Bethany Community
Spotlight on Learning















St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School
Bethany Community
Spotlight on Learning
Dear Families,
Today, students explored Day for Daniel, focusing on child safety and the importance of recognising unsafe situations. We revisited the No, Go, Tell approach, encouraging students to say no, move away from unsafe situations and tell a trusted adult. Next week, we look forward to celebrating Mass on Wednesday 4 November. All families are warmly invited to attend and join us in this special celebration.
Religious Education:
Next week in Religious Education, students will explore the connections between the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and how Catholics are called to love and care for one another. They will focus on the principles of Care for Our Common Home and Human Dignity, identifying Scripture passages that reflect these teachings. Students will create a poster featuring a Bible verse that highlights the importance of respecting others and caring for God's creation.
English:
Next week in English, students will continue reading The Last Bear, exploring the characters, events and key themes of the story. In writing, students will consolidate their understanding of persuasive writing by strengthening their arguments with supporting reasons and evidence. They will also focus on crafting an effective conclusion that restates their opinion, summarises their main arguments and includes a strong call to action.
Mathematics:
Next week in Mathematics, students will continue developing their understanding of percentages by using known percentage amounts to calculate other percentages. They will explore strategies such as finding 10%, 5% and 1% to work out different percentages of a quantity. Students will apply these strategies to solve problems and explain their mathematical thinking.
Integrated Curriculum:
Next week in Integrated Studies, students will explore how musicians use samples, loops and technology to create contemporary music and communicate ideas. They will learn how artists layer and modify sounds to create different effects. Students will use digital tools or recorded sounds to create a short musical composition and reflect on how their musical choices influence the mood and meaning of their piece.
Social & Emotional Learning:
Next week in Social and Emotional Learning, students will explore what respectful behaviour looks and sounds like and why treating others with kindness and respect is important. They will identify different types of harmful behaviour, including verbal, emotional and physical harm, and recognise early signs of disrespect. Students will discuss how disrespect can affect others and practise responding to situations in respectful and positive ways.
Auslan:
Next week in Auslan, students will continue developing their communication skills by using familiar signs, mime and gestures to express ideas and actions. They will view signed stories and demonstrate their understanding through drawing and discussion. Students will practise translating everyday words between Auslan and English and explore similarities and differences between the two languages.
| Term 4, Week 5 | |
|---|---|
| Monday 2nd November | School Closure Day - STUDENT FREE DAY |
| Tuesday 3rd November | MELBOURNE CUP PUBLIC HOLIDAY |
| Wednesday 4th November | Bethany Community Mass @ 9:30 am - St Thomas the Apostle Church Semper Dental Van visit |
| Thursday 5th November | Semper Dental Van visit |
| Friday 6th November |


Toys
We kindly ask that students do not bring fidget toys to school unless their use is a planned adjustment in consultation with Allied Health Professionals. Students who bring fidget toys without an approved adjustment will be asked to place them in their school bag for the remainder of the day to take home. We appreciate your support in encouraging your child to leave fidget toys at home.
Please ensure that you are labelling all your child's belongings.
Year 7 Enrolment St Peter’s College 2028
St Peter's College has advised that enrolments for 2028 are almost full, with only limited places remaining. If you have not yet submitted your child's enrolment application for St Peter's College for 2028, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Please note that enrolment at St Thomas the Apostle does not guarantee a place at St Peter's College.
For further information or to submit an application, please contact St Peter's College:
Phone: (03) 5990 7777
Enjoy your weekend,
The Bethany Team










bethany@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au (all teachers) or
| Staff Members | Email Address |
|---|---|
| 5A - Dalton Woods | dwoods@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au |
| 5B - Lyndal Mihic | lmihic@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au |
| 5B - Jane Heard (Tues) | jheard@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au |
| 5C - Crystal Wang | xwang@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au |
| 5D - Kanchan Suri | ksuri@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au |
| 5D - Jane Heard (Thurs) | jheard@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au |