It's been a fantastic start to the school year, and we're thrilled to share some highlights with you.
Settling In: Our Junior School students have truly embraced the new academic year, and we are delighted to see their enthusiasm and positive energy filling our classrooms.
Classroom Expectations: Our dedicated teachers have been working hard to establish clear and positive classroom expectations. These expectations are designed to create a supportive learning environment where every child can thrive. We believe that a positive and respectful atmosphere is crucial for the academic and personal growth of our students.
Learning Routines: Setting up effective learning routines is essential for a successful school year. Our educators have been diligently guiding students through the process of developing strong routines that promote focus, engagement and a love for learning. Our morning blocks consist of a structured literacy program that is based upon ‘The Science of Reading’. The children are responding well to this approach and as we continue to reinforce these routines, we are confident that our students will thrive academically.
Parent-Teacher Partnership: We value the partnership we share with you in nurturing the academic and social development of your children. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or the school office. Open communication is key to a successful and fulfilling school experience.
Upcoming Events: Stay tuned for upcoming events, including our rescheduled Information Evening on Tuesday, 27 February, from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm. It will be a great opportunity to connect with teachers, gain insights into classroom activities and learn more about what's in store for the rest of the school year.
Reading Folders: Exciting news! This year, each Junior School student will receive a decodable reading folder. These folders contain passages comprised solely of words that students can decode or sound out, aligning with the reading and spelling skills they've been explicitly taught. This innovative reading program initiative aims to support both children and parents in reinforcing the reading skills acquired at school. Our goal is for your children to proudly showcase and further enhance their reading abilities to you at home. We believe this program will not only strengthen their literacy skills but also foster a love for reading. Please encourage your child to engage with their reading folder on Monday and Tuesdays and share their progress with you. We will explain our home reading folder and reading program in more detail at the Junior School Curriculum Information Session. Together, let's embark on this exciting reading journey!
NAPLAN: The test window for NAPLAN this year will be from 13 to 22 March. NAPLAN is a national literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. As students’ progress through their school years, it is important to check how well they are learning the essential skills of reading, writing and numeracy. NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to a fantastic year of growth, learning, and fun in the Junior School!
Cath Huther
Head of Junior School
