Term 1 has certainly been stop, start with numerous interruptions such as Launceston Cup day, the long weekend, school photos (Thursday, 21 March) and NAPLAN to name a few. Easter will also fall within the term dates this year meaning another two shorter weeks. During these times it is  important to maintain routines at school, so again we are relying on you to assist your child/ren with their attendance - Every Day Matters. If you or your child requires assistance with any attendance relates issues please contact your child’s teacher in the first instance.

Our Year 9-10 students have been enjoying their new learning spaces, as have teachers. The contemporary design will take some adjusting to, in relation to layout and orientations, but over time we will maximise the flexibility that the space offers. This learning can then be taken into future builds and modifications to learning spaces. We will be seeking student input into extra furniture for the breakout and collaborative spaces.

Our Athletics Carnivals were each a significant success with the format allowing students to support, encourage and celebrate with their peers. The support provided within groups was very positive and a good reflection of our school culture. The increase in participation has been great to witness, as has the increasing number of families at our events recently.

We are really pleased that our Year 11-12 numbers are continuing to increase. By offering a personalised approach for learners we are retaining more young people and not just ones from our high school space. This blended approach is certainly a model which provides flexibility but certainty for learners. This is a great example about how learners need to be the centre of our programs as we look to increase retention of our young people in further education.

A significant thank you to all our parents and carers who attended our open afternoon. We understand that there are no perfect dates to allow everyone to attend but we are very keen to understand what families want to see, participate in or get more information about at these type of sessions. We welcome your feedback and suggestions so that we can best support children and their families with getting the most out of learning programs. We had good numbers at the UFLI reading sessions and are keen to update families about contemporary learning.

As part of our ongoing processes to measure success, we gather baseline data at school and system levels to measure our gains and also to identify areas for growth and focus. We have already commenced PAT testing for reading and numeracy. This week our NAPLAN testing commences. These tests are one way of measuring our progress against the Australian Curriculum and also against the previous two years of schooling for those students in Years 5,7 and 9.  This growth informs our practice and also our areas for further professional learning.

The school association is a critical driver in terms of our processes and ratifies key decisions made by the school – budget, behaviour management policy, playground upgrades etc. We are really keen to add some new faces to our group including members of the community. If you know of anyone who you think has the skills and the passion to help us improve the school, and our community, please share their name or better still encourage them to reach out and have a conversation about how they can assist in growing the school.

It is always important to remind students of their role in Road Safety as it is with adults. Please remember that we have large numbers of students at the beginning and end of the day accessing predominantly two entrances/exits to the school grounds. Your speed along the main road and most importantly in the car park need your ongoing attention. Please obey the signs.

Similarly parents should ensure that children exit cars, in the drop off zone, on the left of the vehicle so that they are out of any potential harms way. If children are getting out of cars parked in the main car parks they should stay with the adult and cross at one of the designated crossings. Outside of school students should cross at the flags of a morning and afternoon so that you are visible to all. Drivers are most likely to be looking at the flags. Safety is everyone’s concern and responsibility.

Colin Pearson
Principal

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