An Overview of Term 1

The past 9 weeks have been full of challenges along with a great deal of hard work and learning. Alongside the learning, students have participated in the assessment process which has provided a clear picture of the individual learning needs of each student and in turn informed teachers of where the learning program should be aimed. You will have received your child's Student Learning Plan which has been based on information gained from these assessments. We hope that you took the opportunity to meet with your child's teachers to discuss this plan in more detail. Students have also worked hard on understanding class routines and expectations, and on building working relationships with their teachers and classmates. The start of the year is always hard work!

Planning Day

As part of our commitment to providing the best possible learning outcomes for our students planning days are implemented across the school. This allows teaching staff to work in their learning teams to plan curriculum content, discuss the implementation of effective learning programs, and to monitor the progress of students within the section. On our recent planning day our students were supported by the specialist team from across the school and were engaged by a range of fun activities. By all accounts it was a great day for students and Lower Primary teachers were able to complete their term 2 planning. We thank the Specialist staff for their support. Excellent outcomes for all!

Parent Support

It has been fantastic to have so many parents supporting our programs and special events. This was most evident at the Family BBQ where we had over 250 parent/family members and friends in attendance. Your children love to see you joining in and having fun alongside them at school. I would also like to thank those who have helped with class programs and swimming this term. Your help contributes to the success of our programs and is greatly appreciated.

Special Events

Swimming

All students participate in a six week swimming block over the year. This program is conducted at Reservoir Leisure Centre on either a Tuesday or Wednesday. This term PLW and PJL were the lucky swimmers. Each student is working at their own skill level and pace which ranges from being able to leave the side of the pool using a safe entry, putting their faces in the water, jumping in from the side, working on both their front and back using kick boards and other flotation devices and stroke development and survival skills. With every new skill that these students learnt during their 6 week swimming block they developed self-confidence and an "I can do it” attitude. It is always wonderful to see the progress that students make over the swimming block. Being healthy and active is so important for children, and swimming is an excellent way to stay active and learn valuable life skills. Apart from the obvious safety aspect it is an activity that children can continue for pleasure and fitness throughout life.

Wildlife Xposure Incursion

Lower Primary had a visit from Wildlife Xposure in preparation for the “Minibeast “ unit of work occurring in Library next term. This incursion focussed on the features and behaviour of minibeasts in terms of how they move, eat and protect themselves. There were lots of mini beasts to look at and touch with the stick insects being a favourite. There were also giant cockroaches, mealy worms, scorpions and an Australian tarantula just to mention a few. Some students were happy just to look and listen whilst others couldn’t wait to get up close and personal.