From the Leadership Team

New Staff Learning

During our recent Pupil Free Day, all staff from the school and preschool attended a day of learning around the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM). BSEM is an educator designed and evidence led framework that empowers staff to create classrooms where every student is ready to learn and able to thrive. The strategies that BSEM teaches aim to increase the engagement of students with complex, unmet learning needs and successfully improve all students’ self-regulation, relationships, wellbeing, growth and academic achievement with pedagogical strategies that incorporate trauma-informed teaching, positive education, and wellbeing practices.

Each morning, a consistent morning routine is being implemented across each class where students participate in a Morning Circle and work towards starting the day in a positive manner which aids engagement and the ability to learn. Staff work through a set routine of greeting each student, outlining the day, sharing information and asking for input from students. Each class also participates in a positive primer to encourage the flow of positive emotions, assisting students to begin their learning in a positive manner. At the end of each day, time is allocated for reflection on "what went well" and preparing the learning space for the following day. This promotes ownership and a voice in learning for students. 

The adjustments to our lesson and break times this term have supported staff in being able to effectively implement the BSEM strategies at the beginning and end of each day. We are continuing discussions with staff, students and Governing Council around the times of the day so please let us know if you have any feedback. Our next Pupil Free Day in term 3 will see staff participate in the next topic of BSEM learning. We look forward to sharing our learning with families as it progresses.

Welcome Louisa & Good Luck Paige

At the end of week 4, we farewelled Paige Colwell as she takes maternity leave in preparation for the birth of her baby girl. We wish Paige well and look forward to seeing her new addition in the near future.

We welcome Louisa Raymond who is replacing Paige in V7 for the remainder of the year. Louisa is an experienced teacher with excellent knowledge and skills in working with Early Years students and will be working alongside Liz Sayas to continue building on the quality learning program for V7 students. We are excited to have Louisa join our team at Para Vista Primary School.

Dogs on School Grounds

Just a reminder, the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 states that a dog (other than an accredited disability dog, guide dog or hearing dog) should not be on a school site without permission. We understand that most pets are friendly and students enjoy saying hello before or after school but we ask that you wait outside the gate if you are bringing your dog to drop off or pick up times. Thank you for your understanding.

Anita