Year 3 - Year 5

Assistant Principal's Report

Welcome to week 8!  

With four still weeks remaining, it is business as usual here at 'The Springs'. 

Reading has been a focus across the school by targeting three forms of researched practice that makes students more independent and effective life long readers.  At PSPS we are continuing to explore Guided Reading, Reciprocal Reading and Literacy Circles. Guided Reading is often seen in the classroom with direct teacher involvement, 'guiding' students through the book and taking the lead role.  In our middle-senior school, more students are getting involved with reciprocal reading.  This is an instructional activity that takes the form of a dialogue between the students.  Each student takes on a different reading role and together, they make sense of the text.  

As readers, we have so much to think about, decoding the words, tone, expression and fluency are the basics but we also need to break down and comprehend the message and the purpose.  In novels, we need to visualise the settings and the character to be able to relate.  Importantly, we need to be able to summarise the important and main points.  At PSPS, students' practice these 'good reading qualities' with both fiction and non-fiction text.  Students love it and they learn so much about what good readers do.

In Mathematics, we are continuing with a very targeted approach to ensure students needs are being met and catered for.  As you are aware from previous newsletters, your child/ren completed an online assessment, with the results now guiding teachers planning in mathematics. 

I would like to say how lucky we are at 'The Springs' to have the next generation of teachers working with us. We run a successful pre-service teacher program where student teachers work with experienced teachers to gain experience and support in their learning.  I would like to thank our pre-service teachers for their dedication, motivation and hard work.

Lastly, I would like to share a story about how fantastic our community in Pakenham is.  Last Tuesday, I was driving home with a little pressure to arrive on time for a meeting for my own children.  I did not get very far before realising I had one very flat tyre.  I'd like to think I am fairly self-sufficient but the car jack proved a little tricky.  I popped over to the 'MUSCLE MAX'  gym and was so thankful for their help and kindness.  

We talk a lot about our school values and how they connect us to the community and this was a great example. A client of the gym willingly interrupted his session, his time and his kindness to help a stranger.  Not only did the gentleman help, but he also gave me the confidence and the 'know-how' to change the tyre again when the repair is completed.

THANK YOU MUSCLE MAX PAKENHAM

Have a lovely fortnight everyone.

Jane King 

Assistant Principal (Year 3-5)