Spotlight on Learning

Dear Grade 3 Families,

During Week 6, students engaged in a range of learning across all subject areas. 

In Religious Education, they celebrated Pentecost and Multicultural Day, reflecting on inclusion, community, and respect for diversity, and explored Proverbs 31:8 through discussions on kindness, fairness, courage, and compassion.

In English, students explored Down the Hole, developing understanding of Aboriginal perspectives and strengthening grammar, writing, spelling, and comprehension skills, including writing factual recounts and learning about the Aboriginal Flag. 

In Mathematics, they investigated number patterns and simple algorithms to identify rules, extend sequences, and explain their thinking.

In Integrated Curriculum, students researched local community places and their purposes, including recreation, transport, shopping, and health services. 

In Auslan, they explored how movement and placement of signs communicate meaning and practised classroom vocabulary. 

In Social and Emotional Learning, students explored emotions and developed strategies for empathy, respectful communication, and self-regulation.

Pentecost and Multicultural Day was a wonderful celebration of diversity, community, and inclusion. Students shared and celebrated their cultural backgrounds through activities, discussions, and a vibrant parade showcasing the many cultures in our school community. It was great to see students participate with enthusiasm, respect, and pride while learning about acceptance and belonging. Thank you to all families for your ongoing support in making the day so meaningful and successful.

Students should be very proud of the way they led the Grade 3 Mass at church, representing the school beautifully throughout the service. The students who completed readings did a wonderful job, reading clearly and confidently in front of the congregation. All students sat attentively and participated with reverence and respect throughout the celebration.

Learning for Next Week (Week 7)

Religious Education:

In Religious Education, students are learning to reflect on Proverbs 31:8 and its relevance in their everyday lives. They are exploring how this scripture encourages them to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves and to act with kindness, fairness, and compassion. 

English:

In English, students explored spelling and grammar concepts, including the rule that “xs” is never found at the end of English words and the correct use of pronouns such as our, we, them, they, she, and he in their writing.

As part of Reconciliation Week and in acknowledgement of National Sorry Day, students engaged with the text Down the Hole to learn about oral storytelling traditions and the experiences of First Nations peoples during the Stolen Generations. Students reflected on the importance of preserving stories and applied their learning by writing journal responses from the perspectives of characters in the text, developing empathy and descriptive writing skills.

Mathematics:

In Mathematics, students will continue building their understanding of algorithms by following step-by-step instructions to create, extend, and analyse number patterns. Through hands-on activities, problem-solving tasks, and discussions, students will identify pattern rules, predict sequences, and strengthen their understanding of how numbers can be organised in different ways.

Integrated Curriculum:

In Integrated Studies, students will investigate inquiry questions about their local area and explore why different services are important in communities where many people live. They will examine the purpose of places such as transport services, shopping centres, recreational facilities, healthcare services, and community spaces, and consider how these support the needs and wellbeing of individuals and families.

Auslan:

In Auslan, students will continue developing their understanding of how verb signs can be moved within the signing space to show where actions take place. Through games and interactive activities, students will practise observing the direction and placement of signs to follow instructions accurately.

Social & Emotional Learning:

In Social and Emotional Learning, students will explore the difference between meaningful apologies and apologies that do not help restore relationships. Through discussions, role-play activities, and reflection tasks, students will learn the importance of showing empathy, taking responsibility for actions, and speaking sincerely when resolving conflict. Students will also make connections to the Catholic understanding of human dignity, recognising the importance of treating others with respect, compassion, and care, and valuing the feelings and worth of every person.

What you can do at home:

• Encourage your child to reflect on ways they can speak up for others who may not be able to speak for themselves, and discuss how they can show kindness, fairness, and support in everyday situations.
• Support your child in continuing to notice and explore patterns in their surroundings, particularly focusing on doubling, halving, and fractions in real-life contexts.
• Talk with your child about their emotions and the strategies they use to self-regulate when they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, helping them to build confidence in managing their feelings.
• Continue to prioritise shared reading each night as a meaningful routine, asking questions about the text to strengthen comprehension skills and deepen understanding.

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