From the
Assistant Principal
Dear Parents / Carers,
It is hard to believe that we are coming to the conclusion of Term One already. It has been such an exciting and busy term for our students and teachers. From our new Foundation students settling into school life, our House Athletics Day, Year 4 & Year 6 Swimming Program, Year 3 & Year 5 students undertaking the NAPLAN assessments, Year 3 & Year 4 students participating in Dance, Year 1 & Year 2 students designing and creating in their weekly STEM lessons to our upcoming Student Leadership Badge Presentation, whole school House Cross Country and Easter Raffle to end the term.
This week, the Year 2 students were extremely excited as they arrived at school on Monday ready for their educational excursion to Puffing Billy. I was privileged to chat with students before and after the day, with many students sharing it was the best day of their life! During this visit, they explored the rich history of Puffing Billy through storytelling and connected with nature on a journey through the gorgeous forests of the Dandenong Ranges. One of Year 2 talented authors, Tia was keen to share her experience with me...
Toot! Toot! It was the day of the Year 2 Puffing Billy excursion. When we went across the first bridge, I was so scared that the wooden stilts would collapse! We travelled through the rainforest and saw so many animals. We could see the steam coming from the train when we were in the carriages. It turned brown and there was a lot of soot. The train conductor rang the bell. Ready, Set, Go! The best day ever!
Evidence shows the importance of quality conversations, and how our students need ongoing opportunities to talk – with each other, one on one, in a group and with adults. In our classrooms, students are provided with multiple opportunities to engage in conversations such as everyday activities for rich conversational talk, daily circle meetings and turn and talk to encourage students to talk together and share ideas and the use of open-ended questions to challenge students to “go deeper” as they express their ideas, thoughts and feelings. I encourage you to talk with your child about their school day. It shows that you are interested in what is going on in their life and how they feel. This may be a chat in the car on the way home, while you’re getting dinner ready or before bedtime. Being involved and interested has a positive impact on a child’s mental health, happiness, and wellbeing as well as on their achievement and engagement at school.
Here are some questions that support quality conversations about the school day.
- What was the best thing that happened at school today?
- Tell me two things you learned today.
- Tell me something that made you laugh today.
- What did you do for someone that was kind?
- How did someone help you today?
- Who made you smile today?
- If I called your teacher tonight, what would they tell me about you?
- What are you most looking forward to at school tomorrow?
Lastly, I would like to wish four of our students good luck at the Eastern Metropolitan Region Swimming Championships tomorrow. Dominic 5A, Jasmin 6B, Harry 6B and Chloe 6A have all been outstanding in their swimming events at both District and Division levels and have advanced to Regionals. Congratulations on an amazing achievement, we are so proud of you and wish you the best of luck tomorrow!
Kind regards,
Tiffany Bamford
Assistant Principal