Dear families & friends,
School Community Spirit
We have seen a lovely example of school community recently with our first ever netball team taking to the courts this term. Each week the team have shown great improvement and have been cheered on by lots of community members going along to games to show support (even when their child isn't in the team). It is such a lovely demonstration of how members of our community bond and support one another. I also want to thank Laura Batchford (P2 teacher) who has given up her own time for trainings and games each week to make sure the students had the opportunity to play.
Earlier in the year we also saw this same school spirit of support for our Year 5/6 soccer team, where many community members, staff and families, have taken the time to show support for students in a range of areas.
Student Learning Summary reports
Student reports were sent home at the end of week 6, with optional interviews offered to families.
Teachers spend quite a lot of time considering student progress and next steps in learning for each child and these reports are a snapshot of the thinking and learning that has been happening at school.
Inquiry
Inquiry in term 4 is always a different format due to timelines and events happening at the end of term. Staff made the decision to extend Inquiry, by a week, to a 6 week program as students were heavily engaged and motivated to completed their ‘machines’. They have then been able to demonstrate these to each other with much excitement.
Pupil Free Days
With two days at our disposal, we took the time as staff to think deeply about our school improvement planning pathways and how the new department strategy provides the supports needed to further develop our teaching and learning practices at Felixstow. We had our new staff for 2025 join us for the days as well which allowed us and them to get to know each other and plan together. As a team we have started developing a ‘framework for pedagogy’ for all staff which will guide both old and new staff in how we work at Felixstow.
We have also begun to frame up our Site Improvement Plan for 2025 with some forward visioning and backward planning processes. I will be sharing some of this with the Governing Council at our meeting.
Transition
We had our first transition visit, with our second one scheduled this week. We were fortunate to be able to release Sharni to be able to come in and plan and run transition for us. This gave her and students an opportunity to start developing their relationship with her, ready for next year. On the second visit we will be combining all next year’s R-2 students together so we can see how the cohort work and play together, which helps with our planning for next year as well.
We have also this year invited all this year’s R/1 families to come in and meet with Sharni briefly if they wish.
Student Learning Summary reports
Student reports were sent home at the end of week 6, with optional interviews offered to families. We encourage you to discuss your child's progress with them, so they are aware of their next steps as a learner.
Teachers spend quite a lot of time considering student progress and next steps in learning for each child and these reports are a snapshot of the thinking and learning that has been happening at school.
Inquiry
Inquiry in term 4 is always a different format due to timelines and events happening at the end of term. Staff made the decision to extend Inquiry, by a week, to a 6 week program as students were heavily engaged and motivated to completed their ‘machines’. They have then been able to demonstrate these to each other with much excitement.
Pupil Free Days
With two days at our disposal, we took the time as staff to think deeply about our school improvement planning pathways and how the new department strategy provides the supports needed to further develop our teaching and learning practices at Felixstow. We had our new staff for 2025 join us for the days as well which allowed us and them to get to know each other and plan together. As a team we have started developing a ‘framework for pedagogy’ for all staff which will guide both old and new staff in how we work at Felixstow. It was an intense and thought provoking two days where we had the time to focus deeply on the vision for Felixstow's future and how we are going to work to get there.
Transition Visits
We had our first transition visit, with our second one scheduled this week. We were fortunate to be able to bring Sharni in to plan and run transition for us. This gave her and students an opportunity to start developing their relationship with her, ready for next year. On the second visit we will be combining all next year’s R-2 students together so we can see how the cohort work and play together, which helps with our planning for next year as well.
We have also this year invited all this year’s R/1 families to come in and meet with Sharni briefly if they wish on the morning of the transition.
Swimming Week
Next week (Week 8) is swimming week for all Year Reception to 5 students. It is alwasy a very long and tiring week for everyone mixed with alot of fun and learning about water safety. A reminder to check the swimming list provided and make sure ALL ITEMS ARE LABELLED!!
If you are available to volunteer to help your child's class please let class teachers know. We need 1-3 volunteers for each group for each day!
End of year dates
With only 3 weeks left of term there are lots of dates to keep your eye on. Make sure you have them written in your diary so you don't miss out. See the end of the newsletter for upcoming events.
We look forward to seeing you all before the end of the year.
Cheers Skye 😊
