From the Principal 

Year 5/6 Camp

Due to the wild winds that brought down trees and caused power outages across the state, the Year 5/6 camp was postponed. On Wednesday the students were on their way. The weather continued to be a mixed bag, but the camp experience was priceless. We were so proud of how the students managed their disappointment at the start of the week. We were happy to see their joy via Facebook. Photos and videos of outdoor activities depicted the strengthening of relationships and the making of special memories.

Concert Night - Next Thursday

We are thrilled to remind you that next Thursday, our students will take to the stage to perform songs of love, hope, and peace. They will sing and dance and surely delight the audience. The students have been rehearsing for months to ensure they deliver their best performances yet.

The evening will begin with solo instrumentalists playing in the foyer from 6:00 PM. Students will make their way to the green room at 6:30 PM as the audience takes their seats in the auditorium for the show, which will start promptly at 7:00 PM.

$20 seats are still available and can be purchased via Compass. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $25. Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards covering the costs of hiring equipment, facilities, and staff.

We look forward to seeing you there for what promises to be a memorable and joyous night.

Creating Routines for Improved Focus and Learning

This year, our teachers have been actively developing routines to support improved focus and learning, guided by the principles in Doug Lemov's book Teach Like a Champion. Areas of focus include building Habits of Attention and establishing Routine Building practices that contribute to a more conducive teaching and learning environment.

To enhance the classroom experience, lesson structures have been modified to include strategies such as Track the Speaker, Do Now, Exit Ticket, and Cold Call. These practices are designed to keep students engaged and ensure that learning is both efficient and effective.

Additionally, routines have been introduced for activities such as lining up in alphabetical roll order by surname and transitioning between lessons in a calm and orderly manner. These small but significant changes help create a structured environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

We are committed to continuously improving our teaching practices to benefit our students' learning experiences.

Cognitive Load and Classroom Modifications

We are currently in the process of making several changes in our classrooms to support students' focus and optimise their learning experience. As part of this effort, we are reducing the number of anchor charts and displays from the front of each classroom, where the teaching screens and whiteboards are positioned. This adjustment aims to help students concentrate more effectively on the lessons being presented. These changes are informed by cognitive load theory, which, as Sweller (2011) notes, explains how the brain processes new information, why information is remembered and forgotten, and the relationship between our limited working memories and our long-term memories. By reducing extraneous information in the classroom environment, we aim to reduce cognitive overload and enhance students' ability to retain and apply new concepts.

Additionally, student tables and seating arrangements have been modified to further support focused learning. Students requiring additional support are now positioned in the front rows, allowing teachers to provide close, step-by-step guidance throughout the lesson.

To enhance engagement and understanding, every student will use a mini whiteboard to record concepts and present them to the teacher multiple times during the lesson. This approach provides teachers with instant feedback, enabling them to assess each student's grasp of the concepts being taught.

These modifications are grounded in educational research and are designed to create a more effective learning environment for all students.

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to improve the educational experience for our students.

Physical Maintenance and Upgrades Over the September School Holidays

We are pleased to inform you of several physical maintenance and upgrade projects that will take place over the September school holidays:

• Art Building Roof Replacement: The roof of the art building will be replaced to ensure its durability and safety.
• Hall Recarpeting and Painting: The hall will be recarpeted and repainted to give it a fresh and inviting look. Additionally, new blinds will be installed in the hall.
• Classroom Painting: One of our classrooms will also be repainted to enhance the learning environment.
• Pathway Redesign: We have received quotes for replacing and redesigning the pathway leading from the pedestrian gate closest to the crossing on Argus Street. This will improve accessibility and safety.
• Asphalt Project Consideration for 2025: The asphalt in the same area is under consideration for a major project in 2025.
• Ramp Project: The ramp project is nearly complete, with only some concreting remaining to restore previous garden beds. Security screening and gate installation are also almost finished.

These projects are part of our ongoing commitment to investing in the physical upgrade of our school and its grounds, ensuring a pleasant and safe environment for our students. Thank you for your continued support as we work to improve our facilities.

Overview of The Leader in Me 

The Leader in Me is a comprehensive school improvement model based on Stephen Covey's principles from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This program is designed to empower students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Here’s a brief overview of The Leader in Me and its key components:

Foundation:

The Leader in Me integrates Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People into school culture, encouraging students to develop leadership qualities and take responsibility for their actions.

The 7 Habits:

• Be Proactive: Encourages students to take initiative and responsibility for their actions.
• Begin with the End in Mind: Teaches students to set goals and plan ahead.
• Put First Things First: Focuses on time management and prioritisation.
• Think Win-Win: Promotes an attitude of mutual respect and benefit in relationships.
• Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Emphasises active listening and empathetic communication.
• Synergise: Highlights the value of teamwork and collaboration.
• Sharpen the Saw: Encourages self-renewal and balance in life.

Whole-School Transformation:

The Leader in Me is more than just a curriculum; it’s a school-wide transformation process. It involves teaching students the 7 Habits, building a culture of student empowerment, and aligning systems to support student leadership.

Leadership Roles:

Students are given leadership roles and responsibilities within the school, helping them develop confidence, decision-making skills, and a sense of ownership over their learning.

Academic Success:

By teaching students how to be leaders in their own lives, The Leader in Me also aims to improve academic performance. Students learn how to set and achieve personal and academic goals, manage their time effectively, and develop strong work habits.

Community Involvement:

The program encourages schools to engage families and communities in the leadership process, fostering a supportive environment for student growth.

Benefits of The Leader in Me

• Empowerment: Students are empowered to take control of their own learning and development.
• Life Skills: The program teaches essential life skills that are crucial for success beyond the classroom.
• Positive School Culture: Schools that implement The Leader in Me often see improvements in behaviour, academic performance, and overall school climate.
• Leadership Development: Every student is seen as a leader, and the program helps them develop their unique leadership abilities.

The Leader in Me is about creating a culture where students are encouraged to lead, take responsibility, and work together to achieve common goals. It aligns well with the principles of personal and interpersonal effectiveness that Stephen Covey outlined in his original work, helping students develop into well-rounded, effective individuals ready to face the challenges of the future.

Thought for the week

Leave this world better than it was when you got here. Mission accomplished. 

Stephen Covey 1932-2012.

Have a great weekend everyone.

George Danson