A Spotlight on Learning 

A Spotlight on Learning in the SLC on Heights Campus

Our Year 5 and 6 students in the Senior Learning Centre have returned to school with a fantastic attitude and a real readiness to learn. It has been wonderful to see both familiar and new faces settling quickly into classroom life and embracing the expectations of the new school year.

Students have smoothly re-established important learning routines, including our Turn and Talk routine, where they confidently share ideas with a partner before contributing to whole-class discussions. They have also been practising lining up promptly and respectfully in their Safety Lines, demonstrating responsibility and readiness as they transition between learning spaces.

In the classroom, students are showing excellent whole body listening, tracking the speaker, keeping their bodies still, and engaging thoughtfully with the learning. This strong focus has helped classes dive straight into meaningful learning tasks. The routine of sitting in Teaching Lines also contributes to improving student focus as they know exactly where they will sit and who will be seated near them. This reduces anxiety and provides predictability so students can focus on their teacher’s instructions. It is evident in the way students are responding and engaging with learning that they understand and value these routines.

Circle Time sessions have provided valuable opportunities for students to reconnect with one another, build trust, and strengthen classroom communities. The focus for the beginning of the year has been on continuing to build resilience and the ability to name and regulate their own emotions. Through our Social and Emotional Learning program, students are also developing their skills in empathy, communication and teamwork which all contribute to setting a positive foundation for the year ahead.

For many of our Year 6 students, this year is a time to step up into a leadership role. Many will be taking on this additional responsibility for the first time! It is a huge opportunity to build their skills in teamwork and collaboration as they work with others in the student leadership team. They will continue to improve their communication skills by presenting at assemblies and in other formal situations and learn to problem solve and show initiative as they learn to respond to challenges calmly and work to improve their school community. It is a great privilege and the opportunity to be role models for the whole school community.;

We are incredibly proud of the mature and positive way our senior students have begun the year. We look forward to seeing them continue to grow and demonstrate the school values of Respect, Resilience, Collaboration and Excellence though all their interactions and learning.

Ms Michelle Gorman

Learning Centre Leader

(Heights Campus)