Primary News
Natanya (Tany) Milner – Head of Primary
Harvard
I am writing to you from Boston airport on my way back from an incredibly inspirational week in Harvard at a course through the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Principals’ Centre. The course was called The Art of Leadership and without a doubt, it was the most impactful and transformational learning I have ever done. I look forward to sharing some of this information with teachers and parents once I have had an opportunity to consolidate my thoughts. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with principals and heads of schools from around the world and hear about how similar and how different we all are. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Emanuel School Board for their support of my attendance at this course. I hope that I am able to share my learning and continue to see its impacts for years to come. I would also like to thank the Emanuel Executive and staff for making it possible for me to attend, in particular, to Meghan Carroll, Helen Maynard and Holly Dillon, who bore the additional workload while I was away.
Chill Zone
The Chill Zone will be ready to officially open early next term. The area is designed to be a quiet space for relaxed activities at recess and lunchtime, such as reading, board games and card games. I would like to thank the very talented Ronan Collins (Emanuel alumnus, Class of 2017) for designing and painting the gorgeous mural in the space. I would also like to thank his father, David, for assisting with the painting. By the beginning of next term, the little coloured houses will be filled with books and the outdoor cupboard will be filled with games. We also have some picnic rugs and beanbags to make the space more colourful and comfortable. I would like to thank Year 6 Class of 2017 for contributing their fundraising money towards the project. The 2017 ‘athon’ will also be partly funding this project as well as a significant contribution towards new books for the Years K-2 reading program. If you are popping past, see if you can count the footprints and bees that have been carefully hidden…(hint: there are 11 bees to find).
Parenting, reports and some general thoughts
I have recently read a book about parenting and parental engagement in schooling. It highlights some of the research about the biggest areas of impact for children. I have summarised some of the findings below for your interest.
According to John Hattie’s research (2009), the home environment and parental involvement in learning both result in a significant impact on student achievement. There are a number of factors that are believed to contribute to this impact including some of the following:
– Use of complex and interesting vocabulary
– Reading – modelling reading to yourself as well as with your child
– Discussions about school, learning and progress
– Feedback that praises effort rather than outcomes/results
– Visits to libraries, museums and historic sites
– Encouragement to question and try new things
– Support of hobbies such as practicing music, sport etc
– Creating a family schedule and sticking to it as much as possible.
Lucas (2015)
During my time at Harvard, there was a session that showed the achievement gap that results over holiday time (especially during the long American Summer break). Research shows that student growth for all different levels of learners can be similar throughout the term but when some students read and visit museums and libraries and participate in engaging activities in the holidays and others don’t, the achievement gap can widen. This would suggest that no matter what you have planned for the holidays (whether at home or travelling), please ensure that the children are reading every day.
Lennox and Reeves suggest that the most effective approach to parenting can be described as ‘tough love’ parenting. That is, setting and sticking to clear boundaries alongside warmth and affection. Whilst the setting and sticking to boundaries can be difficult in the moment, it provides children with a clear understanding of right and wrong as well as a sense of accountability, safety and predictability.
Whilst I am writing about parenting and holidays, I also thought it is worth addressing the purpose of school reports. We see that there are multiple ways to approach the end of semester reports. As the children become older, we encourage you to take time to look through your children’s reports with them. It can be motivational (and links with the ‘tough love’ approach) for children to make commitments based on their reports. This could include areas of strength to celebrate and further strengthen as well as areas requiring increased attention and commitment to growth. Feel free to partner with us in this process. I would like to particularly draw children’s attention to the effort ratings. It would be my goal for all children to have high effort grades and if this is not the case for your child, this would be a great place to start a conversation and goal setting expectation and process.
Semester 1 reports – A note from Helen Maynard
“Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.” Winston Churchill
Soon you will receive your child’s Semester 1 report. At Emanuel, we value the opportunity to share our insights into your child’s achievement and progress over the semester. We hope you find it a valuable snapshot of learning and effort and take the time to discuss this with your child.
It is a Government requirement that there be 5 point scale offered on the reports for Years 1-6. This consists of Advanced Achievement, High Achievement, Grade Level Achievement, Developing Achievement and Experiencing Difficulties. The traditional ‘C’ grading (Grade Level Achievement) is to be considered as the expected achievement of the year/grade level at the time of the report and therefore this is where most students are placed. We think of Grade Level Achievement as a celebration as the child has ‘got it’ and achieved what we expect for the year level. It therefore follows that only those who are successfully working on extension outcomes will be attaining Advanced Achievement. Similarly, children receiving support will more than likely be getting Developing Achievement and Experiencing Difficulties.
For effort a 4 point scale (Excellent Effort, Very Good Effort, Some More Effort Required and Considerably More Effort Required) is utilised to give you an insight into your child’s attainment in this area.
Please feel free to contact your child’s teachers if you have any questions relating to the Semester 1 report.
Emanuel World Cup Soccer tournament
Earlier this term the Primary Madrichim began planning and organising a soccer tournament for Years 3-6. The 1st half of the tournament, involving Years 3-4 teams, finished in Week 9. Congratulations to all teams and players! We will begin the 2nd half of the tournament, involving Years 5-6 teams at the start of Term 3. A huge thank you to the Primary Madrichim for their high level of effort in organising this event as well as Stuart Taylor and Adam Ezekiel for helping to make the team lists.
Music assembly
In Week 8, the Year 3-6 assembly showcased some of our skilled musicians and singers in a series of performances. We watched in awe as students confidently stood on stage and shared their love of music in a variety of ways. Thank you to the Music Department, Diane Springford and the Music Leaders for helping to prepare and organise this talent-packed assembly item.
Chess competition
On Monday 25 June, a group of students in the Primary and High School took part in a Chess competition at Rose Bay Secondary School. The participants represented Emanuel proudly, showing great sportsmanship, focus and skill. Well done! Thank you to Colleen Elkins and the parents who attended and supported the players.
Knowing Me Knowing You
On Tuesday 26 June, the Year 5 students presented their Knowing Me Knowing You projects to visiting guests. The audience was absolutely amazed with the high level of knowledge, enthusiasm and confidence displayed by all students. A big thank you to the wonderful Year 5 teaching and support team for all of their hard work behind the scenes and for making this evening a memorable one!
Music Camp
Our students had a fantastic week at Music Camp and enjoyed being involved in a number of performances and groups. The camp was an opportunity to become immersed in music and improve through focussed time and practise. I believe the visiting musicians were a wonderful asset to the camp. I am writing this article prior to Thursday night’s concert but am very much looking forward to hearing the fruits of their labour. These experiences would not be possible without the dedication of our outstanding staff. Special thanks to our wonderful Music department as well as all the supporting staff who assisted throughout the camp.