Educational Achievement 

Reading

As we head into the school holidays, we encourage all students to make time for reading each day. Just 10 minutes of reading a day can make a significant difference to a child's vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and overall academic success.

Holiday reading doesn't need to feel like schoolwork. Encourage your child to read books, magazines, comics, recipes, websites, or instructions for a favourite game or hobby. The most important thing is that they are reading something they enjoy.

We hope all of our students enjoy a safe, relaxing holiday break and find time to get lost in a great book!

Moderation

This week, our teachers are participating in Moderation. Moderation is a professional process where teachers work together to review and discuss student work samples. By comparing work against the Australian Curriculum achievement standards, teachers can ensure that student achievement is being assessed fairly, accurately, and consistently.

Moderation is an important part of teaching and learning because it helps teachers develop a shared understanding of what different levels of achievement look like. Through professional discussions and collaboration, teachers can make informed decisions about student progress and identify the next steps in learning.

This week, our teaching team is participating in moderation with teachers from Harristown State School. Working alongside colleagues from another school provides valuable opportunities to compare judgements, share expertise, and ensure that assessment decisions are consistent across different classrooms and school settings.

Moderation helps provide confidence that every student's achievements are being recognised fairly and that the grades and feedback they receive accurately reflect their learning. It is one of the many ways our teachers work together to provide high-quality learning experiences and achieve the best outcomes for all students in preparation for Report Cards that are being emailed out to parents and caregivers next week. 

Music

Instrumental Music

Classroom Music

"Hidden Strengths, Loud Impact"

When a student delivered a confident, composed speech at assembly, a teacher asked, "How is she so poised at that age?"

The answer? Years of music.

Practice. Performance. Breath control. Nerves. Expression.

All building skills that show up far beyond the music room.

Music learning builds focus, confidence and calm under pressure even when the audience doesn't know what's going on behind it.

(Source: Bigger Better Brains)

This is what is going on in the GSPS music room throughout the week. In both Mrs Sheridan's classroom and in Mrs Brown's. These skills are built upon during every lesson and every time a student is asked to perform. These skills are valuable, life-long and impact all areas of our lives.

Our students have had another amazing opportunity to work with professional musicians when Queensland Chamber Orchestra - Camerata visited Goondiwindi as part of their regional tour.

News from the Library

Regional Reader's Cup Competition

On Thursday 11th June, a group of 5 girls from year 5 and 6 headed to Toowoomba to compete in regional Reader's Cup. Students have been working very hard over the past term and a half to read and study 5 Australian novels. 

One of the authors of the books the students read, Bethany Loveridge attended and spoke to the students about how she writes her books. 

There were 5 rounds of 10 questions. Students worked together in their teams to answer as many questions as they could with as much detail as possible, while competing against the 32 other teams in the Darling Downs region. 

Well done to Elliot, Lillian, Grace, Frankie and Lilah and big thank you to Mrs Ford for co-ordinating. 

Premier's Reading Challenge

Our challenge is already under way, with some students already having completed their form and handed it into the library.

Parents, just a reminder that children can record their library books, levelled readers and books from SORA on their reading form. Please remind them to read every day and record their books once they finish them.

There is still plenty of time with the Challenge not ending until 28th August!