Principal's Desk
Dale Blythman
Student Attitude to School Survey
This week I thought it's a great opportunity to share the Student Attitudes to School Survey results. This survey is undertaken by our Year 4-6 students and is a wonderful platform to understand the environment at Park Ridge Primary School from a student's perspective.
These results below, compare our school responses to similar schools (school with the same demographic, socio-economic status and school size) and the state average.
| Area | PRPS score | Similar School Average | State Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Expectations for success | 94% | 93% | 93% |
| Sense of inclusion | 92% | 88% | 87% |
| Student voice and agency | 68% | 65% | 66% |
| Not experiencing bullying | 86% | 84% | 83% |
| Differentiated learning challenge | 89% | 84% | 84% |
| Effective teaching time | 84% | 82% | 83% |
| Stimulated learning | 81% | 77% | 77% |
| Peer Relationships | 88% | 85% | 84% |
| Sense of confidence | 79% | 77% | 78% |
| Motivation and interest | 79% | 76% | 76% |
| Respect for diversity | 79% | 77% | 78% |
| Managing bullying | 77% | 75% | 75% |
As you can see from the results in the table above, our students in Years 4-6 are tracking nicely along with their peers, and in many instances excelling. These positive results are a strong indication that our students feel safe, they are encouraged and supported to learn, and they connect with their peers and teachers.
As we do every time we receive this vital data, we will analyse and begin to plan for improvement through refinement of our approach to wellbeing and academics.
Seeking Support - 2024 Student Learning Groups (repeat)
Over the next 2 weeks, we will be working with students, to identify five (5) students in their year level that they work well with.
I ask that you also have the same conversation with them at home as well. We all know, someone we work well with is not always our best friend and it may also be someone in another class.
By having those conversations at home, it prepares them to understand the importance of providing the best 5 names to assist in their development as learners. Furthermore, these 5 names are not preferenced but a list of names in which we will match at least one of them (in most cases multiples). If you have sent a request in over the last few weeks and included names of children to be paired with, please have the same conversation with your child to ensure these names match-up.
I strongly encourage all families to take the time to have these small but important chats. By doing so, it not only goes a long way in helping us in making the best learning environments for 2024 but also it significantly assists us in formulating the best class groups we possibly can based on the information we have available.
It is important to note, that now that the class placement process has begun, it is extremely difficult to make changes after the fact. My hope is that families recognise and respect the huge process in formulating grades, using the information provided to us and understand that changes cannot be made once the communicated timelines have passed.
Melbourne Cup Day (Repeat)
Tuesday 7 November is Melbourne Cup Day. This is a Public Holiday and students are not required to be at school.
Staff Professional Practice Day & (final) Curriculum Day (Repeat)
Wednesday 8 November, is our whole school staff Professional Practice Day. Teachers will be spending the day writing student reports. Furthermore, there will be a Curriculum Day on Wednesday 15 November - Day 2 of our Berry Street training, therefore students will not be required at school on both of these two days.
Hats
Don’t forget we are back to wearing hats this term – please send these in with the students to ensure they can play outside and be SunSmart.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Please feel free to pop in for a chat with either Carrie, Brendan or I, should you wish to discuss anything.
Our doors are always open!
Take care,
Mr. Dale Blythman