Dear Families,

It has been another busy term here at Mooroolbark East PS.

Term 3 Staff Meeting Focus

This term the teachers have been focusing on one of the most useful and well-researched ideas in education: Cognitive Load Theory. CLT helps us understand how the brain processes and stores new information. Learning is hard work. But it can be made harder if we unintentionally overload a student’s brain.

Working memory is limited. It can only hold a small number of ideas at one time and if we overload it, learning simply can’t happen. Too many instructions, distractions, or new ideas? It’s like pouring water into an already full glass. There’s nowhere for the learning to go.

That’s why at MEPS, we’re really deliberate about how we work hard to reduce unnecessary cognitive load, so students can actually focus on what matters. You’ll see teachers:

Keeping instructions short and clear
Breaking tasks into manageable steps
Using consistent routines and visual cues
Creating calm, clutter-free environments during learning time

We’re not simplifying the learning. We’re just making sure the way we deliver it doesn’t get in the way.

We know that when we manage cognitive load well, we protect working memory and that gives students the best possible chance of moving knowledge into their long-term memory (where the real learning happens).

For anyone interested, here is a link to Cognitive Load Theory:

https://www.edresearch.edu.au/summaries-explainers/explainers/managing-cognitive-load-optimises-learning

Road Safety Around Our School

A MEPS parent has passed on their concerns for the dangerous and unsafe practice of crossing Taylor Rd at a non-designated school crossing area. I am asking parents to talk to their child about using our school crossings and the dangers of not. Thank you for your support in keeping all members of our school community safe.

Book Fair

Students have enjoyed visiting Book Fair with their classes, previewing and writing down books or items they would like to purchase.

Exciting News!

We were all excited to learn that Mrs Alyx Casini (Grade 2C) is expecting a little bundle of joy next year! Alyx will be finishing the year with MEPS and then leaving us to enjoy all the

delights of motherhood! We wish Alyx and her husband all the best for this next stage of their lives.

Term 3 Activities and Events

We have already had a busy term with lots of events, and this will continue for the remainder of the term with the Swimming Program for Years 1,2, 5 and 6 – 15th-19th September; Footy Day – Friday 12th September and Prep Information Night - 18th September.

Final Day Dismissal

The final day for Term 3 is Friday 19th September, with early dismissal at 2.30pm. Our final assembly of the term will be held on the same day at 9.10am.

Yours sincerely,

Matt Tyndall, Antoinette DiLudovico, Brant Kennedy

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