Dear Parents and Carers,

Exciting Updates to Teaching and Learning

As part of the Age Schools Summit on Thursday, June 13, 2024, the Victorian Government announced significant revisions to the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model (VTLM) and the approach to teaching reading. Here’s what parents need to know:

Revisions to the VTLM

The VTLM has been updated to align with the 2022 revisions to the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO). These updates are based on research and practical experience to better define the key components of teaching and learning. The revisions were developed in collaboration with the Australian Education Research Organisation and provide a clear framework focusing on four effective learning processes: student attention, focus and regulation; knowledge and memory; retention and recall; and mastery and application. Similarly, the four core teaching elements emphasised are planning, enabling learning, explicit teaching, and supported application.

Schools will have three years starting in 2025 to integrate these changes, with support provided through network collaboration, lesson plans (initially in English and Mathematics), professional learning, and resources. Changes will be documented in each school's Annual Implementation Plans and School Strategic Plans.

Updates to the Teaching of Reading

Changes have also been made to the department’s advice on teaching reading, consistent with the VTLM revisions and the latest research. The updated approach emphasises the 'Big 6' of reading: oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, with a strong focus on systematic synthetic phonics. This method will occupy about 25 minutes of the daily 2-hour literacy block in the first three years of school.

All Victorian government primary and specialist schools will adopt a systematic synthetic phonics approach. Schools already using this method won’t need to change, while those needing adjustments will have three years to transition. The department will provide a comprehensive systematic synthetic phonics program, including decodable readers, available but not mandatory for all schools. Schools must demonstrate the use of this approach in their documented programs, with about 25 minutes each day allocated to it. Necessary adjustments will be planned through the school’s Annual Implementation Plan and School Strategic Plan over the next three years.

Next Steps

The department will provide extensive support for the new explicit teaching methods, including lesson plans with a full systematic synthetic phonics reading program and associated resources, webinars and professional learning opportunities, and new teaching resources available on Arc starting Term 4, 2024, replacing the Literacy Teaching Toolkit. More information on these initiatives will be shared in a School Update article in Term 3, 2024. Stay tuned for further updates and support to ensure a smooth transition for our students and teachers.

Koala Fundraiser

Our grade 1/2 students have wrapped up their Term 2 inquiry with an inspiring project to help our koalas. They have decided to raise money for the Wildlings Wildlife Shelter, a wonderful organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned animals, including our beloved koalas.

To support this cause, we are inviting all students to participate in a special fundraiser on Thursday 20th June. For a gold coin donation, students can bring their favourite soft toy to school for the day. It’s a fun and meaningful way for our children to show their care and compassion for wildlife.

All proceeds will go directly to the Wildlings Wildlife Shelter, helping them continue their important work in protecting and nurturing Australia’s unique wildlife. Let’s come together as a school community to make this fundraiser a huge success and teach our children the importance of giving back.

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing all the cuddly companions at school!

Winter Solstice

We are thrilled to invite you to our Winter Solstice Festival on Friday, June 21st! It's going to be a fantastic evening filled with fun activities, festive cheer, and a chance for our community to come together. I can’t wait to see you there.

Warm regards,

Andrew Bloomfield

Principal

andrew.bloomfield@education.vic.gov.au

Winter Solstice family bonfire night