Australian Principals Federation

Hands On Heads Literacy Coaching 

Dear Principals, 

 

Hoping all went well for the Government Schools Principals Conference last week- I heard it was a success!

 

Scaffolding in the Literacy Block and English Classes

 

Recently, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by the amazing Stephanie Salazar, Instructional Leadership Coach and Consultant, from Sanctuaries of Learning.

 

We discussed ways to scaffold learning with confidence to support ALL students in the classroom when reading and writing.

 

I shared my top tips for scaffolding in the Literacy Block and in English classes, including the 3Ss of scaffolding and a 'Learning Bible'. Plus, I explained the ONE BIG misconception about scaffolding- any guesses?         

 

Clickthis link to view the video

Don’t set and forget. Do reflect and redirect

 

As the end of Term 2 draws closer (between reports, interviewing, 2026 planning, absences, performances, etc.), remember not to 'set and forget', but 'reflect and redirect'.

 

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself as a school leader, six months into 2025. And, it's not too late to make the second half count (after some well-deserved R and R of course!).

  1. Are you on track to achieve your 2025 literacy goal aligned to your Action Plan/Strategic Plan? How do you know?
  2. What steps do you need to bring you closer to your Years 3-6/ Years 7-9/ Years 5-9 literacy goal?
  3. What resources (people, time, scaffolds, money) do you need to help you get there?
  4. What haven’t you considered yet to get you there?
  5. And what else?

If you need some help working through these questions, perhaps with your leadership team, or setting up your teaching teams for literacy success in Semester 2 and looking ahead to 2026, let me know.

 

This is my last newsletter before I take off to Italy next week for a few weeks and a well-deserved break! I’ll be visiting my partner's hometown (Puglia, the white-washed city) and catching up with some of my family members in the south.

 

Wishing you all the best for the end of Term 2 and a successful start to Term 3. Have a restful break once it arrives, ensuring you fill up your cup and take time to prioritise yourself!