Principals' Page
A Learning Hub at Great Ryrie
Great Ryrie continues to be recognised as a place of professional learning, collaboration and excellence. Over recent weeks, our school has welcomed a range of educators from across the region who have visited to observe, learn and share effective practice. We are very proud that the work of our staff and students is being showcased in so many ways and that Great Ryrie is contributing to the development of both current and future educators.
Supporting Future Teachers
Over the past few weeks, we have welcomed a number of
pre-service teachers into our classrooms as they complete the final stages of their teacher training. It has been wonderful to watch their confidence grow as they learn from our staff and gain valuable experience working alongside students.
Careers Start Program
Recently, Peta Murray and the team hosted the Careers Start Program, welcoming graduate teachers in their first year of teaching. The graduates spent time observing classrooms and teaching practices across the school, gaining valuable insights into effective teaching, classroom organisation and student engagement.
Our staff generously shared their expertise and opened their classrooms to support the next generation of teachers.
Transition to School Network
Another highlight was the opportunity for Alisha Clark to host a network session focused on successful transitions from kindergarten to school. Prep and kindergarten teachers from across the region came together to learn from a range of presenters and explore strategies that support children as they begin their school journey.
Participants also spent time visiting our Prep classrooms, observing the thoughtful planning, organisation and routines that help create such a positive start for our youngest learners.
Unlocking Potential Internship
You may also have noticed a new face at the morning drop off zone. For the past few weeks, we have been fortunate to have Sumati Randhawa with us as part of the Unlocking Potential Internship Program.
Sumati is currently a Leading Teacher at Bulleen Heights School, a specialist school supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
During her internship, she has been shadowing me and learning about the many different aspects of the principal role. No two days are ever the same. One moment I may be discussing budgets and school improvement plans, the next I am helping a student with a playground concern, speaking with a parent or admiring a piece of artwork proudly brought to my office.
Sumati has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to our school. Her expertise in School Wide Positive Behaviour Support has provided valuable learning opportunities for our Education Support staff and teachers. While Sumati has certainly been learning from us, we have also learned a great deal from her. We thank her for her contribution to our school community and wish her every success as she works towards her goal of becoming a principal.
Learning From One Another
The common thread through all of these opportunities is the willingness of our staff to open their classrooms, share their expertise and continually learn from others. I thank every staff member involved in hosting visitors over recent weeks. Their professionalism and commitment to excellence ensure that Great Ryrie continues to be recognised as a school where both students and educators thrive.
Report Writing Day
As we approach the end of Semester One, our teachers are entering the final stages of assessment and reporting. Today staff participated in a dedicated Report Writing Day, providing valuable time to analyse student learning data, moderate assessment tasks and plan the next steps in learning for every student.
While reports are often seen as the final product, the process behind them is very important. Teachers gather information from a wide range of assessments, classroom observations and student work samples throughout the semester. This information helps us build a comprehensive picture of each student's strengths, achievements and areas for future growth.
Semester One Student Report Changes
I would also like to provide an update regarding student reports for Semester One.
Following the recent in-principle agreement between the Department of Education and the Australian Education Union, most industrial action has now been suspended while negotiations continue. The remaining impact for schools relates to student reporting.
Semester One reports will continue to provide important information about your child's learning achievement and progress. However, full descriptive comments will not be included in this reporting cycle.
Reports will be available through Compass on Friday 26 June as planned.
As always, if you would like to discuss your child's progress in more detail, please contact your child's classroom teacher. The Parent Teacher Interviews will be held in Week 1 and Week 2 of Term 3.
Enjoy the long weekend with your family and friends
Karen Rouda Principal Jean Maxwell and Jess Steer Assistant Principals