Last Friday Kindergarten celebrated 100 continuous days of class learning. This was a significant milestone and previously we would take something like this for granted. The routine of school and engagement with learning is a blessing that should be acknowledged and celebrated.

I am particularly pleased with the evidence of learning across the school that indicates ongoing improvement, specifically in relation to reading. The following are responses given by a Year 5 student when recently asked about learning associated with the 7 reading comprehension strategies:

What are you learning? Why?

Currently we are learning how to visualise. That means to picture an image or character from a book that doesn't provide any visuals. So that we are able to apply it to our text to become better readers to enhance our imagination.

How are you doing?

In terms of being able to apply the strategies I'm doing very well. I'm able to apply the strategies at home to visualise a character or image and when I'm at school I can apply it to books at school. 

How do you know?

I've noticed over time that my visualisations are getting better and more detailed and I can do it instantly. Feedback that I'm receiving is about how I'm able to apply it and how well I apply it with minimal description. 

How can you improve?

I could improve by not just focussing on that one page but also things from pages before to enhance my imagination.

Where do you go for help?

At home I go to my parents. At school my desk is right near the wall that teaches so I use the 7 comprehension strategies descriptions to help me understand what I'm supposed to do. And I can ask my teacher.                                                                                       (Responses provided by Olivia Sarin 5O.)

This week we welcomed to Nazareth, ‘Ita’ who is a companion dog. Ita spent time with students from Year 3 while they completed group learning experiences. The intention is to provide additional motivation and incentive in relation to learning engagement and for students to benefit from the calming presence that Ita provides. Ita is specifically trained by Paws Therapy as a therapy dog and will be visiting the school on Tuesdays. All classes will have the opportunity to spend time with Ita.

This Term, the school is looking forward to launching ‘Jump Rope for Heart’. This is an initiative organised by the National Heart Foundation which promotes skipping for fun and fitness. Whilst involved with this initiative there will also be opportunity learn about the importance of a healthy heart along with the means of fund raising to support the work of the National Heart Foundation. Additional information will be communicated during the time ahead.

I encourage everyone, in the midst of ongoing disruption and uncertainty focus on the many blessings and the successes that surround us and remind yourself that everything works towards ‘good’.

Enjoy the week ahead.

Peter Dempsey

Principal