Learning and Teaching News

Semester Two Reports

Semester 2 Reports were emailed on Monday 9th December.

Check your spam or junk folder and if you need any assistance with locating or interpreting reports, please contact the office. If after reading your child's report, you require further clarification, please organise a learning conversation time directly with the class teacher.

Looking Towards 2025

The first week of the school year for 2025 looks like this:

The school year will begin with scheduled 'Getting to know you" learning conversations on Wednesday, January 29th and Friday, January 31st 2025.

We are focussed on building relationships with every learner. As teachers, we are experts in education but families know their children far more deeply than us. We also know that when parents/carers and teachers work in partnership, learners thrive and their performance is enhanced.

We completed assessments in November and December this year that remain relevant to begin the 2025 year so we are not spending more time doing assessments with students as their first experience of school in the new year. We have also introduced a detailed student handover process so our priority to begin the year is to provide an opportunity for a learning conversation.

The learning conversations are an opportunity for teachers to get to know your child better, through you, their parent or carer who knows them best.

They will take place on Wednesday 29th January 2025 between 8:30am and 5:00pm and on Friday 31st January between 8:30am and 3:45pm.

Note that Prep conversations begin at 1:00pm on Friday January 31st because the Prep students will attend school for the morning.

Students will attend the 15 minute conversation for the first 5 minutes and then move to the learning street to participate in some group activities. This enables the parent/carer and teacher to have a further 10 minute conversation.

Please log on to www.schoolinterviews.com.au (or use the QR code) and use code gm6du to book one 15 minute appointment with each of your children’s class teachers. Bookings will OPEN @ 4pm on Friday,13th December 2024 and CLOSE @ 4pm on Tuesday, 28th January 2025.

Their 2025 class and teacher's name will be on a flyer brought home by them on Friday 13th December.

https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/gm6du

Some discussion starters you make want to consider for the learning conversation include:

What are your child's strengths and interests?
What motivates your child to do their best?
Are there any particular challenges your child is facing?
How would you describe your child's learning style?
What are your hopes and expectations for your child this year?
Is there anything specific you'd like the teacher to focus on?
How can we best communicate throughout the year?
What is the best way to reach you?
Are there any specific concerns you have about this school year?
How can we work together to create a positive learning environment for your child?
What are your thoughts on homework?
What does the teacher need to know to best teach your child?
Any medical/health concerns?
Friends and social connections?
Regular out of school activities your child participates in?
Before/after school routines?

Good bye and Thank you

I wish to say a big thank you as I leave St Martins and education after a long and fulfilling career.

I have been incredibly fortunate to work alongside dedicated and passionate colleagues. Their support and collaboration, expertise and kindness have made my time at SMDP truly special. I feel very proud of the educational community we've created and the learning that results from our positive and aspirational school culture.

I will miss the students so very much. Witnessing their growth, their successes and their unique personalities has been the greatest reward of my career. Their curiosity and enthusiasm, their stories and wonderings have inspired me every day.

I will miss the families that have provided me with the great privilege of educating their children and then given me trust and confidence to make a difference in their learning and in their lives. I appreciate the friendly conversations and support always given to me.

As I try on retirement for size, I carry with me the knowledge that SMDP is in great hands. Through Dan and Elise's leadership, the positive impact on countless lives will continue.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of your educational journey.

With heartfelt thanks and best wishes,

Denise Kelly

Co-Deputy Principal |

Learning & Teaching Leader