Principal's report 

In our classrooms

Term two has continued nicely for students, with deep levels of engagement and learning visible in all our classrooms. As the weather cools down, we’ve noticed some students arriving at school without the correct uniform. Most often, we’re seeing students wearing a non-uniform jumper, jacket or hoody to stay warm. Wearing the appropriate uniform is part of our "Proud to be at Port" vision and a key expectation at our school. Over the next couple of weeks, students who aren't in the correct attire will be able to exchange their non-compliant item for an appropriate uniform item at the office.

In our community

This week has been a wonderful celebration of Mother's Day with Wednesday’s breakfast and stall, followed by Friday’s lunch—a highlight for many mums. I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and others who enrich our children's lives and make our school community special. Your support and nurturing presence are essential in creating a positive environment where our kids can truly thrive.

I want to acknowledge the significant efforts that have gone into organising the Mother's Day activities. As with many of the wonderful events at Port, the workload is shared among many families who contribute to the planning and organisation. In particular, I want to thank Kate Esam, our PFA president, who in her first year has done an incredible job, dedicating countless hours to these events. I know that Kate has been well supported by others, and I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone involved for their hard work.

Along with the Mother's Day activities, this time of year is filled with wonderful community events, including Education Week and Grandparents' Day next week, as well as Term 2's "You Show Us" mornings. I look forward to connecting with many of you at these events around the school.

In our staff room

Recently, members of our teaching and leadership team, along with myself, have visited several high-performing primary schools to observe best practices and gain insights for our ongoing improvement journey. The emerging trend across these schools is the incorporation of the latest cognitive science research into their educational practices. Cognitive science, as applied to education, helps us understand how students learn and retain information more effectively.

Next year, we will be working to integrate some of these practices, particularly in the area of reading instruction. This approach will enable us to enhance our teaching methods, ensuring that our students receive the highest quality education. We're excited about the positive outcomes this will bring for students.

Thank you for your continued support and for helping make our school the special place that it is.