We have had a busy start to the term with staff undertaking a day of Professional Learning last Monday, furthering our whole school focus on teaching pedagogy and our Berry Street priority.  Currently we are looking at how we can continue to assist our students to build their learning stamina; to improve their abilities to concentrate for longer, stay on task and improve their learning output.

We have been pleased with the way that students have settled back into their learning routines and classroom environment, on the whole.  It has been rewarding to see our work with from earlier in the year enabling students to demonstrate greater self-management and for them to prioritise their learning.

Whilst the weather wasn’t the best our 5-6 sports teams did an excellent job at South George Town last Friday.  As you can see from the pictures on our Facebook page there was significant fun and sportsmanship on display. Thank you also to our senior student leaders for their support and maturity in their roles.

Yesterday we celebrate as a school, presenting certificates to students at our Principal’s Awards Assembly.  The DoE and school values of Respect, Courage, Aspiration and Growth were all recognised.  We also celebrated the successful houses from the Cross Country carnival and acknowledged those students who have been making positive contributions in their respective roles in North East Cup sporting events.

The PAC was the centre for Lego creations yesterday.  Thank you to all those students and families who supported the event.  It was great to see the creative side of some of our students, and staff, as well as allowing our junior students the opportunity to be involved in the voting process.  Well done to everyone who had the courage to put an entry in.

Whilst the winter months always provide a challenge with washing and drying clothes, we would appreciate a concerted effort from families to ensure that students are in school uniform.  There are numerous club and brand name hoodies being worn.  Currently we have a large pile of “lost” property outside our office, so if students are missing items please get them to check. If there are issues with access to uniform please contact your sector leader.

During the next two weeks we will have our Growing Up program running in the Primary classes and parents of students will have received correspondence directly about the program, its aims and the content to be covered.  This program is provided by an expert, external company and is critical to the ongoing developmental understanding for our students.  Should the program raise any issues for your child please contact your classroom teacher in the first instance.

Over the next week we are conducting our parent teacher conversations, following on from reports issued at the end of Term 2.  If you haven’t already booked a time and need to please follow the process outlined in the reporting letter or contact the office for further advice.  These conversations are another critical way that we can enhance the partnership that the school has with you and your child.  We look forward to productive discussions and further growth for all our learners across the remainder of the year.

Colin Pearson – Principal