At this time of the year, I like to take the opportunity to update our school community on the ways we support your children’s learning. We are proud to have a rich and diverse student and community population that greatly enriches our school environment and creates a vibrant, welcoming place where every student can learn, grow, and thrive.

Currently, we have 659 students enrolled. Approximately 60% of our students were born in Australia, while about 23% were born in Mongolia. In addition to these two groups, our school community includes children born in approximately 27 other countries, highlighting the incredible cultural diversity we celebrate each day.

Eighty-six percent of our students, many of whom were born in Australia, come from language backgrounds other than English. This means that a language other than English is spoken regularly at home by family members. The most commonly spoken home language is Mongolian, followed by English, Korean, and Mandarin, reflecting the rich cultural and linguistic diversity within our school community.

Around 10% of our students require additional learning support due to disability or other learning difficulties.

We also have a significant number of students identified as having high potential or giftedness. It is important to note that identifying high potential and giftedness goes beyond academic achievement alone. It encompasses a broad range of talents across the four domains: Intellectual, Creative, Social, and Physical. Because of this diversity, it can be challenging to attribute a precise percentage.

So, how does our school support such a diverse and dynamic student population?

Supporting all our learners

At Meadowbank Public School we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where every student can thrive. We recognise that students learn in different ways and bring unique strengths and backgrounds to our school community. Our approach to supporting diverse learners includes:

Explicit teaching programs: We implement evidence-based programs to support student literacy, including Spelling Mastery, InitiaLit, MultiLit, and Talk for Writing. These programs provide clear, structured instruction and help students develop strong foundational skills in reading, writing, and spelling.

Differentiated instruction: Our teachers adapt their teaching methods to meet the varied learning styles, abilities, and interests of our students.

Inclusive curriculum: We strive to ensure our lessons and activities reflect diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, making learning relevant and engaging for everyone.

Phonics and phonemic awareness: A key focus is placed on teaching phonics and phonemic awareness to build students’ understanding of the sounds in language, which is essential for successful reading and spelling development.

Support for EALD students: We provide targeted support for English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD) learners to help them improve their English language skills and fully participate in all learning activities. This program is delivered by specialist teachers.

NAP – New Arrivals Program: Our New Arrivals Program (NAP) offers intensive English language support and cultural orientation to students who have recently arrived in Australia, helping them settle into school life with confidence. This program is delivered by specialist teachers.

HPGE – High Potential and Gifted Education: We recognise and nurture the talents of our High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) students by providing enrichment opportunities and tailored learning experiences to challenge and engage them.

Individualised Education Plans: For students with specific needs, we develop individualised support plans that help them reach their full potential. These have individualised goals created in consultation with the student, teachers and student’s parents.

Small Group Tuition: Small Group Tuition involves students working together in groups with a specialised teacher, focusing on specific skills or areas where extra support is needed.

Learning and Support Teacher (LaST): Our Learning and Support Teachers provide specialised support for students who may be experiencing learning difficulties or require adjustments to succeed in the classroom.

If you would like more information on how students are identified and supported through these programs, please reach out to your child’s class teacher.

Our Library Program: Information Fluency Framework

Our school library helps students learn important skills through the Information Fluency Framework. This program teaches students how to find, evaluate, use, and share information effectively - important skills in today’s digital world.

Key parts of the framework include:

Research skills: Finding reliable information from books, databases, and online sources.
Critical evaluation: Making sure the information is trustworthy and relevant.
Ethical use: Respecting others’ work by citing sources and using information responsibly.
Communication: Presenting information clearly in different ways.

This framework helps students become confident, independent learners and smart users of information. If you want to learn more about how the library supports your child, please contact the school or Ms Grassi.

Ms Emeleus is participating in the World's Greatest Shave!

On Wednesday 25 March Ms Emeleus will have her head shaved to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. The shave will take place at school at lunch time. Read more in our Upcoming Events and Dates section of the newsletter to find out how you can support her!

Year 6 Chocolate Raffle Fundraiser

Our Year 6s will be working hard to sell some raffle tickets next week. A winner from each stage will receive a different prize. All money raised will go towards their Year 6 Farewell at the end of the year. Read more in our Upcoming Events and Dates section of the newsletter.

K-2 Easter Hat Parade - Thursday 2 April

We are excited for our upcoming Easter Hat Parade for students in Kindergarten to Year 2! This much-loved event is a wonderful opportunity for our young learners to showcase their creativity.

Students are encouraged to design and decorate their own colourful Easter hats at school or at home and bring them along on the day. Whether it’s adorned with bunnies, eggs, flowers, or any imaginative touch, we can’t wait to see everyone’s creations.

Families are warmly invited to attend. Come and cheer on the children as they march proudly in their hats and enjoy this fun-filled morning with our school community.

Read more in our Upcoming Events and Dates section of the newsletter.

Recorder Ensemble

Remi