Principal Update

We’ve had another wonderful week at APS. The weather has been trying with the need for indoor recess and lunchtimes. We call this a wet/sweat timetable which is put into action when the weather is inclement, extreme heat, or dangerous. There is no set temperature to trigger this timetable but rather a decision made by leadership before the recess and lunch. We try to give the students some time outside during their breaks so if possible will send them out for ½ the time. The older students will also have access to the gym which is worked out across the year levels. Paramount in our decision making are the students and their health.

The swimming last week was a fine example of the qualities our students display along with their sporting prowess. The swimming was amazing- congratulations to all who competed. The times recorded were personal bests for many of the students. As importantly the students showed empathy, support and encouragement for each other across the age groups and classes. These personal qualities are recognized and acknowledged by myself, Shane and the teachers. It is heartening to hear them excitedly cheering and squealing with delight when another swam a personal best. There is a group selected from their times to move to the next level which is in a few weeks. 

Closely following this event was a P/1/2 House activity morning. The House Captains and class teachers completed some activities with the students and taught them the House chants. The House points from both events will be announced at assembly on Friday. They were both very successful events for the students.

There is an increase in the number of students presenting to sick bay with a range of illnesses. We have been informed that there is also Covid in the area and some gastric viruses. Please don’t send your child to school if they are unwell. We have a couple of students and staff who are immuno-compromised which causes us to be vigilant with illnesses and the spread of these highly contagious viruses. 

Next week we are hosting our annual Welcome to Prep evening for Prep Parents. The current Year 1’s host the families with some nibbles and drinks in the Staff Centre. This is our first social event for the year and usually a very well attended one. Thanks to the Year 1 parents led by Pav for organizing and providing the food and drinks.

We are often asked the question “Do we teach phonics?” The answer is yes! 

From the moment students walk into school they are continuing to develop their oral language. A major part of language development is the ability to hear and use sounds in language. These pre-reading skills develop in the early primary years. Phonics and phonological awareness are taught explicitly in the junior classrooms using a structured and systematic approach. We utilise a range of resources to support this teaching and assess students regularly to monitor progress. The employment of the Speech Pathology in Schools group is one of the resources we utilise. Mary, our speech pathologist, is sharing her expertise with staff to build their knowledge and understanding of language development. Mary will also begin working with small groups of students to address targeted goals that have been identified through the screening process. In addition to oral language, phonics and phonological awareness we also explicitly teach vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. These components are the platform of our reading instruction. More information can be gained by asking your class teacher about the teaching of reading. 

Have a lovely week

Melissa Mackenzie

Principal