From the Primary School
Helen Maynard, Director of Studies
Learning Dispositions
“If parents want to give their children a gift, the best thing they can do is to teach their children to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort and keep on learning. That way they will have a lifelong way to build and repair their own confidence.” (Dweck 2006)
Last week I was fortunate enough to hear Bill Lucas, who is highly regarded in education circles for his work on learner characteristics/dispositions and creative thinking. One point that resonated with me was that a focus on teaching the characteristics of learning is gaining traction with over 50 models being devised by educators globally. It is clear, as we move to a human economy where skills and attributes are more highly regarded than knowledge, that educators see fostering human characteristics as vital. Bill Lucas stated that this is something good teachers have always done. With the rapid speed of change, rise of Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality, this is a comforting notion. It lead me to read more of his work, where he outlined activities at home which support children’s achievement. I thought I would share these with you.
- The use of interesting and complex vocabulary
- Discussions about school progress (Seesaw is a good place to start)
- Feedback that is specific and praises effort
- Conversations about external events
- Encouragement to read for a range of purposes
- Cultural activities – libraries, museums, historic sites
- Encouragement to develop hobbies
- Encouragement to question
- Encouragement to try new things
- Establishment and valuing of routines
- Support in practising sport, music or dance
- Opportunities and encouragement to undertake everyday household tasks.
(Lucas 2015)
In Term 4, we hope to bring you some highly regarded speakers as part of our Parent Learning Conference. Watch your inbox for an invitation.
Home Learning – Parent Focus Group
Thank you to those of you that have put down your attendance for the Parent Focus Groups that we will run in Term 3. If you wish to attend please fill out your preference at the link below:
There are 3 possible dates and times:
31 July: 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm
1 August: 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm
2 August: 7.30 pm – 8.30 pm
This link will close on 29 June at 3 pm. You will receive an email with rooming information early next term. You will have the date and time that you have selected. We look forward to gaining further insight into your thoughts and beliefs regarding Home Learning.
The Home Learning Committee met recently and have engaged in a number of strategies to gather data from Year 7 students and High School teachers.
K -2 Reading Groups
These will finish the week ending 29 June and will start in the 2nd week of school Term 3. We thank you for your ongoing support with this.
Jewish Community Open Day – Bondi Fire Station
Senior Firefighter Eddie Vaysbakh has contacted the School to invite families to their Open Day on 1 July between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm. The station is at 359 Old South Head Road. It is a fantastic opportunity to take the family to see the inner workings of the Fire Station and question the fire fighters about their important role serving our community.
Charm Bok Village School Toilet – Siem Reap Cambodia
They say a picture speaks a 1000 words!
