From the Principal’s Desk
Dear Parents/Caregivers
We are moving into the referral period for 2021 placements. We are getting many enquiries from referring speech pathologists and psychologists. As part of the process we let the agencies know about possible places for the following year. We have also allowed some extensions due to the impact of COVID-19.
The teachers and speech pathologists are working through data and profiling students in preparation for the upcoming case conferences (Kindy and Pre-Primary are held this term). Year One will have exit interviews in week 10 of Term 4.
Case Conferences
Pre-Primary and Kindergarten parents will be or will have received letters about the annual case conferences for each student. If your child is Kindy or Pre-Primary and we are recommending an exit, this will be discussed with you. As communicated before, it is not common for students to exit these years. Students with Language Disorders have this for their life, and while we work to improve their language and to teach strategies that will enable them to access the learning program in mainstream, this takes time. If you are considering placing your child in mainstream next year (when we are recommending a stay), please discuss this with me, your site Deputy or Speech Pathologist before making your final decision.
Year 1 Transition to Mainstream
Parents need to let us know the name of the school you are enrolling in for Year 2 in 2021. If you would like your child to spend a day or two at their mainstream school during Term 4, please discuss that with your site deputy. You would also need to discuss it with your mainstream school. We will run a parent workshop on transition during Term 4.
School Development Day
On our recent School Development Day, the staff viewed and discussed a video by internationally renowned reading researcher Dr David Kilpatrick. Last year he visited Australia and several staff attended and felt the messages were important for all staff. We are committed to making sure we keep up with and use the latest research. In the afternoon we participated in a hands on session with Dr Paul Swann, (a local expert) focused on teaching maths. This PD day was the first time all staff members have been located at the one site since late January (due to COVID- 19 restrictions). While we still weren’t able to all be in the same room (social distancing guidelines), we did have a celebratory morning tea and lunch (I cooked for everyone) where people could flow from room to room and eat outside to catch up with each other. It was a good day for everyone.
Sports Days
As you know, the state is still under phase 4 for the guidelines around management of people at sites during COVID-19. As the mainstream principals set the application of these guidelines for things such as site entry, how many on site, how many (if any at sports days), there are a range of differences between sites. At Padbury, due to the difficulties ensuring parents social distance, the mainstream principal has made the decision that no parents will be attending the day. I know this is not what many of you will be happy about, but as the day is run by the primary school, we must follow their guidelines.
New West Coast Language Development Centre Admin Entry Art Work
For Padbury parents who drop their children off, you will have noticed lovely new artwork and signage at the entry to the office. The children are enjoying looking at the characters that they know who form part of the art work. It has made a very welcoming entry to the office. If you look at the pictures provided, I think you will all agree. Thank you must go to Deborah Silverlock (one of our deputies) for coordinating this project and for providing our art work to the graphic designer. A great job.
Ms Shelley Blakers
Principal