Assistant Principal's Report

Hands-On Learning

As I walked through the Foundation classrooms this past week I have been watching a mini-city emerge on the stage in the Old Hall. I have seen students measure and cut materials to create little roundabouts, cars, rivers, buildings and people, among other things. I have heard students discuss what items are still needed to ensure the city is complete. I have watched students negotiate and problem solve when they notice something that requires changing. The amount of learning that is occurring during this engaging activity is astounding, one of the benefits of our play based exploration program. 

It is so rewarding seeing the students make connections between the explicit learning happening in the classroom, with their exploratory play and I have absolutely loved listening to them explain what parts they added to the city and what they are working on next! 

Science at FPS

You may recall a few weeks ago I wrote about the amazing science-based inquiry units of work that students were engaging in this term. We have had lots exciting incursions already with some classes conducting fun experiments as part of their exploration of chemistry (what happens when matter changes state and why?). 

These science based units of work have given students the chance to discover new skills and gain a curiosity and interest in the world around them. The hands-on nature of these curriculum areas are always enjoyed by all age groups, and it gives teachers the chance to see different skills and strengths in students that they may not have seen in the classroom before.

Student Voice Team

This week we spent some time working on posters that the team decided to display around the Meeting Room. Students shared their classes’ ideas and suggestions around creating a Positive Climate for Learning, which is one of our goals in our school Annual Implementation Plan.

Students in the Student Voice Team learn about the Annual Implementation Plan goals specific to them as learners—the Team has the opportunity to influence decisions made about their learning and learning environment. 

This term, we are receiving input from other students across the school who are not part of the Student Voice Team. During the Student Voice Team meetings, students have been sharing the ideas and suggestions from their classmates, not just from themselves. I am really pleased that the Student Voice Team members are able to share ideas and represent opinions from all students at Fairfield Primary School – this is empowers all of our students by providing them with an authentic forum to share their voice. 

~ Sarah Abbott, Assistant Principal