Partners in Learning – Parent and Carer Survey:
So far we’ve had 22 community members complete our survey…our goal is to capture feedback from over 100 families! Your voice matters, so we encourage all parents and carers to invest 10 minutes of your time to give us your feedback by clicking the following link:
http://nsw.tellthemfromme.com/sps2281
What Works Best:
On Monday 31st August our teachers and SLSOs participated in a 3 hour workshop after school (3pm-6pm) on the latest research around ‘What Works Best’ in high performing schools to support student learning and wellbeing. Staff read research papers ahead of this workshop, analysed our student learning and wellbeing data, and discussed ways research on ‘What Works Best’ could be best used to inform future school improvement for strengthened student outcomes at Swansea Public School. Staff were heavily invested in reflecting on how we can include ‘high impact practices’ into our approach to make a significant and positive difference for each and every one of our students. I’m looking forward to sharing these ideas further with the community as our plans for our Strategic Improvement Plan 2021-2024 continue to take shape.
Student Voice:
As reported in our last newsletter, our Student Leadership Team have been running student focus groups to capture student voice on ways we can strengthen our practice for students in support of their learning and wellbeing. One strong theme that has emerged is the need for greater access to technology. In the interim, we listened to this feedback and installed three new state-of-the-art interactive panels in all classrooms across Stage 2. This has allowed our teachers in Stage 2 to link in with our Stage 2 STEM Class, without having to be physically in the room, and has provided teachers with an amazing teaching resource when teaching as a stand-alone class. Further considerations for the installation of more interactive panels is being strategically planned for 2021, in addition to the purchase of more laptops and iPads to support student learning.
STEM Class Feedback:
Student voice has also communicated a strong message in relation to the value students place on the STEM Class initiative we have running at the school. We have trialled two models of STEM classes, 5/4 STEM in 2019 and a 4/3 STEM in 2020. Based on student feedback the school is considering expanding our STEM Class initiative to run two STEM classes in 2021. At this stage the STEM model being considered includes running a class in Stage 2 (4/3 STEM) and Stage 3 (6/5 STEM). This is in addition to other ideas we are working on in line with the NSW Department of Education’s new ‘High Potential and Gifted Education Policy’ in support of our high achieving students. We will keep the community updated with our proposed directions for 2021 as they develop and we are very excited about this space in our future directions!
Visit to Hawaii:
On Wednesday last week we had a Hawaiian themed out of uniform day to raise money for our Year 6 Farewell. COVID has certainly limited the fun we’ve been able to have with postponed and cancelled events, so dressing up and playing Beach Boys music was a small, but significant way we brought smiles to everyone’s face. Special thanks to Miss Alexie Meiners for being the brainchild and the driver of our visit to Hawaii; the day was an absolute success!
PBL Silver Awards:
On Friday last week we held our PBL Silver Awards Assembly. It was great to see so many students achieving their Silver Award before the end of Term 3. We certainly miss not having our parents and carers present at these special events and sincerely hope that we can share these special moments with you in person again soon. Again, congratulations to our outstanding students on their significant achievement to date…and remember…Silver is just a check-point…now it’s time to GO FOR GOLD!
P&C Update:
We had a wonderful response to the recent online Father’s Day stall run by the P&C. I was personally the recipient of a very handy BBQ light, and a not so handy (but very funny) can that makes inappropriate noises (yes Dads…this was a popular gift so you know what I’m talking about). Thanks to our P&C for thinking differently about Father’s Day and making this happen online.
Our next P&C General Meeting is tomorrow evening via Zoom. We encourage parents and carers to be part of our P&C. If you would like to join, please contact the front office for a membership form.
COVID Update:
Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we continue to apply NSW Department of Education processes in response to the management of COIVD. While our gates are closed, our hearts are always open. For up-to-date advice on keeping our students, schools and community safe, we encourage all families to regularly access information at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families
Regards,
Brett Carr
Principal – Swansea Public School
