Hello and a warm welcome to the 2023 school year. What a start it has been!

Over the course of the first two weeks, our Start Up program has provided students with various opportunities to build relationships within their new class, and across their cohort.

We are striving to create a calm and orderly learning environment, where all students feel connected to their peers and teachers. We are focusing on developing a deeper knowledge of our school values of Kindness, Personal Excellence and Tenacity, as well as developing high expectations of ourselves and one another- both in the classroom during learning time, as well as out in the yard.

There is a real air of positivity around the school and this week it was my delight to talk with students about how they are feeling about being back, and what they are enjoying most at school.

Michelle W- 6H

Favorite thing about school since being back:

I really like the new timetable. I think it is better suited to the students compared to the old one. I like how we are able to fit more time into our mornings when we are more awake. Our brains a less switched on in the afternoon, so its great to fit more in in the morning.

What have you been focusing on in class?

I am definitely reading more this year. This year, we have the 7 different reading strategies too.

What School Value stands out to you?

I like the value of Tenacity. To persevere and keep going, even when things get tough in school. Just keep on going.

How do you feel about the year to come?

I like how it’s started off and I am excited for camp and Year 6. It is one of the best years. I liked last year too, because I really like being in the LC6. It is a very good learning space- it can be quiet, it can be loud. I like the teachers too.

Florence (Flossy) K: 1H

What has been your favourite thing about school this year?

I really like Specialist. I have had Music, Art, PE, Media and Mandarin. Art and Music are my favourite. I get to do lots of fun stuff. In Music we play instruments. In Art, we made faces with different shapes and they showed how we were feeling.

What have you been learning about in the classroom?

We have been doing lot of writing about Kindness

How do you feel about school?

Happy.

What are you looking forward to this year?

Lots of new stuff.

Alira C- 3B

What have you loved learning about this week?

I loved learning about the different reding strategies. Some of them are Visualising, Predicting and Connecting

What are most looking forward to this year?

Definitely getting to go on camp

How are you feeling about school?

Happy and amazing.

The Library

This week the students are having their first library session. Every class has had our wonderful library technician, Mrs Jayne Hagan, give them a special lesson about the library, so that all students can confidently and responsibly use the library to its full potential. Please ensure that your child has a library bag and encourage them to regularly borrow books (to both keep in the classroom as well as take home) so that they can maximise their reading enjoyment!

Home Learning

Home learning looks a little different for students, depending on what year level they are in so please stay tuned to your child's teacher’s Compass newsfeed for specific details. For students in Years 1-6, Home Learning will commence during weeks 3 or 4. Please note that this term the School Council Education Sub-Committee will be reviewing our Home Learning Policy. Further parent, student and staff consultation will be collected later this term, to inform our policy update, in order to reflect our communities, need and what is best for our students.

Parent Helpers

On Wednesday 1st March from 2:45-3:30pm we will be offering a parent helpers session, run by our English leaders. This will specifically focus on our reading pedagogy (approach to teaching reading), strategies parents can use to support student’s literacy development as well as responsibilities regarding confidentiality. Any parent wanting to volunteer their time and become a parent helper will need to attend the session first. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight our school’s desire to expand the number of parent helpers in the middle and senior years. Please know that parent helpers are a huge asset to all students, not just students in the early years. Teachers from Foundation to Year 6 are eager to work with you to find a mutually suitable time to have your support.

See you about the school,

Ms Ashley Kuusela

Assistant Principal

LOTE (Mandarin)

Year 3 Celebrating Chinese New Year