FROM THE HEAD OF PRIMARY

As we head into the last week of Term 1, I would like to take the time to recognise the outstanding start to the year. 

Firstly, we have moved into our new Primary Classrooms, where Years 1 to 3 classes, and one Year 4 class are situated. This outstanding facility has been extremely well received by teachers and students alike, with clear evidence of the new environment providing a settled well well-organised environment for learning. The potential of this building has us even more excited by the progress of the new building site, in what is the last stage of the Primary development.

Students began the term with a clear focus on setting themselves up for success as learners and as school citizens. Teachers and students worked together to make our Learning Assets very explicit so that students can articulate and understand what the learning skills in the classroom are.

These Learning Assets, which incorporate how to be a Collaborator, Self-Manager, Communicator, Thinker and Researcher, were discussed, practised, and applied to assist students in becoming capable independent learners.

Teachers have implemented teaching and learning programs with a clear focus on building sound foundations whilst ensuring students have a real sense of curiosity in their learning.

Term 1 Parent Teacher Interviews have begun this week and will continue into Week 10. These interviews are a wonderful opportunity for teachers and parents to come together.  Thank you to all the parents who were able to attend.

We look forward to our Easter Assembly next week and thank Pastor Taylor, Mrs Maguire, Mrs Brutnell and Mr Anderson and the teachers for their preparation for the event.   

Swimming has been an area of achievement this term, commencing with our Twilight Swimming Carnival, moving through District and Regional carnivals, and culminating this week with the Qld State Championships, where we had four Primary students competing. We have also had a number of extension learning opportunities, NAPLAN assessments, Year 4 Camp, Water Polo Grand Finals and even ventured out on a Saturday to clean up beaches.  It has certainly been a fulfilling term.

Staffing

Mrs Chris Sawrey will be retiring from her position at the conclusion of this term. Mrs Sawrey has made a significant contribution to the growth and development of Sunshine Coast Grammar, and I would like to acknowledge her tremendous passion, commitment, and expertise in the area of learning enrichment, where she has provided an amazing foundation for supporting and extending students in their learning. We wish her well in her retirement. 

Mr Rob Cordiner is taking long service leave for Term 2 and will be covered by Mrs Deb Batchelor. 

Mrs Georgia Brown is on long service leave for the first four weeks of Term 2 and will be covered by Mrs Jo Witcombe.

Year 4 Camp

Last week, our Year 4 students and teachers challenged the elements and themselves on their camp at Tunnel Ridge Ranch. Camps are a wonderful opportunity for students to develop independence and resilience as well as build social skills and relationships outside of the school environment. Thank you to Mr McGregor, Mrs Baxter-Reid, Mrs Brown and Mr Annetts for your commitment to the students in Year 4.

Gala Day

With Gala Day postponed this week, we look forward to next Thursday, 3 April 3 when we hope to take on the other independent schools in our Semester One sports.

Sporting Carnivals

Congratulations to our Primary School swimmers on your efforts at the State Swimming Carnival held this week. Congratulations to Ari W, Oliver I, Grace M and Alex B on qualifying and to Ari, Grace and Oliver for reaching finals and swimming PBs; this is an outstanding result.

Good luck to all students competing in the Year 3 to 6 Inter-House Cross Country on Tuesday, 1 April. May the best house win!

KIMOCHIS Parent Session

Mr Fraser Landreth (School Psychologist) and Mrs Rachelle Brutnell (Dean of Primary P-2) will be presenting a parent session on Kimochis. This is a social-emotional learning program that supports our students in Prep to Year 2.  Developing a common language between home and school can assist in supporting children’s social and emotional development. This presentation is free but requires registration.

Please click the link to register for the Kimochis for Parents on 29 April from 1:30 – 2:30 pm, at the Grammar Function Centre.

Craig Angel
Head of Primary School