions that combine to form a complete whole and exploring how parts fit together to make a full unit. Through hands‑on activities and problem‑solving tasks, students will be developing their understanding of fractions and building confidence in explaining their thinking.

Integrated Curriculum:

In Integrated Studies, students will be learning about why people make inquiries into different topics and how questions can help us learn more about the world around us. They will explore the difference between open and closed questions, identifying how open questions encourage deeper thinking and more detailed responses. Students will be practising writing their own open‑ended questions about images and topics they are curious about, helping to build their investigation and communication skills.

Auslan:

In Auslan, students will continue to learn signs and phrases that answer the question, “What do we have today?” They will be building their vocabulary and confidence in using Auslan to communicate about daily routines and classroom activities. Below are some of the signs students will practise:

Social & Emotional Learning:

In Social and Emotional Learning, students will be learning about the importance of recognising when they may need help and identifying trusted people they can turn to for support. Through a range of make‑believe situations, students will discuss different problems and will explore whether they can solve them independently or if they need to seek help from an adult. They will be developing their understanding of safe choices, problem‑solving strategies, and the importance of communicating their feelings and concerns. These activities will help students build confidence in knowing when and how to ask for help to support their wellbeing and safety.

What you can do at home:

• Ask your child to explain Human Dignity in their own words. 
• Encourage your child to talk with you about independent and dependent clauses, using examples such as “I went to bed early” (independent clause) and “because I was tired” (dependent clause) to help them understand the difference.
• Continue to make reading together each night a special routine - ask questions about what your child has read to strengthen comprehension skills and deepen understanding wherever possible.

Important Reminders:

• Please ensure that all belongings are clearly labelled.

• Please ensure students bring enough food each day to stay full, focused, and ready for learning.

Enjoy your weekend,

The Ephesus Team

Contact Us @Ephesus

ephesus@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au (all teachers) or