From the Head of Learning K-5

What are the Effects of Reading on Child Development?

Numerous pieces of research conducted and commissioned have discovered the profound benefits of reading for a child’s development. One study details the effects of reading on later literacy skills, facilitating social interaction between adults and...
From the Head of Learning K-5

NAIDOC Week

This year’s NAIDOC theme, ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’, recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for more than 65,000 years. It acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s...
From the Head of Learning K-5

Getting Your Little One Ready For Big School

What can you do to help your child transition well? The holidays before your child is due to start Prep is a wonderful opportunity to help grow some of the basic skills needed so they can manage themselves and transition smoothly into school...
From the Head of Learning K-5

P-5 Class Placements for 2021

We will soon begin the complex process of allocating students into classes for 2021. This is a process we take very seriously and many factors are taken into account when considering each child’s placement. These include student learning needs,...
From the Head of Learning K-5

Electronic Media Use

A new study of 8 to 11-year old children has revealed an association between heavy television use and poorer reading performance, as well as between heavy computer use and poorer numeracy. The Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne...
From the Head of Learning K-5

Using Thinking Routines

Thinking routines teach students to make their ideas visible and accessible. This is done through a variety of graphic organisers, which help structure ideation and reasoning. They are simple to use, yet powerful in impact. The purpose of thinking...
From the Head of Learning K-5

National Science Week - Deep Blue

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of scientists, STEM professionals, innovators, designers and entrepreneurs to the world of science. This...
From the Head of Learning K-5

Why Can't I Skip My 20 Minutes of Reading Tonight?

Let's figure it out, mathematically! Student A reads 20 minutes five nights of every week; Student B reads only 4 minutes a night...or not at all! Step 1: Multiply minutes a night x 5 times each week. Student A reads 20 minutes x 5 times a week =...
From the Head of Learning K-5

Regular Bedtimes for Children Support Academic Success

What time did your child go to bed last night and was it about the same time as the night before? Having a consistent and early enough bedtime during children’s younger years is likely to pay dividends when they are older, with research showing that...
From the Head of Learning K-5

News and Children

Over the last few weeks, I have had quite a few discussions with parents in the Prep – Year 2 car park around what we are seeing reported in the news. Children often see or hear the news many times a day through television, radio, newspapers,...
From the Head of Learning K-5