On the Student Free Day (October 21st) teachers and teacher assistants came together to do some work around Phonics. It doesn’t often happen that we are able to meet as a school team, so this was a wonderful opportunity!

Mrs Lees worked through the Department’s policy on teaching phonics in our schools with the intention of deepening our understanding of what is meant by phonics teaching and how this connects to our School Improvement Plan goals of improving student outcomes.

Then I, (Mrs Steenholdt) took the team through the Phonics Scope and Sequence (K-2) document and gave everyone the opportunity to reflect on our current practices, identify gaps and then to individually identify one area they would like to ‘bump up’ in their own practice from these gaps in the coming weeks. Early Years teaching staff will reflect together on progress with their goal in a Professional Learning Team meeting in early November, then set a new goal. Likewise, teacher assistants will reflect together in mid-November at their PLT meeting and new goals will be set.

It was so valuable to have the opportunity to have these professional discussions because we had time to question, discuss and clarify our thinking as a team. The biggest takeaway for me was the passion that was evident in the room. Passion to learn, improve our practice and do the very best for the students of Glen Huon Primary.

Thank you so much to parents and carers who may have had to make alternative arrangements for their children on the Student Free Day, we recognise that this is sometimes difficult and appreciate your support.

Tania Steenholdt
Quality Teaching Coach, Literacy (Early Years)