School News 

Writing Goals

One of our school goals is to increase our student’s writing outcomes by fostering student engagement and agency. One effective way to achieve this is by encouraging and supporting students to set writing goals. Writing goals, whether short-term or long-term, empower students to take ownership of their learning, stay motivated, and develop crucial skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Setting writing goals gives students a clear sense of direction and purpose. When students know what they are working towards, they are more likely to stay focused and invested in their writing pieces. Goals provide a roadmap, breaking down tasks into manageable steps, which can help students feel less overwhelmed and more confident in their abilities.

When students set writing goals, they are encouraged to think critically about what they want to achieve. Whether it’s improving their grammar, expanding their vocabulary, or refining their ability to craft persuasive arguments, these goals make writing more purposeful. As a result, students are more likely to engage deeply with their writing tasks, seeing them not just as something  to be completed but as opportunities for personal growth.

Writing goals also play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of agency. When students set and track their own goals, they become active participants in their learning journey. This sense of ownership encourages them to take responsibility for their progress, leading to a more self-directed and motivated approach to writing. Moreover, as students achieve their goals, they experience a boost in self-efficacy, reinforcing the belief that they can succeed in future writing endeavors.

Here are some examples from 4G on how they set and use writing goals using their Big Writes. Well done 4G! 

Holly Evans

The State Library

On Tuesday the 20th of August the Yr.6’s went to the Victorian State Library. We split off into our classes and started the tours. We first learnt about how to find if an online website is trustworthy or not. We did a teacher vs the students game and of course the students won. Our tour guide brought us to different rooms of the library containing Ned Kelly’s armor, wonderful paintings, every newsletter published in Victoria and many, many books. Overall we had a very enjoyable time and I wish to go there again. 

Celebrating the Magic of Stories: Book Week 2024 at Galilee

Every year, schools across Australia come alive with the excitement of Book Week, a celebration that highlights the importance of reading and the joy that stories bring to our lives. At Galilee, this year's Book Week festivities were nothing short of magical, with students and teachers coming together to share their love for books and the worlds they create.

The theme for Book Week 2024, "Reading is Magic!" inspired students to think about how reading transforms their world, much like a spell cast from the pages of a book. It empowers them to explore new ideas, discover different perspectives, and ignite their creativity. Throughout the week, our school was abuzz with activities that brought this enchanting theme to life, celebrating the magical journey that reading offers to each of us.

Book Week kicked off with a lively parade, where students and teachers dressed as their favorite book characters. The parade was a colorful display of creativity, with everyone from classic storybook heroes to contemporary literary figures making an appearance. The energy and enthusiasm were infectious, setting the tone for the rest of the week.

One of the highlights of Book Week was the visit from Deborah Frenkel and Zeno Sworder, two renowned Australian children's authors. They captivated students with tales of their journey as writers, offering valuable insights into the creative process. 

Another highlight for our Year 6 students was their trip to the State Library where they strolled through the stunning halls and explored literary treasures. 

To encourage creativity and participation, we hosted a competition, “Design a Book Cover". The entries were impressive, showcasing the incredible talent and imagination of our students. Winners will be announced at the end of the week, with awards given in different age categories.

At Galilee, we are committed to nurturing a love of reading that extends beyond Book Week, encouraging students to explore new worlds, learn from different perspectives, and discover the magic that lies within the pages of a book.

Please see attchments for useful school information and QR Codes