Bethany Community
Spotlight on Learning















St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School
Bethany Community
Spotlight on Learning
Dear Families,
Just a reminder about some important details for our upcoming Year 5 Camp at Mill Valley Ranch. The students are very excited, and we are looking forward to a wonderful camp experience together!
Departure – Monday 12 October
Please ensure students arrive at St Thomas by 7:45 am and meet on the basketball court. The bus will depart at 8:15 am.
Students must arrive wearing a sun-safe, broad-brimmed hat. Please note that caps are not permitted.
Return – Tuesday 13 October
We expect to arrive back at school at approximately 3:30 pm, with students collected from the basketball court. An SMS will be sent if we expect a delay. Otherwise, please plan for a 3:30 pm arrival.
A responsible adult must be present to collect your child before 3:50 pm.
Medication
Students must not have any medication in their bags. Please hand all medication, along with the required completed forms, to Mrs Suri, who is responsible for first aid.
Camp Location: Mill Valley Ranch 525 Tynong North Road, Tynong VIC 3813
Meals- On Day 1, students need to bring their own snack and lunch. Afternoon tea and dinner will be provided by Mill Valley Ranch.
On Day 2, morning tea and lunch will be provided by Mill Valley Ranch. Students should also bring their water bottle.
Contact Information: If you receive a call from a private number while your child is at camp, please answer it, as it may be a teacher contacting you in relation to an emergency.
The camp's emergency contact number is (03) 5942 8356. Please only use this number for emergencies and not for general updates about your child.
Wednesday 14 October:
Student-Free Day for Year 5 - A reminder that Wednesday is a student-free day for Year 5 students only. Year 5 staff and students will not attend school on this day. We hope everyone enjoys a well-earned rest after camp!
Weather: Camp will still go ahead in adverse weather. Please ensure your child packs a wet weather jacket in case of rain.
Thank you for your support in helping everyone arrive prepared and ready for camp. The students are very excited, and we look forward to a fantastic couple of days at Mill Valley Ranch!
Kind regards,
Year 5 Team
Religious Education:
In Religious Education, students have begun exploring our new unit, A Call to Action, focusing on the life and mission of Jesus and the Kingdom of God. Through the Gospel of Luke, students explored Jesus’ mission to bring hope and freedom to others. Next, we will explore the Gospel of Matthew and Jesus’ call to make disciples and baptise others, considering how we can continue his mission today.
English:
In English, students have commenced reading The Last Bear by Hannah Gold. Alongside our reading, students are focusing on persuasive writing, learning how to structure a persuasive text with a clear introduction, arguments supported by reasons and evidence, and a strong conclusion. Students will develop their ability to express a clear point of view and use persuasive language to convince their audience.
Mathematics:
For this week and next week, students will develop their understanding of fractions, decimals and percentages. They will explore the connections between these concepts, learn to represent and compare them in different ways, and apply their understanding to solve a range of mathematical problems.
Integrated Curriculum:
In Integrated Studies next term, students will explore elements of music including beats and body percusssion. We will be exploring the different types of instruments.
Social & Emotional Learning:
In Social and Emotional Learning, students are revisiting the St Thomas Way to reinforce our school expectations and prepare for a positive start to the term. Through discussions and social stories, students are reviewing and practising routines, respectful behaviours and expectations. We will also practise routines and expectations for our upcoming school camp to help students feel prepared and confident.
| Term 4, Week Two | Event |
|---|---|
| Monday 12th October | School Camp |
| Tuesday 6th October | School Camp |
| Wednesday 14th October | Student free day - Year 5s not at school only |
| Thursday 15th October | |
| Friday 16th October |
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
Email: registrar@stpeters.vic.edu.au
Camp Reminders
Medications: If your child requires medication while attending camp, please ensure the medication form is completed. All medication must be provided in a clearly labelled zip-lock bag with your child’s name on it. Thank you for helping us ensure medications can be managed safely while at camp.
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 |