Teaching and Learning

Welcome Back to the Final Term of the Year!

We have a jam packed term in front of us with many exciting events occurring including camps, the Presentation Ball, graduations, the Lower Primary Bushwahzee, our Christmas Concert… we are going to be very busy! We also have the excitement of the new building now fully underway which is providing daily entertainment for the students who are interested in all the daily activity.

Our students have settled into the term very quickly and have engaged in their learning programs with enthusiasm. Our Integrated focus on the Environment continues with classes exploring mini beasts, growing plants, habitats and harsh environments. The Discovery Centre is a hive of activity with classes using the amazing resources, displays and interactive activities being used by many classes.

Writing Celebration

This year we have embarked on reviewing and improving our approach to teaching writing. At our staff meeting this week we took some time to reflect on the progress and achievements of our students and the positive response they have provided in embracing the new approach we have taken. Our teachers have invested a lot of time this year on developing their understanding of teaching the craft of writing and we have focused heavily in the Secondary years on encouraging our students to write about topics that interest them.

The introduction of the Writer’s Notebook in the Secondary years has been extremely successful and we are looking forward to continuing its development this term and next year. In the Primary and PreCAL classes we have reinforced the Language Experience approach to provide a shared experience for students to write about. There is a positive buzz about writing right around the school and it is wonderful to reflect and celebrate the progress our teachers and students have made.

PreCAL Information Session

There is a PreCAL Information Session running on Monday Oct 28th, 6pm at the Bundoora Campus or Friday Nov 8th, 9:30am at the Watsonia Campus. If you would like to attend please contact the school to indicate your attendance for organisational purposes.

Supporting Literacy at home

Encourage your child to discuss their day at school. Ask questions like ‘What was the best part of your day?’, ‘Did you help anyone today?’, ‘What activity did you like most today?’.

Supporting Numeracy at home

Many classes are exploring the concept of Time this term. Tune your children into calendars and schedules and how you use them in your daily lives. Do you have a family calendar hanging up which you record your upcoming events and appointments, or perhaps you use your device to keep track of what is coming up?

Sam Birrell

Acting Assistant Principal

Teaching and Learning