The Link

From the Principal

At yesterday's PFC Meeting, this is the report I shared with them. Each section is connected to the Department's School Improvement Model- Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO).  At the centre of the FISO framework is Learning and Wellbeing. This is a reflection of the achievements we have made as a school in the first half of the school year.  

TEACHING AND LEARNING

  • The greatest impact on student achievement and growth is the teacher.
  • Teachers have continued to take a highly collaborative approach to the planning of their curriculum
  • Within our teams, there has been a continued emphasis on the building of teacher knowledge and practice- professional learning.
  • Teachers engaging with our school’s instructional model (having a consistent structure with how a Literacy and Numeracy is structured).
  • Intervention (both Literacy and Numeracy) targeted within year levels and supported with Tutor Learning Initiative (TLI).
  • ASSESSMENT 
  • In the first half of the year a very strong focus on assessment- pre/during/post as a way to monitor student achievement and growth.
  • Data that is collected is analysed by the teacher and then used to design the sequence of learning (both Literacy and Numeracy)
  • Data collected also supports teachers to identify what skills and knowledge they need to have the greatest impact on their students.
  • LEADERSHIP
  • We have amazing senior leadership team- Kym Gilchrist, Deb Haddow, Sharna Dean-Wright, Brenda Petkovic and Joanne Smith.
  • This year Kym has attended all PLC planning meetings. Her leadership has been vital in supporting teams engage with PLC inquiry cycle.
  • Deb and Sharna oversee the leadership of our school wellbeing team. I have said and will continue to say how fortunate we are to have such an extensive wellbeing framework established within our school. The success of the framework is determined by the people who lead it.
  • This year Jo and Brenda have worked with teachers in their classrooms (modelling/observing)
  • SIT meet with PLC leaders on a fortnightly basis for professional learning purposes.
  • ENGAGEMENT
  • There have been many success stories this year with engaging our school and wider community:
  • Moving to a weekly assembly
  • Year level expos
  • Open night for Education Week
  • Parents helping in classrooms
  • PFC Mothers Day Stall
  • We have now completed 3 days of Berry St training. The knowledge and skills teachers and support staff have developed as a result of this training better ensures that students are better able to regulate their emotions.
  • In our timetable this year, a dedicated wellbeing session has been included. Teachers use the THRIVE curriculum and diary for these sessions.
  • SUPPORT AND RESOURCES
  • The support mechanisms and resources available within our school that assist with strengthening the wellbeing and achievement of our students includes:
  • School Wellbeing Officer/s full time (Luana and Naomi)
  • Network Inclusion Leader one day per week ( Adrian Burrage)
  • Network Speech Pathologist one day per week (Fiona Biss)
  • School Counsellor (Meaghan Morley)
  • School Inclusion Leader (Sharna Dean Wright)
  • Bella Therapy Dog
  • Professional Learning: Berry St Training/ Tim Harper working with Middle Leaders
  • THRIVE framework.
  • CONTINUING TO MONITOR
  • Staffing continues to be an area that we are closely monitoring. The supply of short term replacement teachers are at the lowest levels in memory. In the medium to long term we will not see any major improvement with this and as a result we will need to continue with splitting grades and collapsing specialist programs.
  • We have not met with class reps yet and this will happen before the term completes.
  • As we move into Winter we will continue to closely monitor attendance rates and illness levels. We need to continue to take a pro-active approach with prevention. The priority must be keeping everyone in our community safe and healthy.

On a Separate Note

  • Don't forget to get your 2024 enrolment forms in if your child is starting school next year. Joyce, Bridgit or Shona will be provide any assistance you need.
  • It is great to see so many kids wearing our new school beanies. Our office stock sold out very quickly and we are in the process of ordering more to have on sale in the office. We will let you know when they arrive.
  • Today is Mrs Henschel's (426 class teacher) last day. She is heading off to have her first child! On behalf of everyone at Langy Park, we wish Simone all the very best and a very happy start to motherhood.

Have a lovely weekend everyone and stay safe!