Term 1 has been a busy but productive one with heaps of great new activities started and being planned. The School Lunch Project has been a welcome addition to our school and I thank Mrs Angela Smith, Ms Jenni Maartensz and Mrs Michelle Thompson for their hard work to make this such a success. On that note, a reminder that the School Lunch Project WILL NOT be on in Week 9 and will start back up again in Week 2 of Term 2.

This term staff have focused on developing and embedding our Whole School Approach to writing. Staff have participated in Professional Learning with Amanda Bartram from South Australia and their enthusiasm for this approach and dedication to embedding it within their learning programs is not commendable. They are undoubtedly helping our students see themselves as Authors and I have been impressed by the number of students who are sharing the books they have authored with me daily. Even more impressive was the huge number of family members and carers who turned up for the Bookmaking session yesterday. It was fantastic to see families working together to author and illustrate books and I look forward to seeing the growth in our students writing as this work continues.

As well as writing, I am enthusiastic about the start of our school’s focus on reading. The introduction of reading groups throughout the school has been enjoyed by students and staff alike and enables our staff to provide an extra wave of support to our students in their reading development. Additionally, it was fantastic to have 4 parents attend our recent session on supporting early readers, where they were skilled up in helping our youngest learners develop their concepts of print. If you are also keen to help, please let the office know as Mrs Fenton and Ms Maartensz will be running another session early next term. We are looking forward to the implementation of this program in Term 2 and are excited for the positive impact it will have for our beginning readers. Also, keep your eye out for the introduction of our Bookworms Reading Club, also coming to Havenview Primary School in Term 2.

Finally, a reminder that our end of Term 1 School Assembly will be on Wednesday 5 April at 1:45pm. I encourage you to join with us to celebrate the achievements of all our students thus far in 2023, as well as acknowledging those students who have excelled. It has been an impressive term, and everyone is deserving of a restful, yet fun-filled Easter, so enjoy your upcoming Easter and we will see you all in Term 2 for what is shaping up to be an exceptional new Term in April.

Regards

Duncan Murfet                                                                                       

Principal