The Learning Zone

Spotlight on MiniLit!

What is MiniLit?

MiniLit is a small-group literacy intervention designed for students who need extra support with reading. It focuses on building strong foundations in phonics, word recognition, fluency, and comprehension through explicit, systematic lessons. The program helps students develop the essential skills they need to become confident, independent readers.

Throughout the year, our MiniLit students have been working extremely hard on all things phonics with Mrs Gaddes and Ms Faint. We are so proud of all of the work that they have done this year and we are thrilled with the results so far! 

Here you can see a snapshot of the work that has been done on constructing a paragraph using the 'ar' sound. 

I would like to give a big shoutout to Mrs Gaddes and Ms Faint. The work that they do in assisting our young people in MiniLit is amazing! 

PAT Testing

This week our students began their Semester 2 PAT Testing in Reading and Mathematics. PAT (Progressive Achievement Tests) provide valuable insight into each student’s learning progress and growth over time. The results help teachers identify strengths, track development, and plan targeted teaching to support every learner’s needs. These assessments are just one of the many tools we use to ensure each student continues to thrive academically.

PAT Testing will continue into Week 4. We know our students are going to thrive! 

MaST

This term, our educators have been focusing on strengthening their pedagogy in Mathematics. Through ongoing professional learning and collaboration, teachers are exploring new strategies to make maths lessons more engaging, hands-on, and connected to real-world contexts. By refining their teaching practices, they aim to deepen students’ conceptual understanding, encourage problem-solving and reasoning, and build greater confidence in mathematical thinking. This focus ensures that every learner is supported and challenged to reach their full potential in Mathematics.

UNE Discovery Bus visit!

This week, our students were thrilled to take part in hands-on science learning with the UNE Discovery Bus! The program encouraged curiosity and creativity as students explored experiments, problem-solved, and engaged in exciting STEM challenges. It was a wonderful opportunity for our learners to think like scientists and discover the amazing world around them in a fun and interactive way.