Focus on Learning 

I would like to congratulate our staff and students on a very successful start to the school year. Whilst the first term of school is dedicated to getting to know our students and establishing the calm and collaborative classroom climates, it is also a time to build strong work habits and routines which set our students up for success. 

From early on in the term, each class established a strong foundation for guided reading groups. These groups, which occur in 2 x 20 minute blocks from Monday to Thursday, allow teachers to work with small targetted groups to deliver explicit reading instruction. 

The introduction of our Literacy Learning Hubs is further testimony of our commitment to increase student's literacy skills. We are already seeing both academic growth and a growth in confidence due to the nature of these focused groups. 

This year, the Leadership Team are also conducting 'Learning Sprints' within our classes. These Learning Sprints involve either Mrs Long or myself becoming part of the class' guided reading groups for a 5 week 'sprint', working with a select group of students each day. Whilst Mrs Long will continue her sprint in Stage 3 next term, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Stage 2 for the second half of this term, and will move into Stage 1 for weeks 2-6 of term 2. 

Our STARS Word Reading Program has taken off this term, with students already progressing through their animals sets and gaining word knowledge and skills to assist in their reading instruction. A highlight for this term was having a group of Kindergarten students burst with excitement into the Staff Hub, eager to share their reading abilities with Mrs Long, Mrs Rheinberger and myself. These students were beaming with confidence, using their knowledge of the Ant Words to read simple sentences. Way to go Kindergarten! 

Writing instruction at St. Joseph's School also continues to move from strength to strength, with teachers incorporating the writing process into their writing instruction, whilst also focusing on effective sentence construction. Just recently, our Stage 3 students have been using their class novel 'The Happiest Refugee' as a prompt for persuasive writing. Mrs Bartholomew has led students through the writing process (Plan, Draft, Confer, Refine, Publish) and early next term, students will 'publish' and celebrate their writing through class presentations. Our infants classes are also very busy building their wiritng skills as well as their interests in writing - I'm sure you've all seen the photos of Stage 1's Golden Ticket inspired Big Write! 

Whilst we continue to strive to provide our students with effective writing instruction, we must also take time to celebrate our achievements. I stand with Mrs Long in congratulating our teachers and year 6 cohort, as St. Joseph's has been recognised as one of the states top 40 performing schools in NSW for NAPLAN 2021. What a testament to the dedication of learning from both our students and teachers! 

After what has been a busy, yet successful term, I wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday break and look forward to welcoming our students back on Wednesday 27th April for another great term of learning.