Message from the Principal 

STUDENT AGENCY MODEL - GRIT

Focus on our Student Agency Model continues each day across our classrooms. Our model revolves around different levels of growth or competence that can be demonstrated through five identified learning traits that directly correlate to our core values. The traits evolve and grow from below surface level (submarine) on land or base level (represented by a bus symbol) through to sky (represented by a balloon) and onto space (represented by the rocket). In this way, our students can see and explore how each trait develops in stages and can therefore be built and developed

The students are currently using the model through a focus on our core value of Grit. An example of this is our Prep team who share a snapshot of the learning each day. The photo is then annotated based on the discussion with the students. In this way, our preps can see, share and develop an understanding and build their agency and responsibility for their learning.  

MID-TERM MEET WITH THE PRINCIPAL

Last night we ran our first Mid-Term meet with the Principal session via Webex. This is an initiative of our Family Partnerships Sub-Committee with the aim of helping families to know more about what is happening at our school and connect with parents and carers who are unable to attend on-site each week and catch up with me.

We had 22 families join the session which is a great start and we will continue to run at least one of these each term. During the evening I shared some information around our breakfast club, our 15 minute priority focus on reading, numeracy and students agency, continuous reporting, Smiling Minds and growing our connection to country and Indigenous and cultural awareness. 

There was also plenty of time for questions and feedback. The themes our parents raised were developing a deeper understanding of the rubric assessment that is part of continuous reporting, how the STEAM room is used, how often our Junior School Council meets and what they do, ensuring that our toilets are clean and classroom structures and sizes for next year. 

 As always, if you have any questions or feedback please contact me james.penson@education.vic.gov.au

Thank you to everyone who attended and I am looking forward to the next session which will be early next term.

CONTINUOUS REPORTING CONTINUES....

Our Continuous Reporting Program has been relaunched successfully. The data highlights that we have between 256 and 297 families logging on to See Saw each day over the last week. 

Over each term we will continue to post samples of student learning at least 2 or 3 times. In the beginning this will be done via an organised schedule and cycle across the school which includes ensuring a variety of learning areas such as reading, writing and maths are covered over time. Our specialist team are also ensuring students are sharing learning across each of these subjects once per year. 

One of the GREAT things about using Seesaw is the familiarity our students have with this platform and the ease of use to upload a photo or video of the student’s learning and providing feedback via a written or recorded comment. Students and parents are then able to respond to these comments and a “feedback loop” is the result. This is a key part of our learning cycle and connections at Greenhills and we are aiming that through this continuous communication our students develop greater agency in their learning and at the same time our strong home school partnership becomes even stronger.

Thank you to those that have already provided feedback and comments both to their children and also the teacher. Here are just two examples of this:

Parent Feedback: That’s amazing story Maanchi! Well done! Waiting to read the conclusion, how George overcomes the curse! Thanks for sharing Maanchi’s work and your comment Mrs Katsogiannis.

Yr 3 student comment: Thanks for the good Advice.😀😃

CAR PARKING

This is a friendly reminder that we all need to follow the local road rules each and every day. 

This includes: 

• Children not to be dropped off in non drop-off areas e.g. in GHPS car park driveways, residents driveways and near the school crossing no standing zones. 
• Not parking within 3m from an intersection. This makes it difficult to get in, out and around particularly if cars are trying to go both ways along Mine St. 
• Children not being dropped off opposite the drop off zone and dashing across the Mine St.

Please also note that the school carpark is for staff only between the hours of 8.00am and 4pm. We also understand that some of our families require access to the carpark during these times. If you are in this situation, please contact me and I will arrange a “Car Park Approval” pass for your vehicle.

OUTSTANDING STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

One thing that can sometimes be taken for granted at our school is the exceptional behaviour of our students. I say this because every day we have so many examples of our students demonstrating excellent choices, switched on in their learning and taking care of each other. This shows that our GREAT values are not simply something written on our walls, they are alive and actioned at our school each day.

Well done to all of our students who try their best, work together, share, look at things from others points of view and keep persisting. 

James Penson

Principal