Recently, we had the opportunity to share our school-wide work on implementing the Berry Street Education Model with schools and department leaders around the state. We received great feedback around the strategies we have been embedding. Our focus so far has been on regulating and being ready to learn. At the start of every lesson, teachers and students use strategies to regulate the brain and body, including patterned activities, mindfulness exercises and using a ‘Ready to Learn Scale’. We’ve installed new reset tracks and swings to support students to reset, and set up a purpose-designed “Ready to Learn Room”, where small groups work together to further practice their regulation strategies. We encourage you to have conversations with your children around this, and to talk with your child’s teachers about ways to support this work at home. You are also welcome to chat with anyone from our Berry Street leadership team – Ms Jeanette Papageorgiou, Ms Tania McNear, Mrs Fiona Beament, and Ms Megan Vincent.

Our first North East Cup day was a great day for all, with students enjoying the opportunity to build connections across schools. This event is a part of our school program, and attendance and participation are an expectation for all. We had teams represented in netball, soccer and football. Thank you to our HPE staff for their hard work and organisation in making this day so successful.

This week, we begin NAPLAN testing for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. These tests provide a snapshot of student learning, which can assist teachers in informing their planning. They do not reflect all the qualities that we value in young people as individuals. Our values of ‘Courage’ and ‘Growth’ are a focus for this period – it is an opportunity for young people to do their best and to strengthen their resilience. A special thank you to Ms Heather Styles for all her work in setting us up for success with test scheduling, student adjustments and ICT requirements. 

Finally, I would like to thank the school community for their support during my time as Acting Principal. I always enjoy the opportunity for growth, and to work with everyone in a slightly different way.

Jeanette Papagorgiou – Acting Principal

ANZAC ART

From the artroom - Secondary students ANZAC Responses