Leadership Communication

Growing and flourishing

Term 3 is my favourite part of the school year. We are moving from the short days and cold, grey weather into the promise of Spring. The gardens begin to show new life and colour and the birds are building nests and preparing for raising young.

This season of Spring is a process moving from dark to light, cold to warmth but it is not a straight or predictable change day to day. Some days the weather is sunny and the gentle heat on our backs makes us think of Spring and Summer and then the next day there is a freezing wind or rain and hail. The birds begin nesting only to have torrential rain turn everything to mud. 

It is only when we consider the experience from the start of Spring to the end do we see the dramatic changes in temperature, daylight and vegetation.  Our students learn like this too. There is often not a noticeable growth from day to day but in moments of pause and reflection we see they have mastered a concept, developed a skill and can independently solve age appropriate problems. 

Some days are tough though and students feel downhearted or frustrated as they wrestle in the mud and weeds of learning. The temptation to say it'll be OK, don't worry about it or even to do for another is an alluring option. What is better for the learner in the long run though is to be available, to support and reassure but to give them time to struggle, to think and to achieve.

Our teachers are continuing to refine their practice. In a recent professional learning meeting they reflected on their own process of growth and flourishing. The increased confidence and specific vocabulary they use as they talk about student learning and experience is impressive. We are very blessed at St Thomas The Apostle to have teachers who are wholeheartedly commited to the improved outcomes of students and the growth of each child.

NAPLAN

Our NAPLAN results are arriving and will come home to families of children in Year 3 and 5 today. Please ensure you keep that result sheet in a safe place. It will be needed for your Secondary School application process. We are happy to see that our students are continuing steady improvement across all areas.

School Photos

Please remember to use the information supplied in this issue of the newsletter to order photos.  Photographs will be taken on Wednesday 6th of August.

Have a lovely weekend,

Kate Dourley.