INQUIRY MINDSET ACROSS ALL CLASSROOMS

Last Tuesday twenty- two educators from our CPL network and the Assistant Regional Director participated in Instructional Rounds, visiting all bar two classrooms across the school, observing teaching and learning with an inquiry approach. Instructional Rounds are one strategy our school uses to monitor school improvement progress.

Small groups of 4-5 educators moved through different groups of 5-6 classrooms across the school, observing teaching and learning to note patterns and trends. Each educator brought their learnings back to a home group to test for patterns and trends according to what individuals observed. Each group offered suggestions on where to next for Yeronga State School and shared their thoughts with our teaching staff over morning tea.

The process proved invaluable and confirmed that Yeronga State School has adopted an inquiry mindset in every classroom. Some feedback statements we received:

• Language and practices are consistent across the school.
• Teachers were modelling the language of inquiry.
• Students able to use the modelled language to talk about the task, how they were learning and what they needed to do to improve.
• The use of split screens in most of the classrooms provided clarity for students about the learning intention, success criteria and learning asset focus for the lesson.
• All students were included in the learning process and had high levels of voice and choice.
• Students consciously and conscientiously using learning assets to achieve learning outcomes.
• Students using a variety of visible learning routines to deeply engage in the inquiry process. Some students were able to choose the learning routine they wanted to use during the lesson.
• Student engagement being driven through high levels of student collaboration. Students working with a buddy or small groups to purposefully collaborate in their learning. Many students using some reflective questioning to help each other complete the tasks effectively.
• An inquiry stance strongly evident across the school.
• Classroom displays/posters referring to the learning assets and phases of inquiry.

We look forward to planning where to next considering questions raised such as:

• How are Inquiry pathways shared with your community?
• How do you help link collaborative discussion to learning intentions?
• How do you maintain the narrative of the inquiry unit through individual lessons?
• How are you monitoring student progress throughout the inquiry? Do processes need to be more visible?

Many educators commented on the enthusiasm and commitment to learning by both staff and students. The positive, caring and committed school culture was frequently praised. I am incredibly proud of staff and students for working together to amplify the adoption of an inquiry mindset across our school.

CONSULTANT VISIT- RYAN DUNN

University of Melbourne Education Researcher Ryan Dunn visited our school last Thursday. Ryan has been a consultant with the CPL project for four years. We wanted Ryan to visit our school to discuss our signature pedagogies for Mathematics. He met with curriculum leaders, Rachel Wise, Danielle Martin and Sharon Prestridge, to deepen his understanding on our approach to teaching mathematics and examine ways of engaging in quality differentiation. Ryan also delivered a professional development session for staff on Assessment for Learning, looking at ways to continually gain feedback on how children are progressing so we can adapt our teaching accordingly.

We are looking to engage Ryan as a consultant at our school to support our efforts to deliver a Maths program that challenges and engages every child.

STAFFING CHANGES

Thank you to Kayla Hicks (Templeman) who is leaving our school on Friday to begin maternity leave. Kayla is moving to the Sunshine coast and so is unlikely to return to our school. We are so grateful to have had Kayla as part of our team for the last three years and wish her well for the future.

We welcome Mrs Kay Wheatley to replace Kayla for four days and Mrs Parul Gadhoke for the fifth day. Thank you for making both feel welcome.

Mrs Tracy Freeman, Deputy Principal, will be on leave for two weeks, beginning Week 7. Mr Josh Newby will be replacing Mrs Freeman, as Acting Deputy Principal. Mrs Desley North (four days) and Mrs Julie Nolan (one day) will replace Josh on 3N at this time.

Ms Kaitlyn McDermott will be off class for 2 days for the rest of the year, supporting writing extension for some students. Miss Amy Ward will be replacing Miss McDermott on Thursday and Friday each week.

Thank you for your ongoing understanding and support as we accommodate staff changes.

NEEDLE AND SYRINGE EDUCATION

We have taken steps to educate children on the risks of picking up syringes if they find these when they are out and about in the community and in the school grounds. We have shown children images of syringes on school assembly and advised children to Stop and Report immediately to the adult responsible for them. I encourage you as parents to have conversations with your children about the dangers of picking up syringes and what to do if they see one.

Q PARENTS

We are streamlining our student absence process, to make our daily audit and follow up more efficient. You will receive an invitation to join QParent in Week 8 when you have received it please downloaded the QParent app. Thank you for helping us keep your children safe by utilising this new process.

SCHOOL OPINION SURVEYS

Parents, caregivers, school staff and a random sample of students are encouraged to have their say in this year’s suite of School Opinion Surveys by providing their opinions about what this school does well and how this school can improve. Each of the online surveys will open until Friday, 23 August 2019.

Access details for the Parent/Caregiver Survey have been sent home with students. The survey can be completed via computers, tablets or smart phones with internet connection. Please contact the school office if you are yet to receive your survey information – admin@yerongass.eq.edu.au

Debbie Spanner
Principal