Year Three - Spotlight on Learning

Dear Families, 

Congratulations to all our students on their calm and positive approach to all NAPLAN assessments. 

As a community we are focusing on respect, what this looks like, feels like and sounds like. This includes around the school, not just in the classroom. We would love your support with having a conversation with your children around how we can show respect and what it looks like for your families. 

Next week we are learning about...

Religious Education Focus

Next week, our Grade 3 students will reflect on the events of Holy Week, exploring the significance of Palm Sunday, Jesus washing His disciples' feet, and His ultimate sacrifice on Good Friday. Through discussion and activities, we will emphasise the themes of service, humility, and the hope of the Resurrection. Students will also consider how they can live out Jesus' teachings in their daily lives and share His love with others. As we journey through this sacred season, we encourage you to continue these conversations at home and celebrate the joy of Easter together.

English Focus

Next week, our Grade 3 students will dive into the wonders of Earth's surfaces by exploring the fascinating formation of waterfalls. They will learn how waterfalls are created, using tier 3 vocabulary and key writing skills such as sentence expansion, conjunctions, and compound sentences. Through structured writing, they will practice forming explanatory texts with clear introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions. This learning will help develop their ability to explain scientific concepts with clarity and precision. We encourage you to ask your child about what they discover!

Mathematics Focus

Next week, students will focus on understanding and using formal units of time, including days, hours, minutes, and seconds. They will practice estimating and comparing the duration of events, reading and setting time on digital devices, and using timers to check short durations. Through hands-on activities, they will develop their ability to sequence events based on time estimates.

Auslan Focus

Next week, Grade 3 students will continue developing their Auslan skills by exploring how the location and direction of signs can change to show who is doing an action and what they are looking at. They will also learn that some signs do not have a direct English equivalent and that space can be used to represent different people or locations.

Students will focus on classroom instructions and movements, including signs such as “please look (at me),” “look at each other,” and “please listen.” They will also practice using handshape, location, and movement in signs like “excuse me,” “can I have a drink?” and “copy me.” These activities will help them build confidence in using Auslan for effective communication in the classroom.

Social emotional learning - Rights Responsibilities and Respectful Relationships. 

Next week, our Grade 3 students will explore the importance of respecting differences among people and families. Through discussions and activities, they will learn to recognize and appreciate diversity, share ideas on how to show kindness and respect, and understand why using people’s names and preferred pronouns is important. By fostering inclusivity and understanding, we aim to help students build positive relationships and create a welcoming environment for everyone. We encourage you to continue these meaningful conversations at home.

This week's highlights...

Prayer service at the church

On Wednesday we had a lovely prayer service at the church. Although we could not celebrate Mass as a community we were still able to come together and reflect on our relationship with God and remember St Joseph and his importance to the life and mission of Jesus. It was so lovely to have parents able to attend. 

As a community we gather together to watch the Assembly, celebrate awards, birthdays and discuss some reflection on our learning. We also talk about upcoming events and reminders around school wide expectations. 

Reminders

Students are encouraged to read each night. They are welcome to take the books from the class and community library. We also encourage visiting the local library and selecting books they enjoy reading. 

Contact Us 

ephesus@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au OR