Acting Assistant Principal Update

A Culture of Learning

This week, I’ve been reflecting on the central theme that drives so much of our work at Alphington Primary School: Learning. Whether it is student growth, staff development, or my own learning as I settle into this community, there is a constant energy of growth across the school.

My Learning: Last Wednesday, accompanied by Alan (of Grade 6A fame), I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn alongside fellow educators in Preston. We spent the day unpacking learning models and teacher coaching - strategies I am eager to bring back to APS. 

Beyond formal PD, every day in my new role provides a fresh opportunity to listen, observe, and better understand the unique spirit of this school.

Teacher Learning: I’ve recently had the privilege of seeing our Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) kick off for Term 1. All staff members at APS are part of these teams, which are dedicated to refining and improving our teaching practice. It is inspiring to see teachers constantly learning from one another and from current educational research to ensure our classroom practice is the best it can be.

Learning in the Classroom: As much as I enjoy professional leadership, it is hard to beat the time spent in the classroom working directly with students.

• Grade 4s: This Friday, I will step into our "Mixed-up Maths" sessions. These will become a regular feature of my schedule, allowing students to tackle mathematical problems in new and collaborative ways.

   

• Grade 3s: Next Wednesday, I will begin working with a small group of Grade 3s alongside Emma. While we have an initial focus on NAPLAN preparation, I am particularly excited that this will be an ongoing group. This allows me to work with these students every week, aligning our sessions directly with their current classroom maths topics.

   

The Mathematical Process

Just as our staff do in their PLC work, we encourage students to embrace a mindset of growth. In our sessions, I look forward to seeing students use determination and creativity to solve problems.

We are focusing on:

• Exploration: Trying different strategies and exploring various options.
• Persistence: Learning from mistakes and taking pride in the effort.

• The "How": Prioritising the process -valuing the "mathematical talk" and the thinking behind an answer rather than just the answer itself.

   

How are students selected?

Our groups are flexible and informed by a range of data, student achievement levels, and broader school priorities. My goal is to work with as many students as possible across different levels to support the great work already happening in the classrooms. If you have specific questions about your child’s learning, your classroom teacher remains the best first point of contact.

Have a wonderful week,

Luke Kleinig

Acting Assistant Principal