Year 3 - Year 6

Assistant Principal's Report

2021 Pakenham Springs PS

Can you believe we are heading into Week 7 already?

Whilst it has been a busy fortnight, as usual, it was great to see teachers and students taking time to reflect and record the things they are grateful for.  Every Monday students across the school dedicate the first hour to 'The Resilience Project'. Last Monday afternoon, at the staff professional development session, staff also dedicated time to 'The Resilience Project'. As parents, you have access to this too. The Resilience Project focuses on our students' needs and addresses the business of 2021 and beyond.  It uses the abbreviation G.E.M standing for Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness, to guide thinking and reflection.  We have collected data about our students and their feelings and will conduct a post-assessment to evaluate the success of the program.  If you would like to support and get involved, you can ask your child and the classroom teacher about the things you could do at home.

Spelling is something that comes up every now and again and it certainly has changed over recent times.  At Pakenham Springs, we use the latest research and evidence of teaching spelling.  Students (and adults) learn best when taught in context. This means that teaching spelling through writing rather than via the old spelling list idea supports students to learn new words, increases vocabulary and extends comprehension long term.  Engaging your child to read books of interest, even if they are a little challenging, builds greater vocabulary and makes students more efficient in identifying spelling errors and recognising spelling patterns.

In Week 9, our writing displays will be going up and during week 10 you are all invited to attend our Learning Community Open Afternoon (masks must be worn indoors).  I will also be drawing the Easter raffle, 10 wonderful hampers to give away!  Make sure you have stocked up on your tickets.

As you may have read on the Principal's page, we say farewell (not goodbye) to Renee Cotterell who has been leading the school in the Acting Principal role whilst Ms Kerryn Baillie is on leave.  I am very happy and excited for Renee and know that Garfield PS are extremely lucky to have her expertise and leadership whilst their principal is away. The Springs is going to miss her, that's for sure and I will do my very best to keep the ship thriving until Ms Baillies's return.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Regards

Mrs Jane King

Assistant Principal (Middle/Senior School)