As we near the end of term, it brings me joy to reflect on the positive developments we have witnessed in our academic community. With the introduction of Sandhurst's multi-organisational Magnify pedagogical approach, we've embarked on a transformative educational journey that has gained praise from parents, teachers, and students alike.

The feedback we've received has been positive, reaffirming our commitment to providing an enriching learning environment. Teachers, too, have embraced these new practices, finding them to be effective tools in fostering engagement and deeper understanding among students. However, the true testament to our success lies in our students' responses. It's heartening to see them not only thrive in their literacy work but also verbalise what they're learning. This ability to articulate their newfound knowledge speaks volumes about their comprehension and engagement with the material. Furthermore, witnessing students set new goals for themselves underscores their motivation and drive to improve both academically and personally.

Upcoming Learning Intervention Initiatives

As we continue to support our students' diverse learning needs, we are excited to introduce several intervention initiatives in our classrooms next term.

Working alongside CESL Speech Pathologists, we have developed a targeted speech program for students who require additional support. This program will focus on developing receptive and expressive language skills, as well as articulation.

We are also pleased to announce the introduction of two evidence-based intervention programs: MiniLit and MacqLit.

MiniLit Sage is designed for early learners who need extra support with foundational reading skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and comprehension.
MacqLit is a structured program tailored for older students who require assistance in building essential reading and spelling skills.

Furthermore, we will be providing explicit teaching sessions to support students developing their English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) skills, ensuring they have the tools to succeed in their learning.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these programs on our students' learning journeys. Parents whose children are involved in these programs will receive a letter. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out.

The Science of Learning: Enhancing How We Teach and Learn

This is a reminder that our school will be closed from April 22–24 while our staff participate in an exceptional professional development opportunity. This means students will have three weeks of holidays over Easter. As staff prepare for their upcoming Professional Development Days with Dr Jared Cooney Horvath, we are excited to explore the Science of Learning. This research-based approach helps us understand how students best absorb, process, and retain information, ensuring that our teaching methods are as effective as possible.

One key focus is how relationships impact learning. A supportive and engaging environment helps students thrive, while stress or disconnection can hinder progress. By fostering strong relationships, we can create a positive space where learning flourishes.

We will also examine how memory plays a crucial role in learning. While memorisation is sometimes dismissed as rote learning, it is actually the foundation for deeper understanding. Without a solid knowledge base, students struggle to apply new concepts and think critically.

Additionally, we are pleased to welcome instructional coach Ollie Lovell from StepLab, who will be leading staff on The Transfer Dilemma and the Learning Trajectory. His sessions will focus on how students transfer knowledge across different contexts and how we can fast-track learning by balancing foundational knowledge with deeper problem-solving skills. Through this professional development, our staff will gain valuable insights and strategies to enhance student learning and engagement. We look forward to applying these principles in our classrooms to support every child’s growth and success.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who was involved in our Working Bee. It was a great to see so many faces around the school helping out where they could. I wish you all a very safe and happy holiday period and look forward to working with you and your children in Term 2.

St Mary's Primary School Inglewood

3rd April, 2025 · 04 Apr 2025

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