Welcome to this week’s newsletter. This week at SBE, our teachers are readying themselves for the Parent Teacher Meetings under our Partners in Learning project. They are completing learning goals for every child based on the learning data collated so far and the forward planning of the learning to come. These learning goals will be discussed a little more in this newsletter with a reminder for all parents to make sure they go into Compass and book a time for this important meeting for their child.

Partners in Learning - Goal Setting via Insights Tab on COMPASS

In the last few weeks, we have unpacked the Partners in Learning Meetings (parent teacher interviews) as having the priority of goal setting in English and Maths. These goals will be set in this first phase of the project by the teachers and unpacked/ discussed with parents in the meetings. In the next phase we will invite parents to contribute their own goals for their child to also bring to the meeting (Semester 2)  

For now, I want to show parents where these goals will be kept and how we (parents and teachers) can view them throughout the semester, especially toward the end of the semester when feedback is provided on these goals as part of the reports. The attachment below breaks down what you will be able to see on COMPASS as of Monday 13th March (they are currently being built by the teachers). These insights will be used as part of your conversations when you meet with your child's teacher but you can also view them prior to that meeting and throughout the semester

Some Important Reminders from Staff

Mobile Phones - students who need to carry a phone, especially as they increase their independence with afternoon routines, MUST hand this phone into the office upon arrival at school where it is registered, stored and picked up at dismissal. There should be no phones in school bags. If a student does get a phone out of their bag during the school day, they will be directed to hand this into the office as is procedure. If this is done repeatedly, the phone will stay in the office until collected by an adult.  

Messages to students at school - All messages to students MUST come through the office. We realise there is potential for

messages to be sent directly from parent to student via smart device/ watch and even email.  The problem with this is that the staff are not aware of the communication, or the change provided in the message. We cannot ensure the student is safe and supported to make that change. This especially applies when an older sibling receives a message and then verbally passes it to a younger sibling without that teacher being aware. We realise parents may be assuming it is easier to direct the message to child and not burden the office but please rest assured we are ready to take these messages and ensure they get to the students so that they are safe and supported for afternoon routines.

(And to be fair to mobile phone users, a smart watch of any sort that has capacity to send and receive messages is technically a mobile phone so should be under the same policy mentioned above.) 

Nuts at school - As with all schools, please note that we make every effort to be a nut free school. We ask that no child be sent to school with nuts or nut based lunches - the most common being peanut butter or Nutella. We are supporting students with serious allergies and appreciate your ongoing support in doing so.  

Hair - Hair long enough to be hanging in the eyes MUST be tied back from the face. Too often hair is worn loose and it impedes the face when learning and even when interacting with others especially adults. Hair must be natural in colour

Hair Accessories need to be in school colours and not so large the clip or the hairstyle impedes the wearing of the school hat (which is a non-negotiable). We appreciate sometimes students may get a few brightly coloured extensions, clip ins or tie ins (especially if they have the privilege of going to a travel destination or a particular themed party). Our  first preference is to make these removable so student can wear them off and one – school being a time when they don’t. If they are more permanent, we will seek a timeframe for them to be removed by still allowing them to enjoy wearing for a period of time.

Jewellery - particularly earrings. Please do not allow students to wear dangling earrings or large hoops at school. They present a serious risk. Think about anything that is able to be grabbed or have a finger hooked into. Simple studs or small hoops are the safest bet. Similarly, necklaces are small and worn under the uniform. A dangling necklace or chain presents the same grab risk. Rings - small signet rings, if necessary, not protruding gems. Hopefully you can see the theme here.  

International Women's Day

As I sign off for this week, I want to take this opportunity to speak to International Women’s Day tomorrow, March 8th. I am very grateful for the impact of the women (and men) in my life who taught me, from a very young age, to be the best I can be, no limitations.  As we celebrate the women in our lives tomorrow, we are very mindful of women who are not given this chance and pray for a future where everyone has the same opportunity to be their best, regardless of gender. And to all our women (and girls) in the SBE community, have an amazing day. 

Have a great week, 

Jules Mulhearn