From Cressida
3 Way conferences -
Bookings open Thursday 20 August
Toward the end of Term 3 we would usually offer Student Led Conferences as a part of our suite of reporting to families. These would take place in our classrooms with the children curating the event. The conferences would provide an opportunity for our children to select pieces of work of which they are proud, and share these with family. They provide an insight into each child’s learning journey, and are an opportunity to celebrate the learning and the effort and the pride.
This year the format will be different. The conferences will need to happen over Zoom due to Stage 4 Lockdown requirements. As such, the reporting for this term will be a short conversation between teachers, parents and the children, should the family choose.
We are aware that many conversations are occurring each week between families and school, and for some families, these 3 way conferences may seem a little surplus to needs. We quite understand, and so there is no pressure on families to once again jump into the Zoom-isphere to speak with your child’s teachers. However, for some families, this may present an opportunity to frame the conversation in a different way, and the timing of the conferences, 3.45pm - 7.00pm, may mean that parents who would not usually be available during school hours, can take part.
Families are welcome to use their usual weekly check in time for this conference, or opt to use the evening time instead. We encourage families to use one or other time within the week of 7 September.
Our specialist teachers in French, Art and Music will also be offering times. French times for the children in the Peppercorns are booked through Compass, however, due to issues with Compass timetabling, other year levels will need to book a time with Madame Suzanne via a google form which will be made available shortly. We apologise for this inconvenience.
The Arlington Approach to Reporting
Theodore Roosevelt is credited with saying, “Comparison is the thief of joy”, and although we’re pretty sure he never attended Preshil, he certainly understands our philosophy. At Preshil, we do not compare children to one-another as a tool for learning, and nor do we compare children to benchmarks and provide those measures to families as a tool for reporting. Many schools do just this. So, what do we do instead?
Every child is on a learning journey. That they are progressing, developing skills and being provided with targeted challenges, is the core business of Preshil teachers.
Benchmarking assessments like a running record for reading, and on-line maths assessments for numeracy are part of our armoury in terms of understanding what the targeted challenges for each child might encompass. Benchmarking assessments are used to inform our teaching, and not to inform parents of where their child is placed against other children, or an imaginary typical student.
When you talk with your child’s teachers, the conversation will not be about benchmarks, instead they will focus on the progress your child has made, celebrate overcoming challenges and confirm what the next steps might be. We hope you find this both informative, and joyful.
Cressida Batterham-Wilson
Acting Head of Arlington Campus