Spotlight on Learning

Dear Grade 3 Families,

During Week 7, Grade 3 students have engaged in a variety of learning experiences across the curriculum. In Religious Education, they reflected on Proverbs 31:8 and the importance of showing kindness and compassion. In English, students explored grammar and spelling while learning about First Nations storytelling traditions and the significance of Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day. In Mathematics, they continued developing their understanding of number patterns and algorithms. Students also investigated the role of community services in Integrated Studies, practised using signing space in Auslan, and explored empathy, meaningful apologies, and respect for others in Social and Emotional Learning. 

Learning for Next Week (Week 8)

Religious Education:

In Religious Education, students will continue to reflect on Proverbs 31:8 and explore how the Catholic Social Teaching of Human Dignity can guide them to speak up for others with courage, kindness, and respect. They will consider how these teachings can be applied in their daily lives when supporting and advocating for others. Families may like to discuss a time they stood up for someone else and, if possible, revisit the Human Dignity video we previously watched to further explore these important ideas together.

English:

In English, students will continue to develop their reading, writing, grammar, and communication skills. They will practise diagonal joins to ‘o’ in handwriting, improve their typing fluency, and learn how to add adverbials to enhance their sentences. Students will read and respond to our class text, Finding Our Heart, while building their vocabulary and reading fluency. They will also revise and edit their writing, proofread a book report, and rehearse and deliver a spoken presentation. 

Mathematics:

In Mathematics, students will focus on developing their understanding of multiplication facts for 10. They will explore patterns in the ten times table and learn to represent these facts using arrays and equations, strengthening their ability to see connections between different mathematical representations. Through hands-on activities and problem-solving tasks, students will build fluency and confidence with multiplication facts of 10. Success will be demonstrated when students can accurately model and solve multiplication problems using both arrays and equations.

Integrated Curriculum:

In Integrated Studies, students will investigate their local area by answering inquiry questions about the people, places, and features that make it unique. They will develop their research and observation skills as they gather information from a variety of sources, ask thoughtful questions, and share their findings. Through these learning experiences, students will deepen their understanding of their community and the connections between people and places.

Auslan:

In Auslan, students will learn and practise ‘Can you?’ vocabulary, including signs for pencil, help me, and slow. They will also revise previously learned vocabulary such as have, eat, and finish. Students will explore how pointing can be used in Auslan as a pronoun, allowing signers to refer to people or objects without repeatedly naming them. Through interactive activities and conversations, students will continue to build their confidence and communication skills in Auslan.

Social & Emotional Learning:

In Social and Emotional Learning, students will explore the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and repairing relationships when conflicts occur. They will learn how to make a genuine apology by acknowledging their behaviour, expressing sincere remorse, and considering how their actions affect others. Through discussions and role-playing activities, students will practise using meaningful apologies as a way to rebuild trust, show empathy, and strengthen positive relationships. 

What you can do at home:

• Talk to your child about Proverbs 31:8 and encourage them to explain what it means to speak up for others. Invite them to share a time when they or someone they know showed courage, kindness, or respect for Human Dignity.
• Encourage your child to practise the 10 times table using everyday objects such as coins, blocks, or household items. Ask them to show their answers using arrays and to talk about any patterns they notice in the ten times table.
• Discuss your child’s local area and encourage them to describe what makes their community special. You can also practise simple Auslan signs from class (such as pencil, help me, and slow) and ask your child to explain how pointing is used as a pronoun in Auslan.
• Continue to prioritise shared reading each night as a meaningful routine, asking questions about the text to strengthen comprehension skills and deepen understanding.

Important Reminders:

The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) is a nationwide problem-solving contest designed to challenge students to apply their mathematical thinking in real-world and unfamiliar contexts. Students are presented with a series of increasingly difficult, multiple-choice questions that assess reasoning, logic, and problem-solving skills rather than just routine calculations. Participation in the competition encourages perseverance, creative thinking, and confidence in mathematics, as students learn to approach problems from different angles and apply a range of strategies. It is a valuable opportunity for students to extend their mathematical abilities beyond the classroom.

Please let the classroom teachers know by 20th June 2026 or earlier so we can do the registration if you would like your child to compete in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC).  

Smart Watch Policy Summary

At St Thomas the Apostle Primary School, smart watches are not permitted to be used during school hours, as they can disrupt learning. Devices may only be brought to school with parent and teacher permission and are intended solely for use while travelling to and from school. Permission slips will come home this week for those that are wearing a Smartwatch and for those that want to, please advise your classroom teacher.  

The school does not accept responsibility for lost or damaged devices, and misuse will result in a warning followed by collection of the device by the school and return to parents. These guidelines support a safe and focused learning environment for all students.

Enjoy your weekend,

The Ephesus Team

Contact Us @Ephesus

ephesus@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au (all teachers) or