Richmond Primary School Newsletter 31st May 2023
Principal's Address
Dear Families,
Thank you to all the families who joined us on the Walk Safely to School Day on Friday, 19th May. Although it was a chilly morning, the walk enlivened us, and we were ready to learn on our return to school. We had a much higher engagement of both students and families this year, which was great.
Spelling Inquiry
Across the school, teachers, T.A’s and students are engaging in a spelling inquiry. The staff have been working to review their practice and redefine their spelling programs in line with current research-based best practices. The school has invested in purchasing the Letters and Sounds Program, and additional teachers resources to support this work and this is being used from Kinder to Year 4. Our work is being guided by the Phonics Scope and Sequence released in 2021 developed by the DECYP curriculum unit.
Using the gradual release of responsibility approach, teachers explicitly teach phonics knowledge and skills. They also model how to use these skills when reading and writing and provide opportunities for learners to use and practise these skills in a broad range of reading and writing experiences.
Each learner brings a different level of knowledge and understanding. Therefore, it is important to differentiate teaching to suit the learner. For example, some students may need more explicit teaching than others. All students will benefit from learning the terminology used in explicit sessions to enable them to talk about their learning.
Many high-frequency words (sight words) cannot be decoded using the sound-letter correspondences that are first learnt by beginner readers and writers because they do not use regular or common letter patterns. These words need to be explicitly taught making connections to the sound-letter correspondences that the learner already knows and pointing out the part/s that they have not yet learned to decode.
Mrs Mason has been collecting student voice – asking the students if they like spelling, what they like about it and if they think they are improving.
We are also collecting data so that we can measure the progress of all students across the year.
Adopt -A -Cop Program
We have had some exciting news. We have been granted our very own adopt-a cop. Police Officer, 1st Class Constable Shane Etherington has volunteered to be your Adopt A Cop. Shane has recently been appointed to the local Richmond Police Station
The program is aimed at primary school students with the most important objective of the scheme to foster a better understanding and respect between Police Officers and children.
The most important benefit which can be gained from the program is that the children no longer regard the Police Officer as a stranger; a figure to be feared. They see through the person in the uniform and begin to see a friend that they can talk to, and who they look forward to seeing when visiting our school.
Shane will be visiting during recess and lunchbreaks to allow all students access.
Welcome to Richmond Shane.
Move Well, Eat Well
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
Recently we received a renewal of registration as a Move Well, Eat Well school.
Our school has demonstrated its commitment to embed healthy eating and physical activity into daily school life so that it becomes a normal, positive part of every child's day.
This is not work we achieve on our own, but is supported by our healthy and active families.
New Nest Swing.
We have a new addition to our playground, the nest swing. It is incredibly popular at the moment with children waiting 20 deep to have their go on the swing. Families are welcome to use our playground after hours and on the weekend, so that may give your child a better opportunity to try the swing in their own time.
Debating and Minecraft
Recently we have started two new lunchtime activities for students. The first is debating, which has attracted a lot of interest from our primary students, and the second is a Minecraft group that Mr Johnston is running as a lunchtime activity. Currently, this group consists of grade 5 /6 students mapping Richmond. This project will become a part of the Bicentennial celebrations that commence later in the year.
Regards
Clare McVilly
Principal
Cross Country 2023
On Thursday and Friday last week the students from Kinder to Year 6 competed in the school cross country event. By all accounts, although the weather was cool, it was very successful. The team to compete at the inter school event has been named, and I would like to congratulate all students who have been selected to represent our school.
Highlights in 1/2A
One of the biggest highlights in 1/2A for term 2 has been our excursion to Molesworth Environment Centre. We were learning how to work as a team and were given many challenges that meant we had to work together. They tested our communication skills and our patience, but it was so much fun!
Another thing we absolutely love in 1/2A is art! Here are some examples of the beautiful pieces we’ve created so far. For ANZAC day we read the story of ANZAC Ted and created a painting of him. We’ve also made some painted paper owl collages. Please come and find them on display at the lantern walk, we are very proud of them.
Grade 1/2B News!
Grade 1/2 enjoyed an amazing day out at Molesworth Environment Centre. Students worked in teams to problem solve their way through a variety of obstacles. It was perfect weather for throwing autumn leaves!
In science we are learning about the solar system. Students used mixed media to create some outer space artwork!
Assembly Awards -Tuesday 30th May
Class | Achievement | Merit |
Prep | Elliot W Eboni M | Max T |
1/2A | Tori A Clover P | Theo C |
1/2B | Ivy F | Kyson A Ryan M |
3/4A | Mackenzie L Seth B | Henry W |
3/4B | Walter M Oliver M | Benji W |
5/6A | Mackenzie L | Bronte W |
5/6B | Jenson E Amelia G | Marlie D |
RICHMOND LANTERN WALK
School Photos - Tuesday 13th June
The Access Key for Family Photos and Individual Photos is – J33LCA6T.
Family Photo orders must be ordered by 4:30pm the night before Photo Day. Any Family photos that have not been ordered before the cut-off will not be taken.Individual student ordering will stay open after Photo Day. Orders placed after Leading Image have printed the bulk of orders will be sent directly to parents and will incur a postage charge per order.
Winter Wellness 2023
Rose Bay High School Information Evening
Campania District High School Information Evening
