Congratulations on a productive term!

Thank you to students, staff and families for such a focused term - you have shown grit, self-regulation, teamwork and resourcefulness. I'm so proud of the efforts of our learners - from Kindy Learning Centres through to Stage 3 Grapple - I see evidence of deep learning throughout our school. Thank you too, to the parents who have set up great routines and structures this term - we appreciate your behind-the-scenes support, modelling to kids that showing-up matters and trying your best is a lived motto.

Our Celebration Assembly earlier this week was a testament to the achievements of our whole school and it was wonderful to see so many students acknowledged, and learning celebrated.

GEPS is the Best!

Last week 19 visitors from a range of schools came and worked with us, visiting classrooms and learning about student agency from our staff. After 2 days of learning, observations in every classroom and a range of professional discussions - Findings and Recommendations were developed for us.

I'd like to provide you with an excerpt:

"A Celebration Wall was developed to highlight the many exemplary things happening at GEPS. Network members particularly commended the:

warm, friendly and safe classroom culture where students appeared happy and were smiling. Students seemed to enjoy learning with each other. •
use of a repertoire of practices such as ‘talk moves' to encourage and support meaningful student talk and student voice. •
positive and respectful interactions and collaboration between students, and students and teachers that encouraged and valued ‘giving the learning a go’ and supporting each other. •
students’ autonomous and self-directed approach to learning. There were many examples of students seeking help from peers, group leaders (knowledgeable peers) or classroom prompts if they were ‘stuck’ rather than going directly to the teacher. •
Aisha, Zeinab and Louise’s carefully crafted introductory session which allowed the network to grow their understanding of GEPS’s 4C’s approach to learning and pedagogy in a meaningful way. •
A Welcome Pack that illustrated the way in which the community is supported and provided contextual information about the school and agency to the network member. •
message abundancy related to values, learning and behaviour. •
continued improvement to the school environment that has created an aesthetically pleasing learning space and a welcoming environment for students and their families. The racetrack is a great new addition to the environment."

An excerpt from the Findings & Recommendations, written by Instructional Rounds Facilitator Carolyn Wallace-Whelan on behalf of the Network.

Happy Holidays

I hope you all enjoy a nice Autumn break. School returns for students on Wednesday 26 April at 9am. We will be having our ANZAC Service that morning at 9:15am in the Hall - please join us.

Don't forget to download the Spriggy Schools app - to connect to the new, privately-run canteen that will be opening each Tuesday and Thursday next term, starting 2 May!

1/2 Gavin Brodie