Spotlight on Learning

Dear Grade 3 Families,

During Week 5, the Grade 3 students explored the scripture passages 1 Peter 1:18–25 and Mark 10:32–45 in Religious Education. They deepened their understanding that Jesus loves each of us and calls us to show kindness, compassion, and care to others. Students also reflected on how true greatness comes from serving others and discussed ways they can follow Jesus’ example in their everyday lives.

In English, students revised important spelling skills, including the “i before e” rule and its exceptions. They continued reading Yirra and Her Deadly Dog, Demon, focusing on characters, events, and themes. Students also worked on writing factual recounts about the Aboriginal Flag, organising information in chronological order, while strengthening their sentence-writing, reading, and spelling skills.

In Mathematics, students learned how to follow algorithms to generate number patterns. Through guided activities and problem-solving tasks, they created, extended, and explained number sequences using step-by-step instructions.

In Integrated Studies, students explored why people make inquiries and how asking questions helps us learn more about the world. They investigated the difference between open and closed questions and practised creating thoughtful open-ended questions during class discussions and collaborative activities.

In Auslan, students began Unit 4A by revising and practising their “Can I?” vocabulary to support everyday classroom communication. They also developed their understanding that Auslan uses signs, facial expressions, eye contact, and body language to communicate meaning, rather than direct word-for-word translation from English.

In Social and Emotional Learning, students explored the importance of seeking help and recognising when support is needed. Through role-play scenarios and discussions, they identified trusted people they can turn to and developed strategies for making safe and positive choices. 

MONDAY 25th May 

Multicultural/ Pentacost celebration: Students are encouraged to wear cultural clothing as we celebrate and share the rich diversity of cultures within our community. Students will participate in a parade around the basketball court beginning at 9:05am, and families are warmly invited to come along and watch the celebration. We look forward to seeing students proudly represent their culture.

WEDNESDAY 27th May, beginning at 9:15am the Grade 3 students will lead Mass. Families are warmly invited to attend and join us in this special celebration. 

Learning for Week 6

Religious Education:

In Religious Education, students will participate in the Pentecost and Multicultural Day celebrations on Monday 25th May. Throughout the day, students will have the opportunity to celebrate and share their cultural backgrounds while making connections to the message of Pentecost and how Jesus’ teachings continue to be shared through words and actions. Students will explore the importance of community, inclusion, and respecting the diversity of others.

Students will also reflect on the scripture verse Proverbs 31:8, which encourages people to speak up for those who may be experiencing injustice or who cannot speak for themselves. Through class discussions and reflection activities, students will consider ways they can show kindness, fairness, courage, and compassion in their everyday lives.

English:

In English, students explored the text Down the Hole to develop their understanding of Aboriginal perspectives and experiences of living in remote South Australia during the 20th century. Using information from the text, students wrote factual recounts that retell events and describe aspects of daily life, challenges, and experiences from an Aboriginal point of view. They also strengthened their understanding of grammar by revising pronouns and extended noun groups to create more detailed and accurate writing.

Students further developed their spelling knowledge by focusing on silent letter patterns such as gh and gu, including common exceptions to these rules, through a range of word-study and practice activities. In grammar, they continued to build their understanding of independent and dependent clauses and the use of subordinating conjunctions to create more complex sentences. Students also practised enhancing their writing by using adjectives and adverbs to add detail, clarity, and interest.

In addition, students investigated factual information about the Aboriginal Flag and its cultural significance, organising ideas in chronological order to support clear sequencing and understanding. Throughout these learning experiences, students continued to build confidence in reading comprehension, spelling accuracy, sentence structure, and written expression.

Mathematics:

In Mathematics, students will explore how to follow and apply simple algorithms to generate and extend number patterns. They will investigate how clear, step-by-step instructions can be used to create patterns, identify underlying rules, and predict what comes next in a sequence. Through hands-on activities, problem-solving tasks, and guided discussion, students will develop a deeper understanding of how numbers can be organised and structured in different ways.

Students will also have opportunities to explain their thinking, share strategies, and check the accuracy of their patterns with peers. By working through a range of pattern-based activities, they will build confidence in recognising relationships between numbers and using logical reasoning to create and continue sequences. This learning will support students in strengthening their fluency with number concepts and their ability to apply mathematical thinking in a variety of contexts.

Integrated Curriculum:

In Integrated Studies, students will use the research they have gathered about their local area to deepen their understanding of the community and the purpose of different places within it. Students will investigate and answer questions about the function and importance of locations such as Casey Fields, Casey Race, Shopping on Clyde, and the abandoned railway line.

Through discussions, mapping activities, and written responses, students will explore how these places support the needs of the local community, including recreation, health and fitness, shopping, transport, and social connection. Students will also develop their inquiry and research skills by sharing information, asking questions, and making connections between the past and present features of their local area.

Auslan:

In Auslan, students will develop their understanding of how verb signs can be moved within the signing space to show where an action is happening or where something should be done. They will explore how movement and placement of signs provide important visual information in Auslan communication. Students will practise following signed instructions by carefully watching the direction and location of action signs and responding appropriately in classroom activities and games.

Students will also revise and strengthen their understanding of everyday classroom vocabulary signs, including work together, work in groups, work in pairs, sit here, sit there, and cooperate. Through interactive activities, students will practise using these signs to communicate effectively, follow directions, and participate respectfully and collaboratively with others.

Social & Emotional Learning:

In Social and Emotional Learning, students will investigate how different situations and experiences can trigger emotions of varying strengths. They will explore how emotions can influence thoughts, behaviours, and reactions, and consider how this can impact relationships with others at school, at home, and in the wider community.

Through discussions, role-play activities, and reflection tasks, students will develop their understanding of recognising and managing emotions in positive ways. Students will also practise strategies for showing empathy, communicating respectfully, and responding appropriately to the feelings and perspectives of others in different social situations.

What you can do at home:

• Ask your child what is a way you can be like Jesus using actions or words? 
• Encourage your child to look for and identify patterns they notice in their everyday surroundings especially focusing on doubling, halving and fractions. 
• Chat to your child about their emotions and strategies they use to self regulate when they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed. 
• 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:

Semper Dental Van is visiting St Thomas Cranbourne on May 25, 2026.

Eligible families may be covered under the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), while affordable options are available for all other families.

 Please complete your child’s consent form here and submit on or before May 23, 2026.  https://semperdental.com.au/consent-form/  

In Week 7, on Wednesday 27th May, beginning at 9:15am the Grade 3 students will lead Mass. Families are warmly invited to attend and join us in this special celebration. 

• 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