Bethany Christian School

Bethany Christian School

Newsletter

Week 5Term 12026

Our Reception students enjoying Pancake Day.

From the Principal

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:

  • Thursday 26th March
  • Tuesday 31st March

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:

  • 10:50am – Years 3, 4, 5 & 6
  • 12:10pm – Reception, Year 1 & Year 2

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:

  • Please avoid arriving early and parking in the drop‑off/pick‑up zone. Students are dismissed at 3:10pm, so they will only be available for pick‑up after this time. 
  • If you wish to arrive early, you are welcome to park in the front school carpark or on surrounding streets where there are no yellow lines.
  • Thank you for following speed limits, observing parking signs, and driving respectfully around our school. Your cooperation helps ensure a safe environment for all our students and families.

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

Deputy's Corner

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:

  • Pursue excellence in learning and character
  • Explore and exercise curiosity about God, the world, and themselves
  • Build knowledge and skills for the future
  • Strengthen friendships and relationships in a Christ-centred community 

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:

  • 90% attendance = 1 day missed every 2 weeks → 20 days/year → more than 1 full year lost over 13 years 
  • 80% attendance = equivalent to 2 full years of missed learning

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:

  • Establishing routines that foster consistency
  • Encouraging curiosity and a love of learning
  • Modelling perseverance and excellence
  • Communicating promptly about absences

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

Highlights

HEALTHCARE

Open (754.45 KB)

Clean Up Australia Day 2026

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.

Camp Australia - Rocketeers

Community News

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. 

Gawler & District Netball Association

State Election Forum

Sports News

BCS Athletics | Yr 3 - 6

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.

Sports Events Page

ReadyGo

Swimming SAPSASA Report

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!

 

CoachMr Grieger & Mr Peterson
Front Row (L-R)Back Row (L-R)
Amelia CJabari S
Roney LAshton S
Ronaldo LElizabeth I
  
Absent from Photo: 
Hylas C 
Samuel C 
Pippa A 

Weekly Basketball | Rec - Yr 6

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

Weekly Netball | Rec - Yr 6

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.

Match Results | Weekly Sports

Saturday 21|2

SportTeamOpponentCoach's PickMatch Result
BasketballU08 WarriorsBrooks ThrillersNoah B2 - 18  
BasketballU08 RocketsBYE--  
BasketballU10 ThunderForfeit--  
BasketballU10 BreakersGlenunga RamsJason P12 - 21  
BasketballU10 Ballers76ers CometsLachlan M30 - 10  
BasketballU10 CelticsHeccies GoldHannah M16 - 4  
BasketballU12 LakersNE LakersDaniel D16 - 15  

Saturday 28|2

SportTeamOpponentCoach's PickMatch Result
BasketballU08 WarriorsHope Valley HeatMaddison M2 - 21  
BasketballU08 Rockets76ers Blue JettsArlo P16 - 2  
BasketballU10 Thunder76ers RamsRylan B15 - 16  
BasketballU10 BreakersHope Valley HeatNash P19 - 13  
BasketballU10 BallersHope Valley Heat - BlueJack K26 - 4  
BasketballU10 CelticsHope Valley HeatEsther D9 - 8  
BasketballU12 Lakers     

Weekly Information

Important Dates

Friday 6th MarchAthletics Day for Year 3 - 6 students
Monday 9th MarchAdelaide Cup Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 10th MarchHearing Screening
Wednesday 11th MarchNAPLAN for Yr 3 & 5 students
Wednesday 11th MarchReception Parents Reading Workshop
Thursday 12th MarchNAPLAN for Yr 3 & 5 students
Wednesday 25th MarchYear 5 Camp
Thursday 26th MarchYear 5 Camp
Thursday 26th MarchParent Teacher Interviews
Friday 27th MarchYear 5 Camp
Friday 27th MarchSRC Casual Day
Tuesday 31st MarchParent Teacher Interviews
Thursday 2nd AprilEarly Dismissal for Easter 12.10pm
Friday 3rd AprilGood Friday
Monday 6th AprilEaster Monday

School Terms 2026

Term 1Monday 2nd February to Friday 10th April
Term 2Tuesday 28th April to Friday 3rd July
Term 3Tuesday 21st July to Friday 25th September
Term 4Monday 12th October to Wednesday 9th December

PE Timetable

MondayELC, RHAY, RT, 1PC, 1WC, 2EM, 3HW, 3NC, 4K, 4W, 5RW
TuesdayELC, RHAN, 1K, 2N, 2Z, 3M, 4GT, 5T, 6T, 6W
Wednesday5M, 5T, 6SC, 6W
ThursdayELC, RHAN, RHAY, 1WC, 4K, 5M, 5RW, 6T
FridayELC, RT, 1K, 1PC, 2EM, 2N, 2Z, 3HW, 3M, 3NC, 4GT, 4W, 6SC

UNIFORM SHOP OPENING TIMES

Monday8am to 11am
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday2pm to 5pm
ThursdayClosed
Friday8am to 11am

Bethany Christian School

PO Box 2125
Salisbury Downs SA 5108
37 Countess St
Paralowie, SA, 5108

P. 08 8283 0000
E. office@bethany.sa.edu.au

Newsletter published: Thursday, March 5 2026

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