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Assistant Principals

As we approach the end of Semester 1, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the growth, achievements and experiences that have shaped the first half of the year at Grayling Primary School.

 

We have been incredibly proud of the way our students have embraced learning, supported one another and demonstrated our school values each day. Whether visiting classrooms, spending time with students in the yard, attending school events or seeing students participate in clubs and programs, it has been rewarding to witness the many ways our students continue to grow academically, socially and emotionally.

 

We are equally grateful for the dedication of our staff and the ongoing support of our families. The strong partnership between home and school plays an important role in helping every student feel supported, challenged and successful.

 

Alongside celebrating student achievements, we would like to share some of the important work taking place across our school to support learning and wellbeing.

Making the Most of School Reports and Parent-Teacher Interviews

As Semester 1 comes to a close, families will receive their child's school report. Reports provide an important snapshot of your child's learning, growth and achievement throughout the semester. They highlight areas of success, identify next steps for learning and help strengthen the partnership between home and school.

 

Parent-Teacher Interviews are an excellent opportunity to discuss your child's progress in more detail, celebrate achievements and work together to support ongoing development. To make the most of the limited time available during interviews, we strongly encourage all families to read their child's report before attending.

 

Reading the report beforehand allows you to:

  • Gain an understanding of your child's current achievement levels and progress.
  • Celebrate areas where your child has experienced success and growth.
  • Identify any questions you may have about your child's learning.
  • Focus the interview on next steps and strategies to support learning at home and school.
  • Make the most of the valuable time with your child's teacher.

As you read the report, you may like to consider:

  • What am I most proud of my child achieving this semester?
  • Are there any areas I would like further clarification on?
  • How can I support my child's learning at home?

 

Our teachers look forward to partnering with you to support your child's success. By taking the time to read the report before your interview, you will be better prepared for a meaningful conversation focused on your child's growth, achievements and future learning goals.

Building Reading Success Through Staff Learning

We know that every child deserves access to high-quality reading instruction and support. This year, alongside our ongoing work with students, we have been investing in the professional learning of our Education Support (ES) staff to strengthen their understanding of how children learn to read.

 

Many of our ES staff work closely with students who require additional literacy support. To strengthen this support, staff will be participating in professional learning focused on how children learn to read, including the Science of Reading, the foundations of literacy development, and evidence-based intervention practices. 

 

While programs such as MiniLit and MacqLit remain important interventions for students requiring intensive support, our goal is to build the capability of all staff to understand the key components of successful reading instruction. 

 

By building a shared understanding across our teaching and support staff, we can provide more consistent support for students throughout the school day and better respond to individual learning needs.

 

This work reflects our commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to become a confident and successful reader. We are proud of the dedication our ES staff continue to show in developing their knowledge and skills and look forward to seeing the positive impact this has on student learning outcomes.

Supporting Student Wellbeing

We believe that student wellbeing is fundamental to learning success. When students feel safe, connected and valued, they are more likely to engage positively in learning, build strong relationships, and develop the confidence to take on new challenges.

One of the highlights of this semester has been seeing students connect with one another through opportunities such as Garden Club, LEGO Club and Choir. These programs provide students with a chance to explore their interests, build friendships and strengthen their connection to our school community. 

 

For students requiring additional support, we also provide targeted programs such as Secret Agent Society and our social skills groups. These initiatives help students develop important social-emotional and self-regulation skills while building positive relationships with both peers and trusted adults.

 

Our wellbeing programs are designed to support students academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. We are proud of the caring and inclusive culture at Grayling Primary School and remain committed to supporting the wellbeing of every student as they learn, grow, and succeed.

 

As we finish Semester 1, we would like to thank our students, families and staff for their ongoing support and commitment to our school community. It has been wonderful to see the growth our students have made this semester, and we are grateful for the strong partnerships we share with families.

 

We hope everyone enjoys a safe, restful and well-deserved holiday break. We look forward to welcoming students back for Semester 2 and hearing about all the adventures and experiences they enjoyed over the holidays.

 

We look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday, 13 July at 8:45 am for a special Welcome Circle, where students will have the opportunity to reconnect with their classmates and share some of the highlights from their break.

 

Assistant Principals

Lach Clydesdale and Meagan Lindberg.