Welcome to Term 4!

The weeks already seem to be passing by quickly – the end of next week will be the halfway point of the term. Thankfully, we have managed to fit many moments of learning and fun into that time.

Over the last few weeks students in P-6 have been participating in Progress and Achievement Testing (PAT) for reading and maths. These assessments measure what our students know, understand and are able to do across the curriculum, and measure their progress over time. These assessments help teachers to plan for student learning based on individual results and progress. Whilst the idea of testing can sometimes feel daunting to students, a PAT assessment is not considered a test at our school, but a means of gathering really useful information to improve teaching and learning, which is why we actively encourage all students to participate. If any families have questions about PAT assessments, I encourage you to speak with your child’s teacher or make an appointment with me at the office.

Over the Show Weekend, some of Austin Ferry Primary School’s budding young basketballers competed in a southern state primary school tournament, playing across Saturday and Sunday at a variety of venues. I was lucky enough to be able to catch some game time on the Saturday afternoon and I was so impressed with the way our students conducted themselves with sportsmanship, respect and resilience. They played with energy and spirit, they were fair and respectful to their opponents and the referees, and they looked out for each other on the court. We can all be incredibly proud of their efforts. Huge thanks to Katie and the rest of the parent team who took trainings after school and supported the students over the weekend. I dare say we might have some future Jack Jumpers on our hands!

In the coming weeks, information will go home to families about our end of year assemblies and celebrations. The school association have been hard at work planning and organising our Christmas raffle and I thank them for their efforts with fundraising throughout the year. It will be a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together to acknowledge our Year 6 leavers, and to celebrate a year of learning.

Liz Graham

Principal

In the last week of term 3, Prep Lincolne students had the opportunity to be creative with boxes.

They demonstrated mathematical concepts of design, measurement, shape and size using self-directed imaginative ideas. 

Last term, 1/2D explored past and present. We investigated transport, communication, toys and technology.

This term we have shifted to exploring place. We have started to talk about places of significance to us. Some students have identified that home is their favourite place while others chose places linked to joyful experiences such as the beach.

Last week we explored how we care for our favourite places. Through our investigation so far, we have made representations of place using clay and sticks, chalk on black paper and Lego.

In 1/2 Riseley we are becoming familiar with Australia and the location of different cities and landmarks.

Students are excited to hopefully visit some of these landmarks one day.

We have also been learning what it means to ‘infer’ using texts and our own understanding of the world to help us read between the lines.

Walking Water Experiment

This term, our Year 5–6 students have been engaged in scientific investigations to explore and answer specific scientific questions.

Each investigation requires students to follow a structured methodology, starting with formulating predictions about the potential outcomes based on what they may observe, hear, or smell. They then conduct the experiment according to the method and conclude by making thorough and detailed observations of their findings. This approach helps them develop essential scientific skills, including prediction, observation, and analytical thinking.

All schools should be respectful, positive and safe places – for students, teachers, school staff and the whole school community.  

To achieve this, it’s important that all adults work together and communicate respectfully to get the best outcomes for the kids. This includes parents, carers and school staff.  

We all experience everyday pressures and frustrations. It’s sometimes easy to forget this, and our actions, messages or furious typing can quickly lead to disrespect and distress.  

If you have an issue to raise with a teacher or school staff member, remember to stop and think about how you communicate.  

This is also the case in the online world. Remember there is a real person, just like you, on the other end of your post, comment or email. 

Adults behaviour in and around school impacts everyone. Help us to eliminate disrespectful behaviour in our schools and create the best environment possible for our kids to learn.  

Disrespect in our schools is crossing the line. Simple as that.

Do you have a child starting Kindergarten next year?

Have you enrolled in our Pre-Kinder Program?

Pre-Kinder runs every Friday morning from 9am -10am.

It is a free program that enables your child to recieve the best start to their school life.

They will have the oportunity to make new friends and get to know other students who will be in their classes next year, as well as familiarising themselves with the classrooms, staff and school routines. 

It is also a great opportunity for parents/carers to meet other families in our Austins Ferry community and keep up to date with what's happening around our school.

All sessions are held in the Grace Crichton-Gill Early Learning Centre (ELC) and are conducted by a fully qualified Teacher and Teacher Assistant.

Feel free to come along this Friday!

*Enrolment forms are available in the Pre-Kinder classroom.

Uniform Orders

We are now taking orders for Kindergarten uniform.

Order forms are available at the school office or at the next Pre-Kinder session.

Uniforms will be ready for collection at the end of this term.

Please return enrolments forms and required documentation to the school office as soon as possible.

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