Middle SS News

Term 4, Week 11

A huge congratulations to everyone on a successful Curriculum Day and initial 2023/2024 transition. For many it has been a period of trepidation, facing the unknown and stepping into an unfamiliar environment, whether this be a new classroom, catering for new students and/or working alongside a new team. I personally would like to thank everyone for their open communication and commitment to being solution-focused as we work together to facilitate a calm and supportive environment.

As we continue to navigate new information, changes, routines, I can very much appreciate your feelings of being overwhelmed, however my hope is that with each day this subsides. As I check in with you all it is positive to hear all of those little wins of the day which although small are something to celebrate. The small changes that you are making each day to tweak your classroom have a significant impact on the building of a positive climate and culture for your students.

As we move forward, we will continue to prioritise communication, listening, and understanding in our interactions within our classroom teams and as a collective.

Sun Smart

Please continue to use sunscreen in the classroom, and encourage students to wear hats, even while the weather is mild. The UV can still be harmful on these days.

Term 1 Assemblies

Week 2: Rooms 16 - 18

Week 4: Rooms 14 & 15

Week 6: Room 11 & 13

Week 8: Rooms 10 & 12

The MSS assembly viewing will take place from 11:30am on Fridays.

Classroom Team Meetings

These will take place during break times as per the roster. I have sent a calendar invitation however I will not be attending every meeting each week. Keeping in mind you will have access to supports (therapy leaders) during this time too, so please make use of having extra supports, particularly when sharing concerns regarding student behaviours of concern.

Please ensure classroom meeting agenda are completed in advance and that minutes are uploaded to SharePoint to ensure these are accessible and actions are able to be followed up in a timely manner. Due to CRT’s filling classrooms, the need for clear communication is going to continue to be a priority.

Curriculum & Work Programs

Please utilise SharePoint to access curriculum resources in order to complete your planning or work program. If you are not yet able to access this please let me know so that I can support you in ensuring you’re organised and feeling ready to implement your classroom teaching and learning program.

Teaching and learning programs must be uploaded to SharePoint every Monday morning no later than 8:30am.

Maintenance Programs

Maintenance Programs are programs implemented in your absence- they are an ‘easy read’ document showcasing what is to occur when a CRT steps into your classroom. Please ensure these are uploaded to your SharePoint folders as well as printed and displayed in your room.

Student Profiles

Please ensure you have up to date, complete student profiles. If you do not have these please liaise with myself and past classroom teams to access these.

DISPLAN’s

These will be coming up in Term 1. If you are not yet aware of what these are, please seek out an example.

Classroom Folders

These will need to be up to date with all relevant student information and documentation printed and available to staff.

PLC’s

These will take place on a Monday afternoon from 3:30pm. I have sent you a calendar invitation in the hope this will assist you in managing your schedule. I know I’m someone that functions on routine and structure so if this is you- book it in to your calendar so that you receive a notification! If you need help in doing this, please let me know. PLC’s will not take place in Term 1, Weeks 2, 3 and 4.

SSG’s

These will take place in Term 1, Weeks 2, 3 and 4. It is up to teacher discretion as to when these take place within the 3 week allotment. You may choose to spread them out, or you may choose to complete them in week 4 after spending some quality time with your students. Notes will go home to parents in Term 1. After this, Xuno will be open for bookings. Should you need to block out any times due to being unavailable, you can do this via Xuno. If you need help with this please come and see me. SSG documentation is available on SharePoint.

And lastly, I wanted to remind you- the students in your classroom, although in your care, are not your individual responsibility. Please never feel that your challenges are isolated to your classroom or to your team. We are here collectively to utilise each other to support every child. Share your knowledge, skills, strategies- we know that one size does not fit all, and with that in mind as part of a wider sub school it is our collective responsibility to ensure the growth and development of our students. We are a team- if you need anything, please share your thoughts, ask questions and let’s help each other. 

Collective teacher efficacy, that is, a shared belief that the we can have a positive impact on student achievement, is greater than three times more powerful and predictive of student achievement than socioeconomic status. It is more than double the effect of prior achievement and more than triple the effect of home environment and parental involvement. It is also greater than three times more predictive of student achievement than student motivation and concentration, persistence, and engagement. Our ability to work together is one of our most powerful tools. For the data nerds in the room, if you would like to discuss this further feel free to reach out.

As always, please reach out if you need anything. If I cannot assist directly I will always support you in navigating and providing a solution. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding.