Dear Parents

Over the last two weeks PBSS has received numerous accolades that have ranged from public recognition in the media through to emails and phone calls from interactions in the wider school community. Each of these has reflected our focus for the past two and a half years on becoming a 'Culture of Learning' with high expectations in all that we do.

The identification from ACARA as being one of four Gold Coast schools with significantly higher improvement (gain) in literacy and/or numeracy over the last three years is certainly something for all of us to celebrate - students, staff and parents. Equally as significant was the feedback we have had regarding the high standard of behaviour that our students demonstrate at all times, both in and out of the school grounds. We are all very proud of the high quality education your child is receiving atPBSS and thank you for your continued support in all that we do!

Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews

At PBSS each year we hold four formal modes of reporting and feedback to parents, along with informal parent teacher meetings organised at mutually convenient times for both parties throughout the school term. With the Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews this Tuesday evening it is timely to discuss the importance of honest, open and respectful communication between school and home. Our 2018 mantra of 'Every Student Succeeding' is paramount and through our data analysis we can clearly identify individual student improvement, achievement, the next steps required in each child's learning and at whatever developmental level the child is performing.

As across all of the population, we are not all high performing academics or 'A' achieving students. There are those amongst us that are the artists, the musicians, the elite sports people, the carers, and others that have many skills and talents that make up our world. I have often asked parents if I could give you one wish for your child what would it be ... the answer is always 'To be happy' and in this time where wellbeing is increasingly in question across society, here at PBSS we value and promote positive student engagement and self esteem, 'To be the best you can be'.

The Australian Curriculum is designed around an A-E format with 'C' representing the average attainment for each child in each year level. When meeting with your child's teacher please keep in mind that 'C' is the average and that if your child is achieving a 'C' they are performing exactly where they should be developmentally and where the majority of their peers across Australia are. Our PBSS data demonstrates that many of our students are achieving above this level when compared to other students across Australia, whilst a small group of PBSS are experiencing developmental delays in their learning.

The importance of the Parent/Teacher interviews is to receive feedback about your child as a learner, both academically and regarding their general wellbeing. I'm sure you're looking forward to recognising where/how your child is performing, and what the school and home can do together to ensure your child is a happy engaged learner and achieving to their potential. Please have this honest conversation with your child's teacher so that together we can ensure your child is 'the best they can be'.

Year 4 - Year 6 Friday Afternoon Sport

There has been much debate amongst the school staff, and parents that staff have spoken to, regarding the way forward with interschool sport. To make an informed decision that reflects the opinion of the majority of parents last Friday we sent home a survey requesting your feedback. Please return the survey by Wednesday this week (14th March). We will be making the decision regarding our way forward using the results of the parent survey.

Friday 16th March

Friday 16th March is certainly going to be a busy day at PBSS. Not only have we organised a series of activities to recognise national 'Bullying ... No Way!' day of action but also a group of our Year 5 and 6 students will be attending Somerset Literature Festival. We are looking forward to these opportunities for our students.

Prep 2019

We have commenced our 2019 Prep enrolment process and our visits to local kindy's to speak to prospective PBSS parents. Due to to the introduction in 2017 of our PBSS Enrolment Management Plan (EMP) only students living within our catchment will automatically be guaranteed a place at PBSS on enrolment. If you live in catchment and your child will be attending Prep at PBSS in 2019 we would appreciate completion of their enrolment form as soon as possible. These are available from the office or on our website.

Word has certainly spread about the high quality education we are offering at PBSS and we already have many enrolment forms lodged by parents for out of catchment students! Positions for these students will be offered early term 4 once we have ascertained the number of students enrolled from within our catchment.

Kind regards

Sandra Thompson

Principal

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