Welcome to the 2025 school year. It has been great to hear all about holiday adventures from the students. I look forward to the year ahead and working in collaboration with families in the Tenison Woods Community.
This year we have two main focuses regarding our teaching and learning, these are in the areas of literacy and numeracy. Our dedicated staff completed professional learning throughout the January school holidays.
Corey, Sophie, Sarah and Ethan completed a five day course by the Dyslexia Orton-Gillingham Institute, Basic Training Literacy. The course provided instruction on implementing a structure multisensory approach to reading. This is based on the understanding of the science of reading and the five key elements that are required to achieve this, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension.
Erin, Carisa, Gina, Rhys and Amelia completed a two day course by the Dyslexia Orton-Gillingham Institute, Multisensory Maths Training. The course provided instruction on implementing a structure multisensory approach to mathematics. This is based on the understanding of our number system is based on the number ten. It provides strategies for helping students with basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), problem solving, time/money and fractions. I am looking forward to this approach being used in the classroom and how it will support our students understanding in mathematics.
Congratulations to Erin, Carisa, Gina, Rhys, Amelia, Corey, Sophie, Sarah and Ethan on completing the training.
During week 5 and 6 we will hold Personalised Plans for Learning (PPL’s) meetings with families and teachers for students who required additional support for their learning. These meetings are always positive and relational, with both parents and staff working towards the best learning outcomes for your child. An email from Peta will be sent out to families to book in for meetings.
During Week 7 and 8 our year 3 and 5 students participated in NAPLAN. The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school. The annual NAPLAN tests in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. NAPLAN tests are one aspect of our schools assessment process. More information will be sent home to families in the following weeks.
Our Term 1 Keeping safe Child Protection focus is ‘The right to be safe’. Throughout the term students will engage in age-appropriate lessons through the Health Curriculum to develop an understanding of this topic. A letter was sent home this week with further information.
At our school, we deeply value family time and recognise its essential role in the well-being of both students and their families. With this in mind, we strive to keep homework to a manageable amount, ensuring that students have ample opportunity to spend quality time together. In support of developing essential literacy and numeracy skills, we encourage engaging activities like board games and cooking. These enjoyable, hands-on experiences not only promote learning in a fun and interactive way but also offer valuable opportunities to practice important skills in everyday, real-world contexts. Homework is designed to complement the classroom learning. We strongly believe homework should not be stressful for the child if your child experiences any difficulties please contact their classroom teacher.
Homework guide
Reception: Sound practice and reading
Year 1 and year 2: Reading
Year 3: Reading, spelling, times tables and optional activities (up to 30 minutes)
Year 4: Reading, spelling, times tables and optional activities (30 minutes)
Year 5 and year 6: Reading, times tables and completing unfinished set tasks (30-40 minutes)
Throughout the year as we work in partnership to support the children to flourish and grow, please always know I am available for you to speak with.
Kind regards,
Claire Little
Assistant Principal: Teaching and Learning