Dear Families,
It has been a really busy week and I would just like to thank all the staff for stepping up to meet the teaching and learning requirements in such a collaborative way, whilst we navigate staff vacancies. All staff have gone above and beyond this week to maintain consistency for our students and the children have enjoyed the learning opportunities presented to them. I have really enjoyed watching the early years students make scones, welcome visitors to their class and encourage each other with positive language. Bethany’s huge effort in maintaining routines and adding her own strengths to the program has ensured the students have been engaged and happy this week and this is reflected in her newsletter article this week.
The year 3/4 class have also been taking a look at cephalopods this week and I am always amazed by the exploration of this class and their willingness to share their learning with those on school tours. Pleasantly the enthusiasm for learning demonstrated by our students and creativity is generating positive interest in our school, with several new enrolments proceeding next term and a stronger reception intake anticipated for 2022.
The older students have also undertaken such amazing design thinking for their businesses and I am consistently inspired by their new creations. The biscuits sold today in the class cafe were fantastic and I am putting in an order for the natural fire lighters that smell of cinnamon and rosemary. What a fabulous way to start the winter months! I have to also thank our senior years students who are working hard to create positive learning spaces and are assisting with the clean out of the front admin building to create a streamlined work space for all, they are truly amazing organisers! I also enjoy sharing student led conversations around sustainability and recycling of materials, as we move through each space and look at how to reduce our impact on the environment, including reducing paper and plastics consumption.
This week I had the privilege of meeting with David Booth a local Indigenous artist. I have worked with David in the past and he brings a wealth of knowledge and an enthusiasm for sharing his culture and country that leads to greater cultural awareness and connection. David is going to work with us in the coming term to create a mural for the front of our school that uses traditional symbols and story elements to represent our school values and local area. This is a really exciting opportunity with students being able to all participate in workshops to facilitate a collaborative mural that will complement the planting that will be undertaken in the coming week.
Community Consultation Update
This week we have also held a student forum with the year 3-7 students who have shared many fantastic ideas about their learning and environment. It is really important for us as educators to create opportunities for student agency in learning and value their positive contribution of ideas for the future of Basket Range a Primary School. Next week we will also seek input from our R-2 students about their learning and what they enjoy about our unique school. We also look forward this week to our community forum on Tuesday evening 6:30-8:30pm for current families at Basket Range Primary School. Please RSVP as soon as possible to the office if you have not already done so, as we would like as much input as possible in developing our strategic vision moving forward. Thank you to all those parents who have emailed me with their positivity about school based programs and developments lately, your feedback is much appreciated by all.
Have a wonderful long weekend everyone.
Kind Regards Sybila.
