It's lovely to see, and I am proud to report that over the past two weeks – our engagement within CANVAS, our online learning platform, and our attendance at our morning check ins, has remained above 95%.  This exemplary level of engagement is a combined effort of the wonderful work of our teachers, our parents and of course, our students who are eager to be a part of this wonderful community of learners.  This really is a fantastic collective achievement.  Well done, everyone!

As we have moved from the planning and preparation phase, to delivering the curriculum online, the learning curve has been steep and the amount of work that has been achieved has been phenomenal.  As we see it, a huge success.  Learning is hard and learning to be patient and adapt are virtues I know many of us have had to engage over the past fortnight.  Yes, there have been hiccups and yes, not every day is a great day, but each day we are making progress. 

Please know, our teachers are consistently reflecting on their practice, making adjustments and streamlining their approach, to make the learning authentic, purposeful and meaningful for our students and families. 

The upside of COVID-19 has seen a growth in our oral language and communication skills, which was identified as a key priority for our 2020 School Improvement Plan.  I was impressed to see and hear about the learning taking place from Kinder/Prep students when I joined their learning conference on Wednesday. The current situation we find ourselves in has also seen a dramatic incline in the participation levels of of our regular online resources which include ‘Mathletics’ and ‘Reading Eggs’.  We are hopeful that when COVID-19 is gone, the routines this situation has sparked, may long continue and help to consolidate the learning taking place at school and improve the reading skills of our students.   

Thank you for helping to facilitate the learning of your child/ren and for your ongoing patience and support during this time.  The advice at this time remains the same, stay home and stay well.

Kristy Hay

Principal

CyberPass is an online tool that provides children and young people with strategies to manage their online life in a safe and responsible manner. It is endorsed by the Australian eSafety Commissioner’s Office and is widely used across Australia and internationally. CyberPass is available free of charge to schools, parents and the general community. No login is required. CyberPass can be accessed at https://free.thecyberpass.com/.

Online Learning Showcase

KP

The Kinder/Prep students and families are settling into their new learning at home/school routines very well.  We all seem to look forward to our daily morning meetings and are getting much better at taking turns to speak and share our learning online.  This is one very proud learner who finished her daily name activity and sent a picture through to Miss Pearce.  

123 Problem Solving

As part of our online learning, the Grade 1/2/3 class have been working through weekly Problem Solving Challenges. These problems can be solved in a variety of ways and can encourage some wonderful mathematical conversations. Here are some examples of strategies that students used to solve this week's challenge. 

3456 Learning about Literature

The students in the 3/4/5/6 class have been doing a brilliant job of managing their timetable and the activities in Canvas and online.

One of the weekly tasks has been to contribute to a discussion about a quote selected by Mrs Wilson.

This week we have been thinking about this quote by Stephen King.  Here are some of the thoughtful responses that have been added to the class discussion.

 “I think Stephen King meant that books are unique and portable because you can now use books on iPads, laptops, phones etc.  Plus book are like magic.”  Summa Jacobson

“I think this statement meant books have so much magic in them that it takes you to a magic land so I think this statement meant books have magic in them. 

A time when this has been true is nearly every time I read a good book.

I like to read outside if it’s not to windy or I just read on my bed.”  Alice Calder

He means, you can take it anywhere and any place and it's unique because it's not on the internet!! 

It's been true for many people I'm guessing! Bored in the car? Read a book!

 A book has been magic to me, when I've been bored or stuck in a car or plane for ages! I can just pull it out and read in peace. 

I like to read in my bed! It's nice and relaxing at night. Ava Melling

“Books are uniquely portable magic.  We can easily take it everywhere. A good book transports you from your surroundings, it blocks out all noise, it absorbs you in the story and takes you on a journey with the characters, where you see and feel everything they do.” Arcena Aryal

What do you think he meant? That reading is a magical experience for the person reading it and it's easy to take with you anywhere.

Can you think of a time when this has been true to you or someone else? When I was reading my favourite book Warriors in the middle of the night.

Share an example of when a book has been like magic for you.The first time I read Warriors. It gives me something new to think about and read about, and because I'm reading about my favourite subject cats. {:]

Where do you like to read? In my bed, on the trampoline, outside and at my grandma's and also in the lounge room. Kai Stein

We are seeking to increase and improve communication to parents/carers of EAL students. Important information for families regarding learning in Term 2 has been translated into the most common languages spoken in Tasmanian Schools. Information is available on the Translated Information for Parents page on the DoE Website: https://www.education.tas.gov.au/parents/translations . If families or students need assistance to translate or interpret information, they are encouraged to contact the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450.

Further assistance regarding support for EAL students can be accessed from school or by emailing the EAL Service at: eal.service@education.tas.gov.au.