It has been a wonderful start to the year at our school, filled with excitement, new developments, and a strong sense of community.
First Day Back
I always look forward to opening the gates ready for the new schooling year to begin. The weeks of preparation beforehand are like the dress rehearsal before the big show when the school yard is full of students, ready (whilst nervous), full of potential, hopes and dreams. As staff members we too get a little flutter of butterflies, and some of us have had many years of experience! So we were so impressed by all our new starters who were so courageous in starting either ELC, Reception or beginning with us this year. We hope all our families are feeling positive for the year ahead.
Welcoming New Families
Our Parents Welcome Evening for our new families and our Reception parents was a fantastic success, with over 110 attendees, all eager to meet fellow parents and engage with our school’s vision. It was heartwarming to see so many new families joining our vibrant community.
Learning Space Upgrades
We are also thrilled to share the newly renovated Year 3 and 4 classrooms. These beautifully appointed, light-filled spaces are designed to inspire creativity and offer a rich environment for our students to thrive in.
Another exciting development in the works, as we bid farewell to Baddams Hall, is the much anticipated construction of the Dr Pamela Wall Centre. This new facility promises to be a hub of innovation, collaboration and learning opportunities for our students and our community.
Education Support Officer (ESO) Model
This year, our student wellbeing team has undergone some exciting changes. With the introduction of a new model featuring increased ESO support in classrooms, our primary focus is to enhance the learning experience of each student. Our ESOs will support small groups during English and Mathematics, providing extension for capable students as well as additional assistance for those who need it.
Student Wellbeing
We also have a dedicated Wellbeing ESO, Sascha Hennig, who has created a beautiful space called “The Zone.” Located upstairs near the Year 2 classrooms, The Zone has two distinct areas to meet various student needs. One area offers a calming, low-sensory environment with small nooks for students to prepare to re-enter their classrooms. The other area is equipped with tools to help students who benefit from deep pressure and physical movement to return to a calm state and be ready for learning.
This setup allows our ESOs to take students in need of additional support to The Zone, and then return to the classroom to continue assisting with teaching and learning. Additionally, Tassie Mangos has joined the wellbeing team, taking on a dual role of teaching in the Library and delivering wellbeing lessons to younger students. Both Tassie and Sascha have been proactive in connecting with students who require extra support, and they will soon undergo Seasons for Growth training to ensure we can continue offering this vital program to students going through significant life changes.
New Staff
You will have noticed lots of new faces in light of the new ESO model. We warmly welcome those ESOs, as well as new educators and teachers joining SPW this year. We also welcome a new school Chaplain, Rev’d Deb Jeane, and two new front office Receptionists, Kirsty and Jane. Our school staff is made up of many integrals cogs that keep the weeks running smoothly.
Thank you
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all parents and caregivers for warmly welcoming new families and for your continued efforts in keeping our students safe. Your care and consideration while driving and parking responsibly around the school are greatly appreciated.
Looking ahead, I am filled with anticipation for the year to come. Our school is special because of the incredible community we have, and it is the collaboration between staff, students, and families that truly sets us apart. Together, we will make this year one to remember!
Article shared by Principal, Helen Finlay