From the Assistant Principal 

Positive Classroom Management Strategies (PCMS):

We at Cheltenham Primary School believe that highly effective classrooms use proactive strategies, where acceptable behaviours are taught, regularly practised and frequently reinforced.  

So far this year our teachers have been working collaboratively to extend their knowledge of the eight Positive Classroom Management Strategies (PCMS) and how we can implement these as consistent whole-school practices.  

Teachers were reminded that each displayed behaviour has a purpose - our students are either attempting to escape / avoid a something or obtain / get something, once we rationalise this, we can understand the situation clearly and support students to make good choices. 

In Term 1 our Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) explored PCMS 1 - Classroom Expectations as well as PCSM 2 - Classroom Routines and Procedures enabling our teachers to implement supports and structures to enhance the learning environment at the start of the year. 

This term our teacher teams are each busy developing a succinct 'cheat sheet' which clarifies one of the remaining Positive Classroom Management Strategies. Once these are completed, they will then utilise their expertise and their new resource to build teacher capacity, coach the effective use of their strategies and then monitor their impact across the school. 

Punctuality as a priority in Term 2:

It may not seem important initially if your child is missing a few minutes of school in the morning but a student who is just 10 minutes late each day, will miss a whopping 30 hours of teaching during the school year. That is a huge number of teaching hours that can never be replaced.

Students who regularly arrive late to school miss essential parts at the start to their school day such:  as meeting friends before class, settling down and getting ready to learn as well as important announcements and even the thinking that makes their learning come alive.

Arriving late at school can be disruptive for your child as it can leave them feeling awkward, especially if the class has to stop for them to enter causing unnecessary stress and discomfort that could affect them both emotionally and socially for the rest of the day. It can also be disruptive for their teacher and their class as it can break the focus of their learning. 

So please, as we move through Term 2, prioritise punctuality for your student/s so that they can have a smooth and positive start to their school day.

Attendance Reminders:

Here at Cheltenham Primary School, we know that attending school each day is important for all students to ensure they feel comfortable in their surroundings and can experience what really counts – learning, friendships, fun and all the opportunities that can shape their futures.  

Please do your best to schedule family holidays or medical/dental appointments outside of school time. 

If your child is well enough to attend but is worried about friendships or schoolwork, please encourage them to come to school as avoiding school can make these feelings worse and can reinforce negative patterns of behaviour. 

If your child is having difficulty attending school or if you need support in building regular school attendance, please talk to their teacher or contact me directly to discuss the supports we can offer. 

If your student/s must miss school, please notify us as soon as possible by calling main reception or adding an attendance notification to Compass.

Mrs Wendy Savage 

Assistant Principal