Issue 22, 12 November 2021, Week 5 Term 4

As we busily head into the final five weeks of the school year, it is always good to stop, reflect and celebrate the achievements of 2021. Currently we are both assessing the progress of our students in their current learning programs, as well as preparing them for the year ahead.

Over the last 12 months our school has continued to grow in our results, our community and in our population. The school’s growth in all areas is a reflection on the dedication and professionalism of all staff here. All staff at Kingston Primary put the children at the centre of everything that they do. Our primary focus for the last two years across the school has been on Writing and how we as a teaching group can improve what we do. This focus on Writing has significantly impacted our results in 2021 with increases in our Internal Data Collection as well as our NAPLAN results. For both our Year 3 and Year 5 cohorts there was an increase in our scores for Writing. Further to this, our students in both Year 3 and 5 scored above the Tasmanian and Australian average for this area.

Our Year 6 students are already fully engaged in their respective transition programs with their future high schools - some of our students transitioning on a weekly basis. Our Year 6 students are heading to a number of different high schools next year with the majority of our students moving on to Kingston High School. By participating in the targeted transitioning programs, it has ensured our group are aware of the expectations of life in Year 7. A massive 'thank you' to Mr Josh Durno for organising these sessions and closely liaising with each of the high schools. Without Mr Durno’s hard work in this space, I do not believe the transition to secondary schooling would be nearly as successful for our Year 6 group.

As we prepare our Year 6 students for departure, we also will be simultaneously preparing to welcome those just starting their school life, with 44 Kindergarten students joining our Early Learning Space next year. Our 2022 Kindergarten and LiL educators have been working with these children and their families in our Pre-Kinder Sessions to get to know them well and ensure a smooth transition as they embark on their school years.

It is also that time of the year when, as educators, we have many insightful discussions with our students. Our students provide valuable feedback into what it is like to be a learner at Kingston Primary School, and how we can further improve what we do to ensure that every single student is reaching their potential. These discussions have already started to shape our thinking in relation to what we are planning and putting in place for next year, ensuring we are building on the success of 2021.

Much work has already been achieved in setting the strategic direction for our school for the next 12 months or more, with all staff contributing to the 2022 School Improvement Plan. Teachers from Kindergarten to Year 6 are keenly analysing data from 2021 and making necessary changes to current Literacy and Numeracy goals to ensure continued student success.

However, for our directions and goals to be authentic they need to be owned by all. Parent and wider community links are essential if we are to nurture and develop our students and add vibrancy to our community. Therefore, like our students have done, parents and carers are also invited and encouraged to provide input into the school’s direction for 2022 and beyond. If anyone wishes to provide any confidential comments, concerns or feedback regarding your family’s experience at Kingston Primary, please do not hesitate in contacting me at angela.crane@education.tas.gov.au. In the next fortnight, a link will be provided on our school Facebook page. This will give all families an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback to assist us all in making Kingston Primary School the best in the State. 

School Association

The School Association is an ideal opportunity to allow interaction with the school at all levels as well as an opportunity to meet the wider school community. As a parent/guardian at Kingston Primary School, we invite you to become a member of the School Association. This has become a fairly consistent theme in our newsletter however we will continue to encourage and welcome as many parents as can possibly commit to attend our School Association meetings, which are ordinarily held on Tuesday evenings (the dates are advertised in our school newsletter). We have recently trialled moving these sessions to morning tea meetings, with sweets prepared by our sensational Kitchen specialist, Miss Honey and student helpers. Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday 1 December at 2.00pm in the School Library.

The School Association is also looking to assist in expanding school events and fundraisers as these are always great community events – and good fun for all involved.

We all lead busy lives but this is a great opportunity for you to be involved in your child’s school, meet new people and chat with our teaching teams in a relaxed setting – and I assure you that it is not onerous. All parents are encouraged to take part in the Association. If you are interested in joining the School Association, or any other aspect of our school please do not hesitate in contacting me via email at angela.crane@education.tas.gov.au.

Enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.