Leadership Communication

Dear Families,

I hope that the weekend was a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the father figures in your life and the lives of our children.  It's hard to believe we are soon to close out another school term of the 2025 year.

Student Attendance

Teaching and learning is our core business, and we value every minute that students are at school. Regular attendance ensures all children have equitable access to learning alongside their peers. At our school, we raise a concern when attendance drops below 85% across a semester.

We understand that illness and family circumstances can affect attendance, and we allow for up to 10 days of absence per year with this in mind. Beyond this, it becomes increasingly difficult for students not only to catch up but also to keep up with their peers as they move through each year level. Research shows there is a cumulative impact on learning over time when absence rates are high.

We ask for your continued support in prioritising your child’s attendance, knowing that strong attendance builds strong foundations for success in learning and in life. If you need support at any stage, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher as the first step.

Teaching and Learning - Routines

Our staff engage in weekly professional development sessions with a focus on whole-school approaches that support student learning. One routine we have been developing is called “Turn and Talk.” In this strategy, the teacher provides a prompt and students discuss their ideas with a designated partner before sharing something from their conversation with the class.

This routine is powerful because it ensures that every student has a voice, not just those who usually put their hand up. Talking with a peer helps students deepen their thinking, build confidence, and develop important listening and collaboration skills. For example, when a teacher asks, “Why do you think the author chose this setting?” students first explore their ideas with their partner, then share back with the class, often bringing forward new perspectives and richer insights.

Embedding routines like “Turn and Talk” across the school helps us create consistent, talk-rich classrooms where all students actively participate in learning. These small but deliberate strategies build habits that have a big impact on student engagement and achievement.

Peta Overbury

Deputy Principal - Teaching and Learn