Term 4 Week 8 Newsletter 23 November 2022
From our Principal
It is hard to believe we only have 2 weeks of school left for the year. We have lots of fun activities planned for the final weeks. Keep an eye on Facebook and emails for reminders around these events.
At the start of the Term I joined over 1,300 state school principals to hear key messages regarding a number of significant strategic changes that will be affecting state schools. Based on the Alice Springs Education declaration, the DoE has developed a new draft Strategic Plan called “Equity and Excellence” with three main foci:
- Educational Achievement- Knowing each student’s learning progression is essential to making sure they are on track for positive educational outcomes. Setting clear expectations for every student and every school supports them to achieve.
- Wellbeing and Engagement- Being healthy, confident and resilient is a foundation for engaging in learning. With a focus on wellbeing of all staff and students, we create a sense of belonging and a positive environment for teaching and working. Designing and delivering meaningful pathways for every student is key to lifting learning outcomes.
- Culture and Inclusion- The diversity of our staff, students and school communities is our greatest strength. By valuing culture and creating inclusive teaching and learning environments, we are driving equity and excellence across every state school.
This will be achieved through 5 system initiatives:
- Educational leadership and teaching expertise
- Digital innovation in teaching and learning
- Educational performance and support
- Integrated responses and educational precincts
- Revitalised educational infrastructure
The Strategic Plan will focus strongly on:
- Transitions to school, to high school, to post-school pathways
- Inclusion - moving to equity and towards justice for all through redistribution of resources
- Knowing the learner on the students’ terms
- Student voice and agency
- Alignment to social justice concepts - recognition, redistribution and representation
- Empowering leaders and educators to build professional expertise across their career
- ‘Systemness’-school as central focus, in service and support - 1 system, 1 team, 1 plan, 1 department
- Improving outcomes for First Nations to reach full potential
The second day of the conference focussed on principals working together in teams to provide feedback on aspects of the Strategic Plan as part of a co-design process. The Department’s strategic direction will influence and inform further directions and policy for our department, region and school.
Have a wonderful week.
Fiona
Planning for 2023
We are busy planning enrolments, facilities, resources and staffing for the 2023 school year. If you know you will not be with us next year could you let us know so we can factor this in our planning. If you know anyone considering Thangool for their child please get them to contact our office as all our staffing is based on day 8 numbers.
Feedback regarding Homework and SEL
Thank you to those who offered feedback around our SEL and homework programs. We had some great suggestions around how to keep parents informed of what children are learning in regards to homework. Next year Thangool will continue as we have this term with no homework but reading every night.
Year 6 End of Year Celebrations
Graduation RSVP’s are in and planning is being finalised in what is always a special celebration for our year 6 students. We look forward to celebrating their primary years and having a night focussed on the wonderful people they are growing into.
Transitions
Friday, we welcome our new preps for 2023 and then the following Tuesday we have our transition afternoon where students spend the afternoon in their classroom for next year with their teacher for 2023. Our year 6 students spend their day at high school in their final transition day.
Leadership Speeches
On Tuesday 29 November at 9:30am our year 5 students will present their speeches to the school, parents are more than welcome. Voting will occur back in classrooms and positions will be announced on our final parade.
End of Year Dance
Our end of year fancy dress dance will be held on Wednesday 7 December 6-8pm. This will also be an opportunity to officially open and showcase our new tennis structure. We look forward to seeing everyone for a fun filled night of dancing and end of year celebrations……what will the staff come as this year??
Reminders
With the weather warming up please remember it is an expectation that children wear a hat (wide brimmed, no caps). Also, it is strongly recommended for children to continue to bring water bottles.
Lost Property
We have a large pile that is growing. Please get your child to check lost property if they are missing any items. Unclaimed lost property will be donated at the end of the year.
Head of Curriculum News
Assessment is an integral component of teaching and learning. Over the semester, teachers have planned, designed and implemented assessment to monitor and gather evidence of your child’s learning and achievement against the relevant Australian achievement standards. Teachers are currently finalising assessment and writing reports, where they will share the learning expectations for your child, their achievement against the expected standards, as well as your child’s behaviour and effort.
Teachers will use a five-point scale: A-E Standards in Years 3-6; Very High, High, Sound, Developing, Needs Support in Years 1-2 and in the Prep Applying, Making Connections, Working Within, Exploring and Becoming Aware. For students with disabilities, the student’s support plan goals are reported on as well as any curriculum adjustments. Students who have an Individual Curriculum Plan (ICP) will be reported upon at their identified curriculum level.
Date Claimers
Student of the Week
Congratulations to our Students of the Week for weeks 6 and 7. Paola is proud of your acheivements.
Grade 1: Michael - for embracing challenge in writing this week
Grade 2: Sarah - for embracing challenge at the Swimming Carnival
Grade 3: Thea - For being a responsible, capable learner at all times. Well Done!
Grade 4: Eddisyn - For displaying diligence
Handball Competition
The Thangool Handball Cup is fast approaching! Hosted by our fabulous Year 5's. Don't forget to nominate by Friday 25th November 2022. This is a free event - no gold coin donation required.
Have you seen the teachers practising their handball skills?
P&C News
Our P&C is holding a Christmas Card Fundraiser and the card packs have arrived, ready for you to purchase. During Project Club Day, our P&C held a competition for designing Christmas Cards that could be used as a P&C fundraiser. Congratulations to our winners who were selected by our Project Club judges.Ivy - Prep
Emelia - Grade 1
Claire - Grade 2
Andi - Grade 3
Stephanie - Grade 4
Holly - Grade 5
Isabella - Grade 5
Payton - Grade 6
These cards are available for purchase for $15 a pack. Each pack contains 8 mixed Christmas Cards of our winners. These can be purchased for yourself, friends and family through our Qkr! app and sent home with your child. Cash purchases are also available through our office.On behalf of our P&C, thank you for your support with this fun fundraiser which included the kids showing us their creative skills with their Christmas designs.We wish you and your family a very merry festive season.Thangool State School P&C
Community Flyers
