Dear Families,
This year we have spent considerable time implementing the Brightpath tool to support whole school improvement in the area of writing. The Brightpath Tool helps staff and students to assess writing and provides teachers and students with next steps to improve. Teachers are currently working to moderate every child's narrative or recount writing and analysing gaps. In SD6 students have been exceptional 'student agents' in the assessment of their own writing and have worked together with their teacher, Ms Martin, to plan their SMARTaR writing goals. Enjoy some clips via our FACEBOOK page- CLICK HERE with the children talking about the writing ruler and how it has helped them to evaluate and know where to improve. Don't forget to discuss writing, and what they need to learn next, with your child. Some of our youngest Reception children have been discussing the use of conjunctions and finger spaces. It is great to see them enthused and excited about writing. One of our Year 3 students, Matilda Boaden, recently entered the South Australian Young Writer's Award and we previously showcased her writing in the newsletter. We are delighted to announce that Matilda has won first prize in the prose year 2/3 age range. A big congratulations to Matilda.
This term, it has been great to enhance our Connected Curriculum with some exciting excursions. The Year 5s had a fabulous time at the Seaton STEM day and the Year 3s loved their visit to the Marine Discovery Centre. Year 7s are eagerly awaiting their Wirraway Camp in week 7. We will keep families updated if COVID information affects this. Whilst we can get back to some normality, some precautions are still in place. On Friday next week we will host our 'Curious Creatures, Wild Minds' book parade and school play. Unfortunately, although we are unable to invite family members, we will be looking to live feed or promptly showcase this event via our Facebook school platform. Staff will be once again performing one of the shortlisted books and we look forward to you being able to watch this. As Covid precautions are still in place we kindly ask families to not enter school buildings when you drop students to classrooms. Volunteers are to sign in at the office and ensure they maintain social distancing and strict hygiene.
This term we have had a few staffing changes and I'd like to inform the community that Ms Rozika Pratap, class teacher in P2 and school Wellbeing Leader, has recently been seconded into a position as a Wellbeing Officer in the Department for Education, for the remainder of this year. This is an exciting opportunity for Rozika, who will use her wealth of knowledge around Wellbeing and build her skills working across many schools. We wish Rozika well and thank her for all she has done to support Wellbeing at West Lakes Shore School. Ms Ainsley Koenig has started as teacher on a Tuesday in P2 and Mrs Gray will teach the other 4 days. To replace Rozika in the Wellbeing role Ms Jacqui Thomas will work 2 days on a Thursday and Friday as Wellbeing Teacher. SD7 will be taught by Mrs Terri Powell on a Thursday and Friday for the remainder of the year. Terri has recent experience with the class and has been introduced to the children today.
We also warmly welcome back Mrs Christina Savas, who will be returning to teach 3 days in Term 4. As part of her teaching she will work alongside Helen Katsiokalis on alternate Fridays in SS2, commencing this term
We hope you have a lovely weekend.
Stay warm and see you for an exciting Book Week in Week 6.
Carol, Helen & Fay
