Teaching, Learning and Wellbeing

Welcome Back to 2026 at RGLPS

Welcome back to RGLPS for the 2026 school year!

I hope all parents, carers and children enjoyed a safe, healthy and relaxing holiday break and made the most of the summer weather.

2026 Start Up Program

All RGLPS classes are currently implementing their 2026 Start Up programs. This important period focuses on re-engaging students in learning, establishing classroom routines and clearly outlining expectations.

During Start Up, teachers also conduct a range of assessments to gain insight into students’ skills, attitudes to learning and any misconceptions that may need to be addressed. This information helps teachers build a strong understanding of each child as a learner so teaching can be targeted to meet individual needs.

Start Up is a vital phase of the school year. It supports the development of classroom community, strengthens relationships and sets a positive tone, while also guiding teaching priorities for the year ahead.

The 2026 Start Up program will run until Friday 6th February 2026.

Spelling Programs

In 2026, RGLPS is making adjustments to our school spelling program. Students in Years 3–6 will continue using Spelling Mastery, with an added challenge—students will be taught content from one year level above their current year.

Year 3–6 students will participate in daily 10-minute spelling sessions as part of the literacy block. Spelling Mastery lessons will commence from Week 3.

Prep to Year 2 students will continue to learn and practise spelling strategies through daily Little Learners Love Literacy and Heggerty lessons. These programs focus on phonemic awareness and phonics to build strong early spelling foundations.

Home Reading

Re-establishing a home reading routine is one of the most important habits for children at the start of the school year. Our school expectation is that all students from Prep to Year 6 read at home every day. Children in the early years particularly benefit from reading with an adult as often as possible.

Reading is an essential life skill with significant long-term benefits across all areas of learning. Research shows that regular reading:

Enhances comprehension
Expands vocabulary through exposure to new words and ideas
Improves spelling by reinforcing word patterns
Builds general knowledge and conceptual understanding
Develops empathy through exposure to diverse perspectives
Strengthens writing by modelling structure, genre and creativity
Supports inclusivity and understanding of difference
Boosts creativity and imagination
Improves concentration and focus
Enhances wellbeing—reading has been shown to calm the mind and relax the body

Thank you in advance for supporting your child to develop a consistent daily reading routine at home. This partnership makes a powerful difference to children’s learning and wellbeing over time.

Library

Our fabulous library technician, Sarah Joyner, is working hard behind the scenes to prepare our well-resourced school library for student borrowing from next week.

All RGLPS classes will have a weekly library session.

Prep students may borrow two books per week
Year 1–6 students may borrow up to six books at a time

All borrowed books must be returned or renewed within a fortnight.

2026 Term One Team Newsletters

Team leaders are currently preparing their Term One newsletters, which will outline curriculum foci and share important information for the term ahead. I anticipate these newsletters being ready for viewing around Monday 9 February 2026. Please keep an eye on Compass for an announcement when they become available.

Have a great week everyone!

- Kerron Worsdell

Learning Specialist