FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Term 4 - Week 7

Welcome to Week 7,

This week's Principal's address is written by Lucy Crockett and Maddy Johnson who were "Co-Principals of the Day" this week. 

Our day started with greeting students at the gate. We had Norman with us and we said good morning and gave each kid a high five. This is a classic thing Mr Clery does every day and it was no different for us. 

Next we went on a learning walk through Kindergarten. A learning walk is where the teachers (or principal) wander through the classrooms and ask the children the 5 learning questions. (What are you learning? How are you going? How do you know?  How can you improve?  Where can you go to for help?)

After the learning walk we attended the guided reading in KC. 

Mr Clery did the reading part and Maddy and I were free to help the kids with their work. 

Next Maddy and Lucy separated and Maddy went to year 2 and Lucy went to year 1 for guided reading. We read with 2 groups each. We went around the group asking the students to read a page or two aloud and asked questions about what the children have read. The reading was excellent and the answers were exquisite. 

Lunch time! We got to have lunch in the staff room along with the staff. 

“Oww, my foot's hurting.” 

“I fell over and then he laughed.” 

“Can I get and Ice pack?”

Who knew there could be so many little problems when looking after 100+ kids in an outdoor area? Teachers? Aside from the billions of questions from kids all over the age spectrum, playground duty was exciting, fun and entertaining. Being in the hot sun for about 20 minutes was not fun however. After we watched over the children on duty we headed to the “Secret Staff PLT room”. As much as kids reading this want to know all about this room, everything inside was extremely confidential and not to be said ever again, so those curious kids' questions will not be answered today. 

A wider variety of guided reading books, sustainable school initiatives and a school musical were just some of the topics mentioned at our meeting with Mr Clery. Even though he will be with us for a short time I'm sure he will try to put some of our initiatives to work. 

Have you ever seen teachers or people walk around the classroom and ask questions, questions such as ‘What are you learning?’ ‘How are you going?’ ‘How do you know?’ ‘How can you  improve?’ and ‘Where can you go for help?’ 

 We went on another learning walk in the Hub this time. Children Yr 2, Yr 3 and Yr 4 were asked all five of these questions today by us, and the answers were…diverse, some ranging from “I'm good, how are you?” to “ I'm not sure”.  

Overall this day was…THE BEST. It taught us some real people skills. It also taught us about a day in the life of a leadership team member. Today taught us how to lead and strive to be the best. It was a great experience and opportunity. We're so grateful we had a chance to take part. Our advice for our next principal of the day “Good luck if you're on your own, but it is better with a friend by your side.” 

Thank you Mr Clery for all that you do as our Principal. 

Have a great week.

Lucy Crockett and Maddy Johnson

Principals for a Day