Dear parents and carers,

We’re now three weeks into the school year and there is such a calm and positive energy right through the school. Students have settled into the rhythm and routines of school, engaged in their learning and enjoying the social/emotional benefits of being with their schoolmates.

Yesterday the Victorian Government announced that the COVIDSafe measures introduced for the first four weeks of this term are going to be extended for the remainder of term 1. The use of rapid antigen tests (RAT) as a screening tool, getting vaccinated, providing adequate ventilation and adhering to vital COVIDSafe steps such as hand hygiene, mask wearing and physical distancing have played an important part in reducing the impact of COVID-19 on our school community. These measures include extending the availability of free rapid antigen tests for screening until the end of term. The RATs will be sent home with students when delivered to school. The need for this program will continue to be monitored, and may end earlier based on health advice. This is great news and will mean we’re able to continue identifying COVID-19 cases as early as possible, reducing the impact on our school and individuals.

Learning support, extension and intervention

This year we have a strong focus on identifying and targeting individual student learning needs. In an average class there are students achieving at the age expected level, while some are achieving above the age expectation and some are achieving below the age expected level. Student needs are varied and we believe that we should be catering for every child at their point of need; their zone of proximal development (ZPD) – the Goldilocks principle. In its simplest form, ZPD means that children learn best when the work is not too hard, nor too easy, but just right. We use a range of assessments to inform our planning and teaching ensuring we are differentiating the learning to cater to these needs.

In addition to classroom programs, we have a number of intervention programs to support students ensuring they are challenged at their point of need. This includes: the tutor learning initiative (TLI) providing one-to-one support for identified students, the Quicksmart maths intervention program and the Maths extension program developed by Andrea Crane.

In addition, with the reduction of the number of classes this year, we have the opportunity to use our specialist teachers either providing intervention or releasing class teachers to provide intervention.  We will continue to explore ways to resource and support students right across the school and in all curriculum areas.

Have a lovely weekend,

David Wells

Acting Principal