Learning & Teaching
Welcome families to the 2024 school year! It has been wonderful seeing familiar and new faces as we settle in for another year of learning. The beginning of the school year can bring lots of hope, excitement, but also some feelings of uncertainty or worries. This is often because we have been away from something for a while (hello summer holidays!) or it is new. It may be our very first day of school, or our first day at a new school, or a new classroom with a new teacher.
I had the privilege of spending the first morning of our new school year with our newest students, Year Prep/1, and I saw hope, excitement and some uncertainty and worries. But... as I looked around the room I also saw love... lots of love. Mums, Dads, Nannies, Grannies, Grandmas, Poppies, Pas and Grandpas, all showering love on their special Prep or Year 1 person, and it made me think of the picture book Under the Love Umbrella by Davina Bell. It is a beautiful story celebrating the joy and comfort that love brings no matter where we are, near or far, or the challenges we might face, as we go about our day we are all protected by an invisible love umbrella from our loved ones. I have popped a video of the book below if you are interested. You may find it helpful for your loved ones who are starting something new this year.
The Learning and Teaching section of our newsletter is where you will find important information about the learning approaches at STM. Please see below for some helpful information and reminders as we begin the new school year and settle into the routine of school.
Brainfood, Drink Bottles, Hats
Students are encouraged by their teachers to eat brainfood each day at around 10:00 am. Please send fresh fruit or vegetable, one whole piece or chopped, that your child can easily snack on during the morning learning session. For example, an apple, carrot or carrot sticks, celery stalk or sticks, capsicum, banana, grapes or berries. Place any chopped brainfood in a small, separate container for easy access and to encourage independence and organisational skills.
All students need a water bottle at school each day. Students are encouraged to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated as it helps our bodies and brains.
All students are expected to wear the wide-brimmed school hat for outdoor play in Term 1 & 4. Our Year 6s will be receiving their school caps at our first assembly and they are able to wear these
Student Stationery & Materials
Most students would have received their stationery packs last year, however, we know some may have only received theirs this week. Families are asked to name and label all materials by Monday 5th February. Year 4/5/6 students will need to bring a pencil case to store their stationery. Year P/1/2/3 students have a pencil case as part of their school stationery supply.
All students need a pair of headphones that will be kept in the classroom. Many students already have these, and their pair of headphones have been passed on to their new teacher/s and classroom. These will be used when using iPads or Chromebooks.
Looking forward to a fabulous year of learning and growing together,
Danielle
Deputy Principal
Learning & Teaching Leader