Changing circumstances in our lives can be accompanied by a range of emotions.  It may depend on the change itself, who instigated it or the perceived or actual consequences which will result. At this time of the school year, our minds naturally turn to transition - pre-school into Prep, Primary into Secondary and even class to class.  Next week we will welcome the Prep students for 2021 for the first of two 'Practice Mornings'.  The relationship between a teacher and a student of any age is crucial to ensuring that the latter feels that they belong and are valued.  Without this feeling of safety, their ability to learn is compromised.  Mrs McNichol has already started to build that bond with her students for next year and the practice mornings will consolidate this further.  

Year 6 students will also participate in a transition day next Monday, allowing them to experience other subject offerings on the Secondary Campus and meet other teachers.  Given the fact that the Year 6 students have had some lessons with Secondary teachers throughout this year, this change will not be as big as it has been previously. However, it is still significant for the students and something which needs to done well.  Later in the term, the rest of the Primary students will be able to spend some time with their new teacher for 2021. Details regarding this will follow shortly. Whatever the age of the student, we will do our very best to ensure that the change going into 2021 is seen as a positive experience.

Well done to all the students for the ongoing commitment they are showing to their work.  It has been particularly pleasing to hear conversations around the growth that individuals have as they reflect on improved assessment data. We really are seeing a marked difference in our students as learners as a result of our work on making learning visible.

Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary