From the Principal's Desk
Week 2
We had the most fabulous return to school last week. Our school was buzzing with excitement to see our friends and to learn about what will be happening for the term. The most exciting part was being able to get back into learning and being the best we can be everyday.
As I went around classrooms during the week, it was so wonderful to see our students soaking up their learning as settled little sponges. Stage 1 and Stage 2 were having a great time learning and reading together and Kindergarten love learning Maths through PE.
We have amazing PAX Leaders who are always striving to be great learners.
Cross Country
On Friday, we managed to sneak our Cross Country in amongst the small showers. It was great to see such wonderful sportsmanship. Congratulations to all our students and staff!
Those students who placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th now have the opportunity to compete at Belview Oval UNE, Monday 26 May at the Armidale PSSA event.
Mother's Day Stall and Open Classrooms
On Friday 9 May, the P&C will hold their Mother's Day Stall. Orders can be done via the QKR! app. We look forward to seeing our mums, aunties, grandmas or friends come in to share our learning by reading a story, or sharing our work on Friday at 12:30pm - 1pm on the same day. Parents are then invited to stay and share lunch with a sausage sizzle. These can also be purchased through the QKR! app.
High Potential Gifted Education Initiative for Term 2
At Martin's Gully, we are dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential in education.
Our DoE High Potential and Gifted Education Policy is designed for all school staff and teachers to ensure that students with high potential and gifted abilities receive the support they need to thrive.
So, what do we mean by "high potential" and "gifted"?
According to Professor Françoys Gagné, potential can vary among students. With the right support, students with high potential can achieve great things.
High potential students may show strengths in areas like thinking skills, creativity, social skills, or physical abilities. These students come from all kinds of families and backgrounds.
Here’s how we differentiate between high potential, gifted, and highly gifted students:
- High potential students show abilities that are stronger than most of their peers. They may benefit from more challenging learning experiences than what is typically offered for their age group.
- Gifted students have much higher abilities than their peers and often learn new skills and concepts much more quickly.
- Highly gifted students demonstrate exceptional abilities that far exceed those of their peers. They often need tailored learning experiences to support their unique needs.
When teachers and school leaders recognise and support students with high potential, it creates better learning opportunities that help them grow and succeed.
Parents PAX Session and DISCO
Mrs Pennington is running a PAX Tools workshop for all parents about using simple strategies to support behaviour and maintain positive relationships at home.
The workshop will be held on Wednesday 14th May from 5:30-6:30pm in the K/1 Magpies classroom. There will also be a disco being held at the same time for students to attend.
Please contact Felicity Pennington via the school office if you have any questions about the PAX Tools parent workshop. We look forward to seeing you.
Disco Fundraiser
We are helping to raise awareness and find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
This cause is very close to home, with Rory recently being diagnosed earlier this year.
Duchenne is the most common progressive muscle wasting disease in childhood, affecting mostly young boys. There are 1000 boys living with Duchenne across Australia.
Boys (and very rare girls) learn how to walk and run like any other child, then Duchenne takes it away.
Erin is hoping to fundraise $5000 for Save Our Sons Duchenne Foundation by running in the City to Surf, to help give those affected by Duchenne the chance to live the life they deserve.
All proceeds for the disco will go to this wonderful cause and we will be running future events throughout the year.
If you would like to make an extra donation please go to
Attendance
When school communities have high expectations of their students, they achieve greater outcomes.
High expectations are creating a place where students want to be, parents/carers are happy to send them, and teachers/staff have a desire to excel.
High expectations for attendance are: a 95% attendance rate, which is 10 days or less absences a year.
Currently our MGPS attendance rate is ******. Let's work together to keep this great!
Have a fantastic week.
Peta Deiderick