Literacy 

This year at St Anthony’s we embarked on continuing to improve our literacy instruction by implementing a whole class literacy program from Prep to Year 2. The program we chose to implement, Initial Lit, contained evidence-based practices such as the explicit and systematic teaching of phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, fluency and phonological awareness skills, such as syllables and blending sounds together. 

Over the last few weeks we have undertaken our school wide assessment. I’m pleased to report that despite a challenging year of ‘Lockdowns’ our children have continued to show healthy growth. Through the assessments I have had the opportunity to observe students sounding out complex sounds in our junior primary classrooms and being able to read more complex texts at a younger age. As a result of these results we have decided, as a school, to continue to use the Initial Lit program next year. 

I look forward to continuing to observe our students at St Anthony's become confident and successful readers. 

Lauren Maidment 

Literacy Leader