Principal's Report

Year 6 Exhibition 

How the world works - ‘exploration of interests and passions inspires learning and innovation’.

Congratulations to the staff and students in Year 6 who presented their Year 6 Exhibition to their family members and special guests on Tuesday afternoon.

It is incredible to believe these young adults were just beginning their PYP educational journey 6 years ago and this afternoon they will be educating us all and inspiring us to draw attention and take action into what they feel passionately about, both locally and globally.

Please read the Year 6 page in the newsletter to learn about the amazing slogans that the students created for their exhibition. 

Exciting News: PYP Student-Led Conferences!

We are excited to announce that our Primary Years Programme (PYP) will be hosting Student-Led Conferences in Week 5. This engaging and empowering event provides our students with the opportunity to showcase their learning, reflect on their progress, and share their achievements with their families.

What Are Student-Led Conferences?

Unlike traditional conferences where teachers lead the discussion, Student-Led Conferences put the spotlight on our students! During these conferences, students will guide their parents or carers through their portfolios and share their classroom learning. This format encourages students to take ownership of their education and helps them develop essential skills such as communication, reflection, and self-advocacy.

Why Are They Important?

• Empowerment: These conferences empower students to take charge of their learning journey, giving them the confidence to articulate their thoughts and experiences.
• Reflection: Students will have the chance to reflect on their strengths and areas for growth, setting personal goals for the future.
•  
• Community Connection: This is a wonderful opportunity for parents and carers to engage with their children’s learning, fostering stronger relationships and collaboration between home and school.

What to Expect?

During the conference, you can expect:

• A presentation of your child's portfolio, reflections and an opportunity to share in what they have learnt throughout the year so far.
• A discussion about their learning goals and the steps they are taking to achieve them.
• An open dialogue where you can ask questions and provide feedback, promoting a shared understanding of your child’s learning journey.

Get Involved!

Parents play a crucial role in making student-led conferences successful. 

1. Encourage Independence

• Let Students Lead: During the conference, allow your child to take the lead in presenting, let them explain their learning journey.
• Support Reflection: Encourage your child to reflect on their work by asking them to share what they learned and what challenges they faced.

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions

• Engage Thoughtfully: Parents can ask open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking, such as:
  • "What was your favourite unit of inquiry this year and why?"
  • "How did you feel about the challenges you faced?"
  • "What are your goals for the next term?"

3. Provide Constructive Feedback

• Be Positive and Encouraging: Offer praise for specific achievements and efforts. This helps build your child’s confidence.
• Give Thoughtful Suggestions: If appropriate, share constructive feedback that can help your child improve in areas they are working on.

4. Discuss Learning at Home

• Talk About Learning: Use the conference as a springboard for discussing learning at home. Parents can ask their children how they can support their goals and what resources they might need.

5. Express Interest in School Life

• Ask About Experiences: Parents can inquire about what their child enjoys most at school, who their friends are, and what they look forward to each day.

We believe that Student-Led Conferences will be a valuable experience for our students and families, and we look forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher.

Leadership Conference

This week, the Year 6 School Captains participated in their second leadership conference at Beaumaris Secondary College and found the experience to be a thoroughly empowering educational session.

Safety In School Grounds

It has been brought to my attention that many families are accessing the school through the staff carparks.  I ask that all members of our school community use the correct footpaths when accessing our school grounds to minimise the risk of accident/injury.

Parent Requests

Parents often request staff to complete forms and questionnaires related to their child’s needs.  If you do require support and assistance from members of staff, could you please ensure that the teachers are provided with sufficient notice/time to complete.

Jeans For Genes Day

On behalf of the Student Agency Team (SAT) our school has registered for ‘Jeans for Genes Day’ on Friday August 2. 

We are asking the children to wear their jeans (and favourite denim) and bring a gold coin donation on the day. The funds will go directly to the Children's Medical Research Institute to help scientists find treatments and cures for sick children.  

Thank you so much for your support! 

School Disco

Save the date - Friday 6 September. More details to follow next week.

Kind regards

Sherril Duffy

Principal