Leadership Communication

Every Learner, Every Language, Every Opportunity

At the end of Term 4, we have many events to celebrate, including End of Year Carols and the Year 6 Graduation. Parents also receive their child(ren)’s Semester Two report. This has led to teachers recently receiving many questions from parents about the English as an Additional Language curriculum. Therefore, I thought I would take this opportunity to address some of these questions.

At our school, we are proud that our students and families speak many different languages. Did you know that learning English as an additional language (EAL) can take five to seven years, and sometimes longer? Children often learn to speak English with their friends quite quickly, but the English needed for reading, writing and learning at school can take more time. This is completely normal! This is why the Victorian Curriculum recognises English and English as an Additional Language (EAL) as equally important curricula, providing  support for students in becoming confident and capable English language learners.

At our school, every student has access to the same high-quality, explicit teaching and rich learning experiences, regardless of whether they are assessed against the English or EAL curriculum. Students learn together in the same classroom, with the same teacher participating in the same lessons and activities. The EAL curriculum is not an easier curriculum. Instead, it helps teachers recognise where students are in their English language development and provide the right support at the right time. 

Why do some children receive an EAL report? An EAL report simply helps families and teachers understand how a child is progressing as they learn English. It celebrates what children can already do and shows the next steps in their learning. It does not mean a child is behind or learning less than other students. It means their English language development is being recognised and assessed in a way that is right for them. We also value the languages children speak at home. Speaking, reading and sharing stories in your home language helps build important skills that support learning English too! 

Ultimately, whether a child is learning English as their first language or an additional language, our goal remains the same: to ensure every student feels included, experiences success and reaches their full learning potential.

We have been blessed to have beautiful sunshine over the past few days and with the rain approaching it reminds us truly of Spring where it is the season of growth. Term 4 is well underway and are fully engaged in their learning.

Jodie Bawden

EAL and Auslan Leader

It is not too late to give your child's teacher a shoutout on the Diocesan Padlet for World Teacher Day next Friday. St Thomas families are well ahead of all other school so far, thank you all.

Click the image below!