Leadership Report

Magill School is always a hive of activity with interesting learning occurring by the minute. The students are also always keen to share what they are learning about. Recently, I was able to hear about the amazing transformation of a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis from the Reception students in N7. Their excitement was contagious. 

The Year 1 students in N1 were just as excited sharing the books they are creating on the iPads about The Little Red Hen. Their Talk for Writing sessions have really set them up to be successful in telling this story and then writing about it. 

Sounds Write sessions in N3 are in full swing, with students able to articulate, identify, blend and switch sounds to create words. They are confidently handling the new routines. 

Various lunchtime activities are also being offered across the school. Positive Play sessions have been well received by some of the older students. Earlier this week, 10 students were involved in a game of indoor hockey, practising their teamwork skills and using the opportunity to focus on respectful relationships, resolving conflicts, and showing empathy for others. 

Literacy Intervention sessions have begun this week in most year levels. These small group opportunities provide some extra practice in skills important in reading and spelling. At these times a Student Support Officer works with a group of about 4 students to practise listening to the sounds in words and representing these using correct spelling. Routines are being practised to enable students to use these skills more automatically. Fluently reading short texts and practising high frequency words will also be added. Check out the videos on the Magill School website here: Reading & Spelling - Magill Primary School (magillschool.sa.edu.au) to see some of the routines in action. 

NAPLAN 

Next week Year 3 and 5 students will be involved in the National Assessment Program: Literacy and Numeracy. For parents with students in these year levels, we encourage you to keep routines as normal as possible and not put too much emphasis on these tests. It is best for students to remain calm and comfortable so that they can do their best, without unnecessary stress. The data provides just one piece of information about how students are progressing in particular aspects. 

Enjoy the long weekend. Try to keep cool.

Kind regards, 

Daniela Lawlor 

Deputy Principal