Middle Leader News
Dear Parents and Carers,
AEDC Data Collection:
From May 2024, our school, along with thousands of others across the country, will participate in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). The AEDC is a teacher-completed census which provides a comprehensive picture of how children have developed by the time they start their first year of full-time school. Children don’t miss any class time while the AEDC is completed, and parents/carers don’t need to supply schools with any new information. The data collected through the AEDC is used by schools, communities, and governments to better understand children and families’ needs, and identify the services, resources and support they need.
Participation in the AEDC is voluntary, however the AEDC relies on all schools with children in their first year of full-time school participating in the collection. Parents/carers don’t need to take any action unless they choose not to include their children in the census. To find out more about the AEDC and how it is being used to help children and families you can visit: www.aedc.gov.au. If you have any questions, you can contact Bec Thomas – Rebecca.thomas@twb.catholic.edu.au.
Senior and Junior STEM Club
We had lots of interest in our Junior STEM Club for this Term. Unfortunately due to space and resources we are only able to take a limited number of students. If your child is interested in Junior STEM, please keep an eye out for our TERM 3 information. Student’s in Years 4-6 who are still keen to join our Senior STEM Club, are welcome to come along a on Thursday morning to Mrs Harlen’s room. For further information, please contact myself or Rachel Harlen.
Decodable Reading Journey
As you will be aware our school has taken a synthetic approach to phonics to align with Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. This has seen SSPS using Decodable Readers Australia to support our teaching of phonics and reading. The process of rolling out decodable readers and a synthetic approach to phonics will occur over the next 3 years as we spend time updating our resources and investing time in training staff and parents on how to best support children. Our first parent information session will be for our Prep parents on Wednesday 1st May – 3:00pm – 3:30pm. During this time Prep parents will hear from our Prep Teachers on how to best support their child. Prep children will be supervised in the Prep Playground by a member of leadership during this time.
Enjoy your week,
Bec Thomas