Earlier this week, I sat in on a Prep literacy lesson as the children were practising their spelling.  The word was 'trick' and I was astonished to hear one student remind the class that 'ck' is used following the short vowel sound.  Another then went on to talk about where the apostrophe should go to make this make sense - Pips cat.  The explanation for the placement of apostrophe before the 's' was perfect.  The speed, accuracy and confidence shown by students in the other early years' classrooms with their literacy tasks was also very evident.  This, I believe, is testament to the new Diocesan Approach to Reading (DAR) which we have begun to implement this year as well as to the work that the teachers in those classes have put into developing the skills necessary to implement it.  The cumulative nature of this approach means that it may be a few years before we truly see the full impact, but there are certainly things to celebrate already.  We do encourage parents to keep reading to and with their children as well as discussing what has been read.  Research shows us that this is very important in developing background knowledge and an understanding of expression and fluency.  

Staying with the reading theme, next week is Book Week and, as always, there are a number of things happening including the character parade.  This is always an exciting day for the students and the costumes seem to get bigger and more elaborate each year.  Please remember however, that you do not have to spend lots of money on a costume.  Some of the best ones are those which are home-made from items found around the house. Be sure to check your emails for further details of events next week.

There have been a number of sporting events across the last fortnight and I would like to congratulate all those who participated, whatever the sport.  Even more pleasing for me has been the comments from the teachers who have accompanied the groups as each has remarked on the outstanding way in which the individuals and groups have represented themselves and our school.  This was also the case for the Readers' Challenge group that I took to Warwick two weeks ago and the members of the Mini Vinnies committee who delivered the donated goods to the Stanthorpe foodbank.  

Finally, it would be remiss of me if I did not say 'break a leg' to those students who will be performing the school play at the Little Theatre this weekend.  A tremendous amount of work has gone into the creation of this production and I hope that each person enjoys the culmination of their hard work.  Thanks to Mrs Gordon in her key role and to all the staff across the school who have helped already or who will assist on the weekend.  Thank you also to the many family members and friends who will support the school across the weekend. We appreciate your support immensely.

Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary & Teaching & Learning