Teaching and Learning

Writers' Workshop

Last Monday, we were lucky enough to have ten of our Level 6 students work online with the author, Sue Whiting. Sue has written many children's picture and chapter books. Our students loved working with her around the theme of: The Secrets to Building a Sensational Story.

Below is an opening paragraph of writing produced by Olivia, Steph and Lara:

I don't know where I am. I don't know what's going on. I rise stiffly. I seem to be in a dark jungle full of vines. I stretch out my arms and roll my wrist. My head feels heavy. It is dead silent. It is also scorching hot, I have already broken into a sweat. I need to find my way out of this vine-wrapped jungle. I hear a tarzan call coming toward me. Then a figure swinging on a vine comes rushing at me. I scream and jump out of the way. 'Tarzan' lets go of the vine and flips off. I jump. Who is this crazy guy? His clothes are worn and torn. Then he starts talking, “Hey there! My name is Jack. Welcome to the island of ‘No Escape!”

I freeze. My jaw drops. I stare at him, blinking like he is talking another language. Who is this strange person in the middle of the jungle? 

Staff Professional Development

We are so grateful to our staff who are always enthusiastic to attend professional development to ensure they continue to develop their expertise as educators. Last week I shared information about some of the new initiatives that the Government has implemented recently. At SEPS we understand how both teaching and learning is just as important as well-being. In order for our students to be the best learners they can be, we need to make sure we are providing an environment that promotes positive well-being. Over the last 2 weeks, we have had Anthony King, the School Wide Positive Behaviour guru come and work with us as we continue to build this framework.

The Elements of Learning Agency

At SEPS, our staff have been actively exploring The Elements of Learning Agency to empower our students as confident, self-directed learners. There are 12 key elements that help students become agentic learners, fostering their ability to take ownership of their learning. Our staff are building their knowledge of these elements so that we can begin to share them with our students and explicitly teach the skills needed to develop their agency.