Year 3 

Spotlight on Learning

Dear Families,

Our Year 3s have had a busy and exciting week! Students have been practising enthusiastically for our upcoming Carols Night and exploring the meaning of Advent through scripture, focusing on themes of preparation, hope, and joy. We’ve also begun our new Animal Etymology unit, where students are discovering the interesting origins behind animal-related words. It’s hard to believe we’re already in Week 9, and we’re so proud of the energy and curiosity the students continue to bring to their learning

This Week's Learning

Religious Education

In Religious Education this week, our Year 3 students have been learning how Advent Scripture reveals God’s promise and prepares us for the coming of Jesus. Through stories and reflection, the children explored themes of hope, waiting, and readiness, and discussed how these messages help us prepare our hearts during the Advent season. It has been lovely to see their thoughtful connections and growing understanding as we journey toward Christmas together. As part of Advent, students explored the Jesse Tree, learning about the Bible stories and people that show God’s promise and lead to the birth of Jesus. They enjoyed connecting each symbol to its story and reflecting on its meaning.

Christmas Carols: Below is the song we will be performing. If you could practise at home, that would be great!

Integrated Learning

In Integrated Studies this week, our Year 3 students have been researching the needs and impact of different animals and insects. They worked hard to locate interesting facts, focusing on what their chosen creature needs to survive and how it contributes to the environment or community. Students were excited to share their discoveries and are building strong research skills as they gather information for their projects.

English

In English this week, our Year 3 students explored the Greek morpheme “zo,” which means animal. They practised reading, spelling, and defining a range of words built from this morpheme, discovering how understanding word parts can help them work out meanings. Students enjoyed making connections between the morpheme and new vocabulary, strengthening both their decoding and word-study skills.

In Writing this week, our Year 3 students have been busy editing and publishing their persuasive letters. They focused on improving their work in three key areas: punctuation, sentence structure, and vocabulary. Using teacher-modelled examples, students learned how to refine their sentences, strengthen their word choices, and ensure their ideas were clear and convincing. After editing, they created a polished final copy or published their work using their Chromebooks. Support was provided for students who needed to focus on selected sentences or parts of their letter, and it was wonderful to see their pride in their finished pieces. Below you will see what our reading fluency looks like in action.

Mathematics

In Mathematics this week, our Year 3 students have been conducting guided statistical investigations. They collected data related to questions of interest, organised it into categories, and represented their findings using simple graphs and tables. Students then interpreted the data to look for patterns and make observations about what it showed. This hands-on investigation helped them understand how data can answer real questions and supported their growing confidence in working with categorical and numerical information.

Social & Emotional Learning: 

In our Social Emotional Learning this week, Year 3 students explored ways to seek help if they ever feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or experience inappropriate behaviour. They discussed identifying trusted adults they can go to for help and practised the important strategies of “No, Go, Tell.” Students learned how to speak up, move away from unsafe situations, and seek support in safe and respectful ways. These discussions help build confidence, awareness, and personal safety skills in an age-appropriate and reassuring way.

Auslan

In Auslan this week, our Year 3 students have been learning how proper nouns are expressed and how signs can be clarified to make meaning clear. They explored how names of people, places, and specific things are spelled out using fingerspelling, and how signers add extra information when a word or idea needs clarification. Students enjoyed practising these skills and are growing more confident in communicating clearly and accurately in Auslan.

Important Dates

Term Four:

• Carols Tuesday 9th December 4pm - 7pm
• Friday, 12 Dec - Last Day of Formal Classes

• Monday, 15 Dec - Clean Up Day - No Formal Classes - Last Day of School

   

Contact Us 

ephesus@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au OR