TEACHING & LEARNING:
On your behalf I welcome back Mrs Boyer from her well deserved Long Service Leave.
As you know I’m away in Canberra for the next few days. Although I approach this time with some doubt, I want you to know how proud I am of our communities work in the dreaming and planning of our new learning space. I believe that this design will enhance all that we already know about good teaching. I sincerely thank Mr White and Mrs Keenan for their incredible creativity and skill in the production of our presentation. Furthermore, I thank Mr Hernandez for his camera work. What a brilliant 3 weeks.
Staffing
Last week I again welcomed 2010 staff and signed contracts. At this stage we are 95% complete in securing staffing positions and placement. My sincere thanks goes to Mrs Hoogenvest for her support in allocation and budget planning, vital to our staffing needs.
Curriculum and Professional Learning
Over the last three weeks we have:-
1. Reviewed and Developed a Shared Pedagogical Statement. This list of Pedagogical beliefs reflects not only what we know to be good practice but also why we know 21st century learning requires such practise.
2. Analysis of 2009 Assessments
This think tank of reflection and review allowed for a deep
understanding of our student needs and next step forward. Within this
review we were able to see the great developments in reading,
spelling and writing. In Maths all have been able to identify students
growth in space & measurement and number facts.
The challenges and areas for growth in 2010 are now reflected in the third phase of our planning, namely our goals and targets.
I sincerely thank our team leaders and all core teams for the effort and professional skill applied to this vital work.
Over the last three weeks there has been some other major activities building momentum:
Gifted & Talented
Mrs Fernandes and Mrs Hutchinson following initial testing have been meeting with parents, students and class teachers in planning Individual Programs for students scoring highly in the K-Bit assessment.
This brilliant initiative is ensuring a building of our capacity to meet the needs of all children. I know that in 2010 our understanding and ability to support the Gifted & Talented students will continue to grow.
STEP-UP
Congratulations and thanks to Mrs Baddock and Mrs Boyle for supporting the needs of children commencing school in 2010.
This programme is vital in ensuring smooth transition and in supporting families of children with special needs.
NEWMAN’S ANALYSIS
This week saw the second series in working with students in problem solving and analysis.
Many thanks to Mr Siciliano and Mr Crowley for their work with the learning support team and class teachers.
The high yield gains in this work is measured by the:-
* Design of sound problems
* Opportunity to engage on a one to one basis with children in understanding their thought process and ability to use Mathematical language.
* The opportunity for teachers to work together in reviewing and reflecting on children’s abilities.
And finally…
GRANDPARENTS DAY
What a triumph and celebration of community. Many thanks to Miss Long, Miss Friend, Mrs Mastrosa, Mrs Foxe, Mrs Dudley and Mrs Easton for their inspiration and creativity.
Please support our:
P & F AGM
11th November 2009
Time: 1.30pm in Library
Regards,
John Laffan
PRINCIPAL
