Welcome back everyone! It was nice to have a break and clock off for a while. Listening to the children, lots of people went visiting family and friends over the term break. It’s always lovely to reconnect with your nearest and dearest. There were some lovely cool sunny days in the mix as well.

Staffing

You will have heard in the media recently about staffing issues that many organisations are facing, and schools are no exception. Most days we receive a text from the resource agency explaining that CRTs (Contract Replacement Teachers) are unavailable to replace school-based staff for the following day. This is becoming unwelcomingly common.

Last term we were fortunate in having a pool of part-time staff and some known CRTs who stepped in to teach classes; we also had split classes on some days, and leadership staff have been taking grades to keep things going as best we can. Unfortunately, we can only see this continuing this term. We don't want students or staff coming to school unwell, and appreciate some need to isolate due to COVID-19, or severe cold or flu.

We are doing all we can to ensure our curriculum is delivered, and it will continue to be our focus for this term. Please know that our students are at the centre of our decision-making processes here at Scoresby PS, and we are working as a collective team to keep the day-to-day running of our wonderful school going strong.

Individual Education Plans

You may have noticed we have not sent home Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for as many students this year. In the past, IEPs were set each term and staff and students worked on small goals over the term.

The approach for IEPs from the Department of Education has changed, with a focus now on long-term goals, breaking these down into short, achievable goals. Some students are still receiving IEPs, but most students now have their learning goals set in the classroom, and they are altered as assessments are undertaken throughout the term.

The thinking behind this move from DET is that teaching in the 21st century classroom is differentiated and more personalised. Children are assessed 1:1 in a range of assessments; particularly in the junior school, learning is closely tracked by teachers and some goals are completed quicker than others. Learning is often goal-based these days, and this is the reason for the change.

If you wish to work with your child at home on their goals, touch base with your child's classroom teacher to talk about your child’s learning goals. Staff will be happy to provide you with some ideas to complement the work at home.

Playgroup

Our inaugural term of SPS Playgroup was a huge success! Well done to two of our ES staff, Sam and Donna, for getting this off the ground. We have a small group of attendees coming most weeks and are always happy to welcome more!

Playgroup runs in our BER building on Tuesday mornings, 9.15am-10.45am.

All toddlers and pre-school children are welcome to come and join in the fun.

Playground Addition

The PFA has been working hard fundraising over the past 2 years and we are putting their well-earned funds into a new playground for SPS students. The playground will be located on the grassed area opposite the shade sail-covered sitting/eating area near the Michael St entrance to the school. This is phase one of the playground project. As more funds are raised, the expectation is that we will be able to add to the structure.

Enrolments

Early planning for 2023 starts soon. We are accepting enrolments for Foundation 2023 now. If you, or anyone you know, is intending to enrol their child at Scoresby PS, please do so soon.

Enrolment forms can be found on our website or can be collected from the school office.

Tours of our wonderful school during school hours are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays; bookings can be made via our website. After-hour tours can also be arranged directly with Nicole or Sue.

SUE HARTLEY AND NICOLE RHEUMER

Scoresby Primary School Leaders

SPS Playgroup News