Term 1, Week 7
In Our Classrooms
Our transition to more evidence-based practices continues to gain momentum, and we’re seeing more benefits emerge as these methods become embedded in daily learning. Beyond the increased engagement and clearer learning pathways I’ve highlighted before, we’re also noticing:
- Improved student confidence – With structured lessons and clear expectations, students are feeling more capable in tackling new concepts.
- Stronger foundational skills – The consistency in instructional delivery means students are mastering key literacy and numeracy skills more effectively.
- Smoother classroom routines – Teachers and students are working together in predictable, efficient ways that maximise learning time.
A key focus moving forward is how this approach supports students across the achievement spectrum. One of the most effective ways we do this is through differentiation by support. Rather than modifying the curriculum, we adjust the level of scaffolding, guidance, and practice opportunities based on what each student needs. This ensures that every student is working towards the same essential learning goals, but with appropriate support along the way.
Why does this approach work so well?
- Maintains high expectations – All students engage with the same key content, avoiding the pitfalls of ‘dumbing down’ or oversimplifying learning tasks.
- Maximises instructional effectiveness – Teachers provide extra modelling, guided practice, and worked examples for those who need it, while students ready for more independence can engage in more self-directed tasks.
- Builds independence at the right pace – As students gain confidence and competence, support is gradually reduced, allowing them to take greater ownership of their learning.
- Ensures all students progress – Those needing more time with concepts get targeted help, while advanced students deepen their understanding through extension tasks and application-based learning.
- Develops automaticity and fluency – Repeated exposure and structured practice help students internalise skills so they can be applied effortlessly. This is critical not just for students catching up, but also for gifted students. As they master core content with greater ease, automaticity allows them to free up cognitive resources for deeper problem-solving, creative thinking, and higher-order learning as they progress through their schooling. I’ll provide more information on the ways we’ll provide students exposure to these deeper applications of their learning in future updates
I’ve also included more information below about our intervention program, which will provide extra support for students still consolidating key concepts. Keep an eye out for the new Teaching & Learning article in our newsletter next Friday. Assistant Principal Katie Klajnblat and Learning Specialists Jo Capp and Paisely Blank will showcase some of the strategies we have introduced in the classroom to help your child(ren) maximise their learning.
This work is all part of a well-planned approach that prioritises staff and student development while ensuring long-term success.
In Our Staffroom
I’m pleased to share that we’ve recruited one education support staff member to our new Intervention Program. Zoe Maxwell, will be joining our team next week and begin working in literacy intervention. The focus of this work will be on early intervention with students to support them in building strong foundational skills in reading that will support their literacy journey throughout primary school. We are still recruiting for this team, but as we do the Principal team will begin running some diagnostic assessments with students so Intervention staff can hit the ground running once they commence.
Our intervention team will work in a small group context delivering targeted phonics instruction, and structured reading practice to help students who need additional support. We’re excited to see the positive impact this program will have on student outcomes.
In Our Community
This week, our Year 6 students became the first year level to head off on camp for 2025! We wish them all the best for a fun-filled and memorable experience, and we look forward to hearing all about it when they return.
Our coffee cart trial has also been going well in its new location trading across more days per week. It’s been fantastic to see families making the most of the indoor seating and toys in the gym foyer, creating another great space for connection within our school community.
As always, I appreciate your support as we continue to grow and evolve as a school and I look forward to sharing more updates next fortnight.
Warm regards,
