assistant principal's message

dear families,

Coming home soon – 10 things you need to know about me!

Over the year Hannah and I have both referred to our Annual Implementation Plan. This plan has two improvement goals. Of particular relevance here is Goal 2: To build student voice, equity and agency in learning. Student voice takes many different forms. It can include Junior School Council (JSC) membership, student goal setting, student self-assessment such as rubrics, class meetings etc.

An exciting new example of student voice is the establishment of our first ever “Whole School Transition Day”. When unpacking the “Attitudes to School Student Data”, students thought that a full day transition where students can learn more about the year ahead would be helpful. We loved the idea so much that we’ve scheduled it for Wednesday 18th of December. 

In order to enhance this experience, all students will complete the “10 things you need to know about me” form. Students will initially work on this in the classroom and then it will come home where we are seeking your input. At the bottom of the sheet there will be a section for families to complete. Please provide some additional information about your child/ren. It could be their strengths, areas where they might like some extra help, their hobbies, etc. 

Once you and your child has completed this form please send it back to school. This form will then be given to the 2020 teacher on the 18th of December. We are hopeful that this document will:

1. Allow students to reflect on their learning and then share this important information.
2. Provide an opportunity for families to celebrate their children’s strengths and to consider areas requiring additional support / encouragement.
3. Help 2020 teachers learn more about each child through information provided by both the student and their family.

Some children will also be given an additional sheet. Information requested on this sheet is especially helpful if your child has additional learning, social or emotional needs, e.g. anxiety, emotion regulation etc. These questions are based on the work of Sue Larkey, a well-respected Educator who works with teachers and families with children on the Autism Spectrum. You can find additional information at https://suelarkey.com.au. I’d highly recommend people looking at this website.

This form will go home next week or the week after. We ask that these are returned to school by Friday 13th of December in readiness for the transition day.

It is important to note that highly confidential or sensitive information can be shared via different channels including the “Family Suitcase” proforma which will be sent out at the start of 2020. Also be reassured that teachers will meet and share relevant information. We will also still have the “Meet the teacher” interviews in term 1, 2020.

Education Committee update!

This year once again Education Committee has comprised of a highly talented and dedicated group of community members. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you!

As part of the final Education Committee report for 2019, I gave a summary of the school’s major priorities and actions and I included: “So where to from here?” Please read the excerpt below.

Next year we will be continuing the work that we have commenced. From a curriculum perspective, so much amazing work has commenced and / or being refined. We are building greater consistency and teacher expertise in relation to many aspects of teaching such as the teaching of numeracy as well as building staff’s data literacy.

When unpacking whole school data with our staff, collective efficacy was clearly identified as being critical as was “staying the course” of our current approach, with further refinement and precision. We have a great understanding of the work that needs to be done, we are keen to do it and we want to do it together!

From a student wellbeing perspective, we’ll continue working on a whole school approach, including continuing to work hand in hand with families. We will provide a calm and supportive learning environment for children to take risks in their learning while building their skills to solve problems where need be.

From an Education Committee perspective, I want to take this opportunity to thank and celebrate the work that we’ve undertaken this year. Our recent work on Cultural Safety has been very important and I believe has demonstrated our success as a team. I’m looking forward to sharing the resulting policies more widely with our school community next year as part of the Reconciliation Action Plan. Next year I’d like us to take time to review the Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy and Homework policies. Both policies are important and will require considerable consultation with the broader community. I think we’re up to the challenge!

Please contact me if you are interested in joining this great committee. As is said above, we achieved a lot in 2019, look out 2020!

Wendy White

Assistant Principal