This week staff have reviewed survey data from the national school surveys. Should you be interested, you can find the graphed results on our website under ‘Annual Report’. It was pleasing to see that the results were very positive.
Students said that their teachers expected them to do their best and were good teachers; that the school gives them interesting things to do and looks for ways to improve. They also agreed that they liked school and felt safe here. Staff were universal in their support of the school on all areas, with 100% saying they would recommend the school to others. About 16% of our parent body (94 parents) responded to the parent survey and results were positive on all areas, the highest agreement being that their child likes and feels safe at school – two important enablers for learning.
We have this year reviewed our behaviour management process, as you know, and have moved to a restorative justice model based on values. Our aim is to create a positive and safe learning environment that promotes healthy social interactions and the acceptance of responsibility for poor behaviour. Teachers use positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviour; strategies vary from teacher to teacher. Whole school acknowledgment for positive behaviour that supports our values, includes faction points, values slips and certificates.
When students make inappropriate behavioural choices we follow these steps: reminder; redirection; relocation; reflection. These steps are on posters displayed in classrooms. The reflection stage involves a reflection sheet that students complete and we ask parents to sign, so you will know if your child gets to this stage. We also use the ‘Zones of Regulation’ program to teach self-regulation. There’s a lot about this program online if you google it. Thank you to parents who are using the ‘Zones’ program and strategically reinforcing our values at home. It does make a difference.
We are now not a polling station on May 18th, probably due to our building site. Nonetheless, our energetic P&C will run a sausage sizzle and cake stall at Wauhop Park (Tricolore), to raise funds for our nature playground. Thanks to all the parents who have volunteered to help on the day. It’d be great if everyone could go down there to vote on Saturday morning and support Richmond and the P&C.
NAPLAN for years 3 and 5 is this week and next week. My blog of 29 April lists dates and times. It has been a little disrupted nationally with connectivity dropping in and out as you will have read in the media, but we are managing the situation.
The next P&C event is a Mums Night Out on 16 May at the Duke of George jazz bar and a dads and kids bike ride on Sunday 19 May. Please have a look at my last blog for all the links to information and tickets.
Interschool winter sport is going well after one round. The games are on Friday afternoons from 1.30pm. Spectators are welcome; thanks to all the parents who came last week and please let us know if you are interested in umpiring a game or two.
Finally, our phone numbers have changed due to NBN. The new main school number is: 9438 8700.
Lisa Dentith