Dear Families

We are well into the swing of learning for term one. Today students had their first meeting with their word study teacher for this term. Word study is part of our systematic instruction in phonics. Students are regrouped within their grade range with others who have a similar learning need for focused and targeted teaching of phonics, spelling and vocabulary. There are three sessions per week. 

Learning occurs at all levels of the school and the leadership team are busy learning about the requirements for the Lifting Literacy initiative and synthesizing the content of these requirements. Yesterday Bec Corney and I attended a professional learning session about word recognition and have two more days of this later in the year. I hope students can see that adults are also always learning and taking on new challenges too! 

This term we are piloting an options program for students in Years 5 and 6. The six class teachers and four specialists are all offering a semester long course (15 weeks). One aim of this program is to increase student engagement by working with teachers on subject matter of interest to all involved. A further aim is to increase connection across the school with students working and learning with students from different classes. A second round of courses will be offered in terms 3 and 4 in another 15-week semester.  

A reminder that I will be on leave from Monday 3 – Friday 28 March and Mrs Bec Corney will be acting principal in my absence.  

I look forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks. 

Regards

Anne Reeves