BCS Newsletter
Week 5, Term 1 2026< All newslettersPrint
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Welcome to our Week 5 newsletter. We are now halfway through the first term of 2026, and it has been wonderful to see our Reception students growing in confidence and settling into full‑time school. They have already learned so many new routines and skills. We are very proud of their progress and thank you, our parents and carers, for your support during this important transition.
Monday 9th March – Adelaide Cup Public Holiday
A reminder that Monday 9th March is the Adelaide Cup public holiday, which means we will begin Week 6 with a shorter week.
Friday – Primary Athletics Day
Our Primary students (Year 3, 4, 5 & 6) are looking forward to Athletics Day this Friday. This is always a highlight on our calendar—an opportunity for students to enjoy the outdoors, challenge themselves, and shine in different events. You are warmly welcome to come along and celebrate this day with your children.
We extend a huge thank you to all families who support student participation in sport, especially our wonderful volunteer coaches. Alongside sporting teams, we also have a range of clubs and groups available during and after school, and we appreciate your encouragement in helping students get involved.
Next week, our Year 3 and Year 5 students will sit their NAPLAN tests. These assessments provide a snapshot of student learning on the day and help us identify trends, strengths, and areas for growth.
We encourage students to do their best while reminding them that NAPLAN is not something to feel anxious about. If your child is feeling worried, please let your class teacher know. Our student counsellor is also available to support children experiencing anxiety or other concerns—simply speak with your teacher if you would like to access this service.
Parent–Teacher Interviews – Thursday 26th & Tuesday 31st March
Parent–teacher interview information will be sent out soon, asking you to book a time to meet with your child’s teacher.
If you have changed your email or contact details, please let us know.
Interviews will be held on:
Wednesday 1st April – Easter Chapel Services (Week 9)
This year, Easter falls at the end of Week 9. We will celebrate this important event in our regular weekly chapel sessions on Wednesday 1st April:
Families are warmly invited to attend. For those unable to join us, we plan to record and share the chapel services.
Thursday 2nd April – Early Dismissal at 12:10pm
Please note that the last Thursday before Easter, Thursday 2nd April, will be an early dismissal at 12:10pm. This allows families planning Easter travel to begin their long weekend safely and smoothly.
Important Car Park information
We appreciate your assistance in keeping our school grounds safe during afternoon pick‑up. Recently, the carpark has become blocked around 2:30pm due to cars arriving early and stopping in front of both school entrances. This creates a safety concern, particularly if emergency vehicles need access.
To help us keep traffic flowing safely:
We hope you enjoy the upcoming long weekend and find some time to relax and spend time with your family.
God bless you,
Wendy Matear
Principal
Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others.
Matthew 6: 12
Welcome to Week 5 of Term 1! It has been wonderful to see how confidently and calmly our students have embraced the start of the school year. Classrooms are humming along beautifully, and it’s clear that everyone has truly found their rhythm within their class communities and the daily routines of school life. A particular highlight has been the excitement surrounding the new gym—students are absolutely loving the fresh space and the opportunities it brings for movement, teamwork, and fun.
As we enjoy this positive start, it’s a great reminder of how important regular attendance is in helping children feel grounded at school, build strong connections, and develop a real sense of purpose and belonging. When students attend consistently, they settle more easily, form meaningful relationships, and engage more confidently in their learning.
Giving Children the Best Opportunity: Why Every School Day Matters
At Bethany, we want every child to thrive spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally. One of the simplest and most powerful ways to do this is through consistent school attendance—because every day at school is an opportunity to grow into the person God created them to be.
Everyday Counts: Excellence in Action
Each school day is a chance for children to:
When students are present, they engage fully with these opportunities, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, faith, and service.
The Impact of Missing School
Even small absences add up:
Regular absences can limit children’s potential to excel academically, socially, and spiritually. Research shows chronic absenteeism (below 90%) is linked to lower Year 12 completion rates, reduced chances of university access, and fewer opportunities to explore and grow their God-given talents.
A Biblical Perspective: Agency and Consistency
Colossians 3:23 reminds us:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
Faithful attendance is more than a habit—it is an exercise of agency, choosing to engage fully with the opportunities God provides. It allows children to practice discipline, curiosity, and excellence, and to live out their calling in community.
Working Together to Support Children
Families can empower children to thrive by:
We understand absences sometimes happen and work closely with families to maintain learning continuity. If we notice patterns of high absence we will be in touch, to see how we can support you. Helping Children Flourish Giving children the best opportunity means making everyday count. Each day at school is a chance to grow in faith, knowledge, curiosity, and character—stepping closer to the future God has planned. If you need support with attendance challenges, contact either your child’s class teacher, or the Wellbeing Team at Bethany. Wishing you a really refreshing long weekend.
God bless you,
Deb Clifford & Melissa Taylor
Deputy Principals
Open (754.45 KB)
4W was involved in the 2026 Clean Up Australia Day. On Friday 27th February they donned their yellow gloves and hats and, although it was rather hot, enjoyed walking and taking note of what others throw away. On returning to school we sorted and counted what we had collected. 10 full bags of rubbish including a car tyre, various pieces of clothing and metal cutlery as well as the usual plastic bags and drink containers. They also collected 188 cigarette butts and I believe that cigarette butts were the highest collected amount of all the different types of rubbish Australia wide in 2025.
Well done 4W for taking an active role in caring for our community.
Please note that the Bethany Christian School Playgroup is now meeting on Wednesday mornings. The attached photo shows some of the fun activities that the group has been enjoying.
For those who have been attending, we would love to hear your feedback. Please complete this brief survey to help us to continue to meet your needs.
Athletics Day (Years 3-6) Reminder!
We’re excited for a fantastic day where our Primary students can come together, enjoy some friendly competition, and showcase their developing athletic skills.
The event will be held on Friday 6th March (Week 5, Term 1), with Friday 20th March scheduled as the back-up date. Activities will take place on the school oval and Fairbanks Drive Reserve.
Families are invited to attend. All visitors will be required to sign in at various sign in points including the first aid area, front office or gates on the oval upon arrival.
Students will compete in age groups determined by their year of birth:
2018 | 8-year-olds
2017 | 9-year-olds
2016 | 10-year-olds
2015 | 11-year-olds
2014 | 12-year-olds
While the day is designed to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate and enjoy themselves, performances will also assist in the selection of our SAPSASA and SACSA Athletics squads. Students hoping to be considered are encouraged to give their very best effort.
We will be using the online platform ReadyGo for live house scoring throughout the day. There is no need to create an account — a guest code will be provided closer to the event or just after so families can access all relevant results.
Additional details will be shared via the Sports Event Page and parent broadcasts as the date approaches. Please keep an eye out for further updates.
We look forward to a wonderful day of energy, enthusiasm, and school spirit.
On Monday, 2nd March, nine students travelled to Waterworld in Tea Tree Gully to take part in the annual SAPSASA Swimming Carnival.
The team had a fantastic day, filled with encouragement, teamwork and outstanding effort. There was plenty of cheering from the sidelines, several personal best performances, and special recognition for those competing at their very first carnival. It was wonderful to see every swimmer give their all and truly shine. Congratulations to everyone involved!
| Coach | Mr Grieger & Mr Peterson |
|---|---|
| Front Row (L-R) | Back Row (L-R) |
| Amelia C | Jabari S |
| Roney L | Ashton S |
| Ronaldo L | Elizabeth I |
| Absent from Photo: | |
| Hylas C | |
| Samuel C | |
| Pippa A |
Bethany Christian School offers a weekly basketball program. This is a user pay program staffed by approved volunteer coaches, with compulsory weekly after school trainings held at BCS
There are two seasons per year
Winter Season - Terms 2 and 3 | Summer Season - Terms 4 and 1
Age Groups as follows (must be 5 yrs old)
U08s mixed | U10s mixed | U12 Boys | U12 Girls
Saturday games are generally at the following recreation centres
Golden Grove | Burragah | Turramurra | Ingle Farm | The ARC
Bethany Christian School offers a weekly netball program. This is a user pay program staffed by approved volunteer coaches, with compulsory weekly after school trainings held at BCS
There are two seasons per year
S1 Season - Terms 1 and 2 | S2 Season - Terms 2 and 4
Age Groups as follows (must be 5 yrs old)
U08s mixed | U10s mixed | Under 12s mixed
Saturday games are at the Gardens Recreation Centre.
| Sport | Team | Opponent | Coach's Pick | Match Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basketball | U08 Warriors | Brooks Thrillers | Noah B | 2 - 18 | ||
| Basketball | U08 Rockets | BYE | - | - | ||
| Basketball | U10 Thunder | Forfeit | - | - | ||
| Basketball | U10 Breakers | Glenunga Rams | Jason P | 12 - 21 | ||
| Basketball | U10 Ballers | 76ers Comets | Lachlan M | 30 - 10 | ||
| Basketball | U10 Celtics | Heccies Gold | Hannah M | 16 - 4 | ||
| Basketball | U12 Lakers | NE Lakers | Daniel D | 16 - 15 | ||
| Sport | Team | Opponent | Coach's Pick | Match Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basketball | U08 Warriors | Hope Valley Heat | Maddison M | 2 - 21 | ||
| Basketball | U08 Rockets | 76ers Blue Jetts | Arlo P | 16 - 2 | ||
| Basketball | U10 Thunder | 76ers Rams | Rylan B | 15 - 16 | ||
| Basketball | U10 Breakers | Hope Valley Heat | Nash P | 19 - 13 | ||
| Basketball | U10 Ballers | Hope Valley Heat - Blue | Jack K | 26 - 4 | ||
| Basketball | U10 Celtics | Hope Valley Heat | Esther D | 9 - 8 | ||
| Basketball | U12 Lakers | |||||
| Friday 6th March | Athletics Day for Year 3 - 6 students |
| Monday 9th March | Adelaide Cup Day Public Holiday |
| Tuesday 10th March | Hearing Screening |
| Wednesday 11th March | NAPLAN for Yr 3 & 5 students |
| Wednesday 11th March | Reception Parents Reading Workshop |
| Thursday 12th March | NAPLAN for Yr 3 & 5 students |
| Wednesday 25th March | Year 5 Camp |
| Thursday 26th March | Year 5 Camp |
| Thursday 26th March | Parent Teacher Interviews |
| Friday 27th March | Year 5 Camp |
| Friday 27th March | SRC Casual Day |
| Tuesday 31st March | Parent Teacher Interviews |
| Thursday 2nd April | Early Dismissal for Easter 12.10pm |
| Friday 3rd April | Good Friday |
| Monday 6th April | Easter Monday |
| Term 1 | Monday 2nd February to Friday 10th April |
| Term 2 | Tuesday 28th April to Friday 3rd July |
| Term 3 | Tuesday 21st July to Friday 25th September |
| Term 4 | Monday 12th October to Wednesday 9th December |
| Monday | ELC, RHAY, RT, 1PC, 1WC, 2EM, 3HW, 3NC, 4K, 4W, 5RW |
| Tuesday | ELC, RHAN, 1K, 2N, 2Z, 3M, 4GT, 5T, 6T, 6W |
| Wednesday | 5M, 5T, 6SC, 6W |
| Thursday | ELC, RHAN, RHAY, 1WC, 4K, 5M, 5RW, 6T |
| Friday | ELC, RT, 1K, 1PC, 2EM, 2N, 2Z, 3HW, 3M, 3NC, 4GT, 4W, 6SC |
| Monday | 8am to 11am |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 2pm to 5pm |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 8am to 11am |
PO Box 2125
Salisbury Downs SA 5108
37 Countess St
Paralowie, SA, 5108
Newsletter published: Thursday, March 5 2026
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