Dear Parents and Carers,

Our focus this year has been on enhancing both numeracy and literacy across all grade levels, and the engagement and progress we have observed is excellent.

Engagement in Numeracy

In the last two weeks Mrs Borg and I, with members of the leadership team, have conducted focused learning walks. We observed students engaged in their maths learning. These visits allow us to see how well students understand their maths lessons. It was wonderful to see students using hands-on activities and working together to solve problems, showing a strong understanding and enthusiasm for maths.

The Five Deliberate Pause Questions

We asked some students the Five Deliberate Pause Questions to help students think more deeply about their learning. These questions are:

What are you learning today? Why?
Why are you learning this?
How are you doing with your learning?
What do you need to do next?
How can we help you?

The students across the grades could answer these questions with confidence. They could explain what they were learning, why it was important, how they were doing, what their next steps were, and how we could support them. This helps students become more independent and thoughtful about their learning.

The school leadership team regularly conducts these learning walks to ensure we maintain high standards of teaching and learning. By talking directly with students and teachers, we can provide immediate feedback and support, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Fountas and Pinnell Reading Benchmark Assessments

In addition to our focus on maths, teachers have recently completed the Fountas and Pinnell Reading Benchmark Assessments for all grades. This assessment helps us understand each student’s reading level and comprehension skills.

I have personally met with all class teachers to review these reading results and discuss ways to help students improve their reading comprehension. Our discussions have focused on using the assessment data to see where students are doing well and where they need more help.

We are committed to continuing our focus on both maths and reading, ensuring all students develop strong skills in these areas. Our next steps include:

At the beginning of term three, our staff development day will focus on Mathematics and how to improve our students' knowledge and skills.

Winter Sleepout

Tonight the Year 6 Winter Sleepout will take place. This event will be a deeply impactful experience that allows our students to gain insight into the realities of homelessness. We are incredibly grateful to Miss Jessica Azar for organising and coordinating the event with the assistance of Mrs Nancy Kubti.

Student Reports

I have read all the student reports for semester one. Congratulations to the students for their achievements during the first semester. The reports reflect their hard work and dedication. They also provide valuable insights and opportunities for further development and growth in the second semester. Keep up the excellent work and continue striving for excellence.

Reports will be released to parents through Compass on Friday 28 June 2024 at 3.30 pm. Parents-student-teacher conferences will take place the week beginning 1 July 2024.

In the next newsletter the term three dates will be published. These dates can also be found on our website as well as Compass.

Thank you for your continued support in your children's education. Together, we can ensure every student thrives in their learning journey.

Kind Regards,

Grace

Grace Carlo-Stella

Principal

St Margaret Mary's School Newsletter

Love the Truth

Term 2 Week 8 copy · 20 Jun 2024

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