Principal's Report

Dear Skye Families,

Welcome to the Week 10 Newsletter! As we reach the end of Term 1, there is much to celebrate and reflect upon from what has been an incredibly busy and productive start to the school year.

Term 1 Recap

What a massive first term it's been! From our Foundation students starting life at Skye Primary and hitting the ground running, to our vibrant community events including the Twilight Sports and Meet the Teacher Evening, we've packed a lot into these ten weeks.

Our students have participated enthusiastically in the House Athletics and Swimming Carnival, demonstrating wonderful sportsmanship and school spirit. Year 3 and 5 students tackled NAPLAN with determination, while our whole school came together to celebrate diversity during Harmony Day. We've also enjoyed numerous excursions that have extended learning beyond the classroom walls.

The energy and engagement from students, staff, and families has set a seriously positive tone for the year ahead.

Easter Hat Parade

We had a fantastic turnout from our community at the Easter Hat Parade this week! It was wonderful to see such investment and participation from students, with creative designs showcasing imagination and flair.

The parade provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate creativity as well as the impending Easter break. One of the highlights was the level of encouragement and kindness from the student audience, which made everyone parading feel very comfortable in what could be an intimidating environment.

A special thanks to our PTF team who coordinated the Easter Raffle, providing ten amazing prizes to winners whilst also raising over $1500 for the school. We're also grateful to our community members who generously donated items to the raffle.

Student Leadership Groups

At the last two Assemblies, we have presented badges to four important student leadership groups at our school. We believe it is important to offer a range of leadership opportunities to students of many ages, providing different avenues for contributing to the effective operations of the school.

The Student Representative Council members serve as the voice of their peers, bringing ideas and feedback to improve our school community. The Peacemakers work to promote positive relationships and help resolve minor conflicts in the playground. Our dedicated Eco Warriors champion environmental initiatives and sustainability practices across the school. The Play Leaders organise inclusive games and activities, ensuring all students have opportunities for fun and connection during break times.

These leadership roles not only benefit our school community but also help students develop valuable skills in communication, problem-solving, and responsibility.

Whiteboard Routines in Classrooms

In the last newsletter edition, I shared the Instructional Model that we launched this term to ensure every student receives high-quality teaching, regardless of their year level. One of the components of the instructional model is a range of engagement norms that teachers draw on to maximise student participation in lessons and check for understanding.

One of the primary engagement norms that we use at Skye is the use of mini whiteboards. Throughout the 'Practice' phase of the lesson, mini-whiteboards enable a teacher to see all written or drawn responses simultaneously. Teachers can then ensure that every student is participating and is academically accountable. Mini-whiteboards are a useful addition to any lesson that requires students to demonstrate their thinking via a written or drawn response that is not required to be permanently saved.

Next time you visit your child's classroom, you might notice these whiteboards in action, supporting active learning and participation!

SunSmart Reminder: Hats Required Until End of Week 2, Term 2

As we approach the end of Term 1, I'd like to remind all families that our SunSmart policy remains in effect until the end of Week 2 in Term 2. This means students must continue to wear their school hats during outdoor activities, including recess and lunch breaks.

This timing aligns with SunSmart Victoria's recommendations, which are based on UV levels rather than temperature. Even though we may experience cooler days as we move into autumn, UV radiation can still reach levels that cause skin damage. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts show that harmful UV levels often continue well into April and early May.

Thank you for your continued support throughout this busy term. I wish everyone a safe and restful Easter break, and look forward to welcoming you all back for Term 2.

Have a great holiday!

Tim