The Rocket

Principals Report

by Helen Freeman

Author Studies- inspiring readers and writers

Author Studies - inspiring readers and writers was the focus for our highly productive day with Andrea Hillbrick. Andrea took the lead role modelling to the teachers effective and engaging teaching strategies through the correct use of an author study. Teachers can then add this to their literacy toolbox to utilise in their classrooms across the teaching of writing and reading.

 

Ten reasons to do an Author Study:

  1.  Help students to develop their reading skills
  2.  Build critical thinking skills
  3.  Improve writing skills
  4.  Forge a deeper attachment to books
  5.  Establish a community of readers
  6.  Expose students to different types of literacy voices and styles
  7.  Boost information literacy skills
  8.  Plug in easily to the curriculum
  9.  Make connections across the curriculum
  10.  Add fun to the school day

Reference: https://www.readingrockets.org/books-and-authors/author-study-toolkit/10-reasons-do-author-study

 

Andrea’s added extra’s:

  • Opportunity to plan for texts at a deeper level- word, sentence, text level and beyond
  • Multiple exposure to texts
  • Learners anchor themselves with authors
  • Many valuable resources available
  • Provides a model for learners to study authors of their choice
  • Explore different purposes for writing 
  • Cross-age experiences
  • Many authors have resources: rich websites and great read aloud
  • Creates a whole school ‘buzz’

Andrea’s work with the teachers continues to have an amazing positive affect on our student writers across the school. Next Term all students will be involved in the author study that the teachers planned together with Andrea’s guidance. 

NAPLAN

Congratulations to all our Year 3 and 5 students who are currently engaged in their NAPLAN assessment this week. Students have completed assessments in reading and writing for both Years 3 and 5 and spelling, grammar and punctuation for Year 5. Numeracy for Year 5 will be completed tomorrow as will spelling, grammar and punctuation for Year 3. Numeracy for Year 3 will be completed on Monday. NAPLAN results are one part of our assessment schedule, the results are viewed alongside other types of assessments completed by the students throughout the year. NAPLAN is also a great tool for schools to reflect on their strengths and challenges in teaching and learning. It is data that can help measure the impact of programs and identify goals for the future. The school results will be available in Term 2 and in July parents will receive their child’s individual NAPLAN report.

Harmony Day 

Next Thursday, all the students will be engaged in activities to celebrate Harmony Week. Mrs Fisher and the Student Representative Council (SRC) have been busy organising the activities. We are hoping students will be able to wear something ‘orange’ in colour or their national dress (a gold coin is NOT required), all other clothing needs to be school uniform.

Easter Hat Parade

On Thursday 28th March at 9.00 am we will be holding our annual Easter Hat Parade. Students need to be preparing their special hat to wear on this fun occasion. More information will be sent home soon regarding the parade. After the parade we will be announcing our winners from the Easter Raffle.

 

Thank you to all the families who have donated eggs for the Easter Raffle. With the weekend fast approaching it may be a great time for families to purchase some Easter eggs, chocolates or Easter giftware for the prizes.  The more prizes we have the more fun the raffle is.

Camp Out

1 more sleep to go until the Camp Out!  We have a big crowd attending tomorrow so there will be a lot of tents on the oval, be sure to leave plenty of room for others when setting yours up!  We look forward to seeing everyone there!

 

Enjoy your fortnight ahead.

Helen