Principal Message Term 1 - Week 9

Last week I had the good fortune to accompany our Year 5/6 children to Canberra. Despite our angst about traveling interstate, everything went to plan, and it goes to show good planning, forward-thinking and thorough preparation goes a long way to ensuring success. It was a terrific tour and the children certainly gained so much from the experience.

The Canberra tour is designed to do a number of things. In the first instance, it is about bonding and relationships and in the second it is the precursor or immersion for the Unit of Inquiry the Year 5/6s have just begun. I must say that our children represented our school magnificently. I can proudly and unashamedly say that no matter where we visited, praise for their manner, respectfulness, questions and participation was awarded. They certainly made the most of the experience and certainly deserved the recognition they were given.

During my time with them, I noticed much about each individual, in particular how they have grown as learners and as people. Central to the Primary Years Programme is the learner profile and the approaches to learning. These two aspects of the PYP work in tandem and assist children to develop wholistically. In past newsletters, I have commented on skills required by our children for the future, and I have made reference to various articles that cite the need for children to acquire what is termed ‘soft skills’ as well as 21st Century skills for future workplaces. These of course include skills that can’t be automated and need what I term the human touch. Soft skills are skills such as kindness, tolerance, empathy, resilience, creativity, collaboration, cooperation, sensitivity, understanding and acceptance and 21st-century skills include some of the above along with critical thinking, digital citizenship, problem-solving and decision making.

Over the course of the week, I observed the acquisition of these skills on multiple occasions. And I am proud to say that I believe our children have made enormous gains in their learning that will hold them in good stead as they move into their secondary years and beyond.

Indeed, it has been a great start to the year, and I feel excited that so many of the things we have put into place over the past few years are really coming together. It is a credit to each member of this community, student, staff and parents, and is indicative of the dedication we collectively bring to our school and community.

I know that we are all looking forward to the break school holidays and Easter will provide. I trust that all families will have a safe and restful holiday and we look forward to seeing you on Monday 19 April when we start Term 2.

Please note as of next term the newsletter will go from fortnightly to every 3 weeks.

5/6 Camp