Spotlight on Learning

Dear Grade 3 Families,

During Week 4, Grade 3 students participated in a variety of learning experiences across the curriculum. Students explored the Catholic Social Teaching of Human Dignity through Bible stories and discussions about showing kindness and respect to others. In English, they revised spelling rules, continued reading Yirra and Her Deadly Dog, Demon, and strengthened their reading, comprehension, and sentence-writing skills. In Mathematics, students learned how fractions combine to make one whole through hands-on activities. Students also developed their inquiry skills by exploring open and closed questions, continued building confidence using Auslan in daily classroom routines, and discussed safe choices, trusted adults, and when to seek help. Students also received their login details for the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge.

The Mother’s Day Breakfast was a wonderful celebration at school, where mothers joined their children to enjoy delicious snacks and spend quality time together. Students and their mums took part in fun activities and shared special moments throughout the morning. The Grade 3 students impressed everyone with their outstanding performance of My Lighthouse, showcasing beautiful singing and enthusiastic actions. It was a joyful event filled with connection, celebration, and appreciation.

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. 

Learning for Week 5

Religious Education:

In Religious Education, students will explore the scripture passages 1 Peter 1:18–25 and Mark 10:32–45. Through these passages, they will deepen their understanding that Jesus loves each of us deeply and calls us to show that same love to others through kindness, compassion, and care. Students will also reflect on Jesus’ teaching that true greatness comes from serving others, rather than seeking to be the most important. They will discuss what it means to be a helpful and caring member of the community, and how they can follow Jesus’ example in their everyday actions at school, at home, and with their peers.

English:

In English, students have been revising key spelling skills, including the i before e rule and its exceptions, to strengthen their spelling accuracy. Next week, they will complete their whole-class novel Yirra and Her Deadly Dog, Demon, focusing on deepening their understanding of characters, events, and key themes. Students have also been learning how to write a factual recount about the Aboriginal Flag, organising information in chronological order to ensure clarity and structure. Alongside this, they continue to develop their sentence-writing skills by expanding ideas using both dependent and independent clauses, while further building fluency and confidence in reading and spelling.

Mathematics:

In Mathematics, students will be learning to follow algorithms to generate number patterns. They will explore how step-by-step instructions can be used to create, extend, and describe patterns in a logical way. Through guided activities and problem-solving tasks, students will apply algorithms to produce consistent number sequences and explain the patterns they observe. Students will demonstrate success by using an algorithm to independently create a number pattern.

Integrated Curriculum:

In Integrated Studies, students will be learning about why people make inquiries into different topics and how questions help us gather information and develop a deeper understanding of the world around us. They will explore the difference between open and closed questions, recognising that open questions encourage thoughtful discussion and more detailed responses, while closed questions often require short or simple answers. Through class discussions, collaborative activities, and visual prompts, students will practise creating their own open-ended questions about images and topics they are curious about. This learning will support students in developing their investigation, communication, and critical thinking skills, while encouraging curiosity and confidence in asking meaningful questions.

Auslan:

In Auslan, students will be moving into Unit 4A, where they will revisit and consolidate their “Can I?” vocabulary. They will practise signing and using sentences such as “Can I work with you?”, “Can I watch with you?” and “Can I read with you?” to support everyday communication in the classroom. Students will also develop their understanding that English and Auslan are structured differently, meaning words are not always translated directly one-by-one. Instead, meaning can be expressed through a combination of signs, facial expressions, eye contact, and body language. This helps students understand that effective communication in Auslan relies on more than just individual signs, and encourages them to use expression and visual cues to support meaning.

Below are some of the signs students will be learning and using:

Social & Emotional Learning:

In Social and Emotional Learning, students will be learning about the importance of seeking help when they need it and recognising that asking for support is a positive and responsible choice. Through a range of make-believe scenarios and class discussions, students will explore different situations and decide whether they could solve the problem independently or if they would need to seek help from a trusted person. They will discuss who they can turn to for support, such as family members, teachers, or other trusted adults, and consider the different ways people can help. This learning will support students in developing problem-solving skills, building confidence, and understanding how to make safe and positive choices for their wellbeing.

What you can do at home:

• Ask your child how they can show kindness, compassion and care to others. 
• Encourage your child to look for and identify patterns they notice in their everyday surroundings.
• 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