Greetings from Shaun

 Decodables and Mentor Texts

This year, we have purchased a new collection of decodable books to support our Prep–2 students in developing strong early reading skills. Decodable books are carefully written to match the sounds and letter patterns students are learning in class, helping them build confidence and fluency as they practise decoding words. These books are used both in the classroom and at home to support our students in becoming proficient readers. When reading at home, students will usually be practising skills taught at school or re-reading a familiar text, so the experience should feel easy and enjoyable.

We’re excited to share that we are also currently refreshing our collection of mentor texts, which are high-quality picture story books used by teachers as a teaching tool. These books allow teachers to model effective reading and writing strategies, spark meaningful discussion, and inspire a love of stories. In reading, mentor texts are used to demonstrate strategies such as decoding, predicting, inferring, or exploring character traits. In writing, they help students notice and apply the craft of authors, for example by showing how repetition or descriptive language can create impact. Each text is thoughtfully selected to engage students, support the development of deep comprehension skills, and encourage them to think critically and creatively about the books they read and the stories they write.

Appointments (picking-up students)

We understand that students sometimes need to attend appointments during school hours. To help things run smoothly, we kindly ask that families try to collect children either just before or just after break times where possible. This may mean that you will need to plan to pick your child up a little earlier than required or wait until the end of a break. 

Our recess is from 11am to 11:30am, and our lunch is from 1:40pm to 2:30pm. 

This helps us to support you by making sign in and sign out much easier and avoids the need for multiple announcements while students are out playing in the yard.

A quick reminder that if your child arrives at school late after an appointment, they must be signed in at the office. If your child is on the block, you’ll be asked to take them across. In this case, the office will provide you with a key, and we ask that you return it once your child has been taken over.

At the end of the day, if your child has an appointment and there are fewer than 15 minutes left before the bell, we ask that families please wait until the bell goes, particularly if students are on the block.

Staffing Update- 1D Natalie returning 

I’d like to share some staffing news with you. I am sad to share that Mia will be finishing up at Northcote PS at the end of this term. I want to sincerely thank her for the care and dedication she has brought to the class and the school. She has done a wonderful job and will be greatly missed.

At the same time, we are very excited to be welcoming Natalie back from maternity leave. I know our students and families will be looking forward to seeing her return to the classroom at Northcote.

Landscaping Update

The landscaping project is really coming to life and it’s exciting to see the space transforming before our eyes. Some greenery has finally been planted in the garden beds, and the addition of these plants has already made the area feel even more special. The Semi-established trees have been planted and are already adding a beautiful sense of maturity to the space and will hopefully create a beautiful canopy and shade in the next coouple of years.

Work is continuing on a number of the timber projects, including the fence that will sit between the playground and the kitchen garden area, as well as more steel hooping for the garden beds to help protect the plants. There’s also been plenty of concreting taking place, with a new section of exposed concrete paving now complete and looking fantastic. Brickwork is also underway, helping to finish off paths and redefine and extend the garden edges.Even though the project has taken a little longer than we had hoped, we are working towards completion in the coming weeks – how exciting!

Parent Opinion Survey

The Parent Opinion Survey has been emailed to all families, and we encourage everyone to take part. This is a valuable chance to share your thoughts and give feedback on our school. Your input helps us celebrate what’s working well and guides us in making improvements where they’re needed.

Working Bee

We’d love your help at our next Working Bee on Saturday, the 13th of September, from 12pm until 3pm.

It’s a great chance to get involved, have some fun, and make a real difference as we work on the OSH Yard and the South West edge of the school. As always, there will be a BBQ for everyone who helps out.

We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

Something colourful is coming to Northcote PS

Our first-ever Colour Fun Run is coming...Friday the 31st of October – mark your calendars!

Take care,

Shaun.