APA News
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Thank you and goodbye!
It is with great sadness that I write my last newsletter for SSPS! In my 3 years here at the school, I have felt so blessed to get to know each and every student. We have an incredible team of staff who guide and support our students both in learning and in life. I have happily accepted a Year 3 teaching position in Brisbane Catholic Education and can’t wait to get back to a full-time class role. I wish everyone every success and if our paths cross down the road, be sure to say hello!
Academic Medals
This year we have celebrated two students who were the recipients of an Academic Medal. This Medal is extremely hard to get, as it requires all A’s in every subject area! It is very rare to have anyone get this Medal, let alone two in one Semester! A huge congratulations to these students, for their determination and curiosity for learning.
Year 2 Recipient: Randuli Wijayartne
Year 6 Recipient: Charlotte Franklin
Phoenix Awards
This award celebrates progress and is an absolute honour to receive! It acknowledges that the whole point of learning is to move forward and get better. It might mean a student moved from a D to a C. It might also mean they have progressed positively in a particular area eg. Reading.
This year’s recipients of the Phoenix Awards are listed below:
Ella Johnston, Hunter Filipetto, Indi Hobday, Allen Forkpah, Luke Barram, Aria Hickey, Fletcher Templeton, Maddie Steger, Novah Walker, Ruby Land, Jagger Witt, Zakk Mogg, Darcy Phillips, Joshua Ruhigira, Ruby- Lola Boxsell, Maya Adams, Lacey Sanders, Harrison Bolitho, Finnegan Hannam.
Academic Awards
This week we handed out a number of Academic Awards from Prep to Year 6. A huge congratulations to these students. To receive this award a student needed to receive all A’s and B’s on their report card, with only one C. They were presented by a member of the leadership team amongst their cohort.
YEAR 6 ACADEMIC AWARDS
The importance of reading over the holidays
As we eagerly approach the festive holiday season, we want to take a moment to highlight a gift that keeps on giving— the power of reading. The Christmas break offers a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, create lasting memories, and, importantly, foster a love for reading in our children.
Why is reading so crucial, you may ask? Well, the benefits extend far beyond the classroom. Studies consistently show that children who read regularly not only perform better academically but also develop stronger communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and a richer vocabulary.
Here are a few compelling reasons why incorporating reading into your child's holiday festivities can set the stage for academic success:
- Mental Exercise:
Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. It stimulates brain function, improving concentration and memory. Encouraging your child to dive into a good book during the break ensures their minds stay sharp, setting a positive tone for the upcoming school term.
- Vocabulary Expansion:
The more a child reads, the more words they are exposed to. A rich vocabulary is a cornerstone of academic success, contributing to improved writing skills and comprehension. Make reading an enjoyable family activity by exploring new books together and discussing the stories afterwards.
- Imaginative Growth:
Reading fuels creativity and imagination. Through the pages of a book, children can explore new worlds, ideas, and perspectives. This imaginative growth not only enhances their ability to think outside the box but also makes learning in all subjects a more engaging experience.
- Family Bonding:
The holidays are all about spending quality time with loved ones. Consider setting aside designated "reading time" each day, where the entire family can gather with their favorite books. This not only strengthens the bond between family members but also serves as a positive example for your child.
Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season filled with laughter, love, and the magic of reading!
Warm regards,
Nicki Prentice
Acting APA