APA News

Dear Parents

As we come to the end of another vibrant term, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on what makes a term truly successful. The most obvious criteria would be to measure students’ academic gains. Without doubt the growth in student learning is one of our fundamental purposes at SSPS and students and teachers alike have worked hard this term to ensure that all students are making progress towards curriculum achievement standards, as well as personal goals.  However, school is so much more than just growing academically. 

When I reflected with a few students about their highlights of the term they mentioned a number of things that broadens the idea of what a successful term might look like.

Sophia Year 2

Finding out about the spring fair was exciting!  I enjoyed dressing up for Book Week and also for Carnival of Flowers this week.  I learned about division and got it all right in my assessment.  I was happy for my friend to receive an award.

Fletcher Year 2

I’ve stayed healthy this term which is good.  We have done lots of art in class and learned division.  I’ve played heaps of footy and soccer with my friends at playtime.

 Masiey Year 2

We have played games in class like silent ball, wink down and heads down, thumbs up.  I’ve enjoyed handwriting lessons and writing narratives.

Candace Year 4

I really enjoyed PE lessons and the touch gala day.  I loved our class novel “Island of Dr Libris”.  Dressing up for book week was fun.  I have enjoyed playing on the monkey bars on the Ninja Warrior course at morning tea and doing handstands on the oval at lunchtime with my friends.

Freddy Year 4

I really liked it when my Dad came to Father’s Day and came into my classroom with me.  I liked our HASS unit learning about the First Fleet. I enjoyed playing lots of handball and hide and seek tag with my friends at lunch.

These responses really speak to the experiences that students valued about their term.  The students all spoke of elements of their learning that they found interesting, but equally as important were their social connections, their relationships with adults ( teachers and family)  their ability to be involved in all sorts of experiences outside of the classroom and across the curriculum. A successful term is not just about ticking off the weeks or finishing assessments—it’s about the growth, effort, and joy we’ve shared along the way.

Wishing all  students a relaxing and rejuvenating break and I look forward to an equally successful and enjoyable term 4. 

Katie Hauser