Middle Leader News
STEM
Science – Technology – Engineering- Maths – Is a focus in our classrooms at SSPS. By incorporating STEM into our classroom we are working towards students becoming active participants in a digital world that is ever changing and evolving. We provide many opportunities to develop skills with digital tools, educate students on the importance of being safe online and how to become critical users of technology. Our teachers incorporate STEM into everyday activities in the classrooms, following the design thinking process which allows students to plan, design, create, think, reflect and evaluate. This year our Junior and Senior STEM Clubs will commence in Term 2 due to the building works reducing the space needed for STEM club to be successful. At the end of Term 1, information will be sent out for students to register for STEM Club, ready to begin in Term 2.
Learner Qualities
It has been so wonderful welcoming all students back to our learning spaces over the past two weeks and we look forward to our new learning spaces being completed in the future. This year we continue to embrace our St Saviour’s learner qualities in all we do and these have been prevalent already in our first two weeks of schools. We encourage you to talk to your child about these learner qualities at home. Here are some ideas on how you might encourage your child to be determined:
- Having a go at their homework before asking for help. You might encourage them to do the parts they can and then think about specific questions they might need to ask you or their teacher to seek clarification on the task.
- Getting dressed by themselves, packing their own bags and completing jobs without being asked or with minimal assistance.
Version 9 Curriculum
You may be aware there is an updated version of the Australian Curriculum that is beginning to be rolled out in schools. This year SSPS teachers are using Version 9 for English, Maths and Hass, as well as becoming familiaried with Version 9 Science and Technology. In Version 9 of the curriculum there are some year levels that had only minor changes in areas and some that have had big changes in terms of when concepts are being taught. Our teachers will begin to communicate these changes with you at parent information nights and through communication notes, as well as further information being published in our school newsletters. Version 9 of the curriculum is not expected to be fully implemented until 2027 and we are continually upskilling our staff.
Bec Thomas
