During the last two weeks, we have begun to focus more closely on the learning dispositions that we have identified as a school as being key to providing our students with the skills necessary for a being an effective learner, now and in the future.  Dispositions are those qualities which are under our control and which we use when faced with challenging or unfamiliar situations.  Already we have seen the students embrace the language around this area of effective learning, with classrooms adorned with posters of all sorts and the students keen to explain when and where they have demonstrated the dispositions. When we look at the skills which people believe will be required when our students graduate, the ability to utilise these dispositions effectively will be crucial.   Our work in this area will continue for the duration of the semester and I encourage parents to explore these dispositions with their children.  The dispositions are: I am a thinker, I am resilient, I am persistent, I am confident, I am a collaborator and I am a communicator. 

Last week we held the annual athletics carnival and I would like to congratulate all the students for the way they competed during the day. Later this week, some of them will compete again at the Granite Belt carnival which will be held at the State High School.  We wish them well as they compete for a place in the Granite Belt team at the Darling Downs competition to be held later this month. Whilst the older students were at the CF White Oval, those in P – 3 (under 8 yr olds) took part in a Maths Olympics event complete with opening ceremony.  Thanks to Mrs Charlton, Mrs McNichol, Mrs O’Dea and those who assisted to make this an enjoyable experience. 

Finally, congratulations to Mrs Johanna Campbell who was recognised as the Expert Primary Teacher at the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Excellence Awards last week.  I was delighted to be able to be there in person to see her accept her award as recognition of the many years of exemplary service as well as a commitment to implementing Visible Learning in recent years.  We are blessed as a school to have such inspired and passionate teachers in our midst. 

With God's blessings

Sarah Yates
Assistant to the Principal Primary