As students settle into their new classrooms with new teachers, new friends and new surroundings, they may feel a little overwhelmed. This usually settles in the first two weeks as students begin to become familiar with classroom expectations and their teachers. We are fortunate here at Girls Grammar, to be able to meet and mix with a variety of year levels and staff, to assist in reducing this sensation for students.
This year we are happy to welcome to our school community, 27 new students with 14 of these being the new Preps.
I have been able to visit the Prep students on several occasions and this week, we wrote and published a book together. Students read a story, created their own innovation on the text and learnt how to draw a Koala to provide the illustrations. This book is now available in the classroom for the student to read. The ‘Kindness Koala’ introduced to the students, was the inspiration behind our author experience.
This week we also formally introduced the leaders of the Primary School at the Investiture Ceremony. Year 6 students are seen to be the leaders along with members of the Primary Council. These students stated in their pledge that they will uphold school values to become Clever, Confident and Connected across the school. I would like to congratulate:
Year 4 - Mae Inoc & Amity Johnson
Year 5 - Payton Milliner & Shelby Offord
Year 6 - Ava Chivers Reynolds & Ella Lewis
All students who nominate have to prepare a speech and are voted in by their peers. I look forward to working with the students for 2023 with the many events they assist in organising throughout the year.
Staff in the primary school have begun assessments with students to identify and determine the level students are at across Mathematics and English skills. Staff use this data to inform their planning, and organise extension and support as required. This is a valuable tool especially as Year 3 and Year 5 head towards NAPLAN later in the term.
The Life Education van will be onsite next week with classes beginning their sessions on Thursday. Students are always thrilled to see Liz and Harold as they learn about friendships, being healthy and ways they develop as they get older. The parents session will be on Thursday morning if you wish to speak to Liz about the content covered in each class. For more information, please see the letter emailed out this week.
Jacqui Goltz
Director of Primary