Principal's Report
'We should not see learning as the outcome of teaching, but rather allow teaching to become a mindful response to learning'.
The focus of the recent Regional Principal Class Officer and Leadership Team Conference was the impact of Student Agency on Learning. Student Agency refers to learning through activities that are meaningful and relevant to learners, driven by their interests, and often self-initiated with appropriate guidance from teachers. Student Agency gives students voice and often, choice, in how they learn - it allows them to be part of a 'Learner-Centred' environment rather than a 'Teacher-Centred' classroom.
Run4Fun Colour Explosion Event
The school was buzzing with excitement today for the Run4Fun Colour Explosion. I would sincerely like to thank Kristy Hamshare, (Chairperson, BNPS Parents & Friends) for organising such a fun event for the students and a VERY profitable event for the school. The organisation of every aspect of this event was impeccable from running sheets and maps to first aid requirements and a risk assessment. Thank you Kristy for all of your hard work in getting this event off the ground.
A HUGE thank you also to the many parents who helped out. The school has been a hive of activity in the past 48 hours as our volunteers carried out their many tasks - we are very lucky to have such an amazing school community.
Finally, thank you to the many families who have so generously donated, and the many students who have sought sponsorship. The total will be announced on Compass in the coming days once all cash donations have been processed. I look forward to announcing how the money will be spent once our 2019 School Council has been formed.
Curriculum Day - 15 March
Our students are looking forward to another long weekend and our staff are looking forward to a day devoted to 21st Century Learning as outlined below.
What are the skills students need to be successful in their future work and life?
What are the characteristics of learning activities that will prepare young people with the skills and competencies they need for success in university and their careers beyond school?
Globally, there is a compelling need to develop transferable learning-how-to-learn capabilities in young people that enable them to thrive and contribute to ever-changing, new and challenging contexts. Microsoft has a strong commitment to providing the highest quality Anytime, Anywhere Learning for All, and has been at the forefront of addressing this by undertaking a global research project in partnership with SRI International and Langworthy Research.
From this, 21st Century Learning Design (21CLD) emerged as a program that makes a powerful difference to learning by focusing on teachers as learning architects, and showing them how to design learning that actively develops these capabilities in students. What also emerged was the need to ensure that these 21CLD program materials were relevant to our Australian context and aligned with the directions of the Australian National Curriculum.
This year at Beaumaris North, we have enlisted the support of Trent Ray who will be working with staff tomorrow (Friday 15 March). As a Curriculum Innovation Specialist, Trent brings a unique skill set and experience as a Primary and Secondary school teacher and leader, Microsoft Master Trainer, ICT Peer Coach and 21st Century Learning Design Framework Consultant. Trent will be upskilling and developing teacher capacity in the 21st Century skills of Collaboration and ICT for Learning. He will be working closely with specific year levels throughout each term as we continue to create learning activities that will prepare our students with the skills and competencies they need for success in their careers beyond school.
School Council Election Results
The candidates elected to the Parent Member category for the Beaumaris North Primary School Council are:
- Jason Laurent
- Ros Chatfield
- Melissa Marshall
- Alex Borlenghi
- Kristy Hamshare
Office bearers will be elected at the School Council AGM to be held on Wednesday 20 March 2019.
Our Reporting Program
Dates for our 2019 Parent-Teacher Interviews and Student Led Conferences have now been set. Please see the '2019 Dates/Events' page of this newsletter.
You will be notified via Compass when bookings open (beginning of Term 2 for Parent-Teacher Interviews and beginning of Term 3 for Student Led Conferences).
Chasing Balls
Please remind your child/ren NOT to jump fences to chase balls across the road (before, during or afterschool). Students must speak to a Yard Duty Teacher if they need to retrieve a ball during school hours
If both home and school emphasise the importance of safety procedures, our children will make a habit of responsible and safe behaviour. We also ask parents to be extra vigilant when driving around school.
Medication at School
If your child requires prescription medication to be administered three times a day, please consider first if the medication can be taken outside school hours, for example:
- 1st dose: 7.00 – 8.30am
- 2nd dose: 3.45 - 4.30pm
- 3rd dose: 8.00pm or before bed
School staff are unable to administer analgesics such as Panadol, Nurofen or other similar over-the-counter medications.
Looking Ahead...
I do hope that you will be able to join us for our Community Welcome Event (postponed due to the heat) which will now be held on the same night as the School Disco - Friday 22 March. It promises to be a great family night out!
Sherril Duffy
Principal