Communicating Learning Progress with Families – Prep to 6

Communicating learning progress with families comprises three inter-related and mutually supporting elements:

Regular sharing of feedback on evidence of learning with learners and families.
Twice-yearly provision of reports of learning achievement (Prep to Year 10) – no written comments.
Regular communication with families about student learning and wellbeing.

FIGURE 1: The three elements of communicating learning progress with families

‘Application to Learning’

A Term 1 ‘Application to Learning Report’ was sent home today with each child in Grades Prep to 6. This report provides families with a summary of each child’s learning habits and engagement, and the checklist gives a quick snapshot of how your child has settled into school this year.

Accompany this report, is a letter that provides and overview of the year’s new methods and timeframes of our 2024 reporting communications. I have also included an overview of the Australian Curriculum key learning areas for your child’s grade, noting that Foundation is Prep in Tasmania, and that we do not teach languages.

As always, please feel free to have a discussion with your child’s teacher/s about their progress at any time during the year.

According to our current records, a requested duplicate copy of reports will be mailed to families. If there has been a change for any family, since completing your child’s validation form at the start of the school year, then please contact the office to update this information and to receive a report copy.

Student Council - Class/Buddy Student Councillors (Terms 1/ & 2)

Classes from Grades 4 to 6 have now elected their Student Councillor. This form of representing groups of students in our school provides an opportunity for both developing early leadership qualities in younger grades, as well as further developing ‘Student Voice/Agency’ across the School. Elected students represent both their class and a buddy class group and help to shape and inform student led activities by inputting ‘student voices’ into decision-making at school.

“When learners are provided with deliberate possibilities to co-design, co-construct, collaborate and work together they develop agency, dispositions and skills to learn and share with peers, teachers and the community. This involves learners actively participating, negotiating, and communicating.”

Congratulations to 2/3A (Kinder A) – Student Leaders (+ Millie); 2/3B (Kinder B) – Student Leaders (+ Millie); 4A (Prep B) – Michael; 4B (Prep A) – Faith; 5A (1A) – Sienna; 5B (1B) – Eli; 2/3C + 6A – Zavier; 6B (LiL) – Millie

NORTH WEST ATHLETICS TEAM - STATE PRIMARY ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Congratulations to Kemp (Gr 6 Shot Put), Blake (Gr 5 100m), Tarik (Gr 5 200m) and Jett (Gr 3 100m & 400m) for their selection in the NWPSSA Athletics team. Selection was based on the results of the 800m finals, field events and the finals held at the recent NW Regional Athletics Twilight Carnival.

The outstanding results and ability of these athletes from our school has gained them selection in this year’s North West team and the chance to compete at the State Primary Schools Athletic Carnival on Friday 10th May!

Safeguarding Training for our Parent/Family Helpers

We really value and want as many family helpers working to support our students, through coaching sporting teams, parent help in classrooms and especially by having parent helpers attending class Excursions.

From this year onwards (and annually), all volunteers (parent/adult helpers) must complete Safeguarding Training modules. The training is compulsory and is designed to help us all understand how to better safeguard kids in Tasmania.

By completing the modules, you will learn what to do if you believe a child or young person is being harmed and make sure you are doing all you can to prevent this from happening. You will also learn what your reporting requirements are. It is important to also make sure you download and save your certificate to verify you have completed your training (our office will keep a copy on file for 2024).

We are encouraging family members to complete the training as soon as possible, and it will need to be completed before you can come into school to work with any children and young people this year. More information and an access link can be found on the DEYCP public website for volunteers to complete this new requirement: Safeguarding Training - Department for Education, Children and Young People (decyp.tas.gov.au)

We are also offering to support family members to complete this training (using school devices and connection) over two sessions directly following our Term 1 Group 2 and 3 Assemblies on Thursdays 4 and 11 April. This free and supported opportunity will be available during our ‘Coffee and Catch-Up’ time in the Large Multi-Purpose Room (2:15 – 3:00pm).

Finally today, “What should you do to prepare for all the Easter treats? Egg-ercise!”

Wishing all families and staff a very Happy Easter! I am hoping that the Easter bunny is leaving something special (and sweet) at every house this weekend. Stay safe and well everyone and enjoy the extended break with family and friends! (And…looking forward to seeing smiling faces back at school on Wednesday 10 April.)