From the Teaching and Learning Coordinator

At Northern, we have been continuing to use our WALT and WILF characters to inform students of the Learning Intentions and Success Criteria of lessons. In addition to this, students are becoming more familiar with a third character: WAGOLL, which stands for ‘What a good one looks like’. WAGOLLs are examples of excellent-quality work that display what the student is attempting to do. WAGOLLs come in all shapes and sizes, depending on the lesson’s Learning Intention. Some are create by teachers, and others are examples of student work.

An example of using a WAGOLL is in a persuasive writing lesson. Students may be learning how to breaking their arguments into paragraphs; therefore, to support them in their understanding of this concept, a copy of a past or present student’s work, demonstrating the use of paragraphs, may be displayed. As a class, the sample work is read aloud, and the students discuss how the writing is organised into paragraphs.

WAGOLLS are used at different stages through the learning process. Some are used at the beginning to introduce a concept. Others are used as a refocussing tool once the students are in the editing phase. There are many benefits to using WAGOLLs. The primary purpose is to provide students with a clear example of the Success Criteria (WILF) of the lesson.

For many students, this is extremely useful as they can correctly see what they are trying to achieve in their work. Another benefit is the opportunity it provides for students to gather ideas. As a class community, students are always learning from each other, and a WAGOLL can be part of this process. A final benefit of using a WAGOLL is that it provides an opportunity to motivate and celebrate students’ work. As I said above, WAGOLLs can be current student work samples, and this is an excellent way to encourage a class member when they have completed the task well.

Miss Claire Gardner - Teaching and Learning Coordinator
 

Each year, Christian Schools Tasmania (CST), in consultation with the Senior Leadership at each of our schools, develops and updates a range of policies for staff, students and families. You can find these in the Policies section at the bottom of the School’s website.

As a Christian organisation, we value the positive partnership we have with our parent community. And in the same way that we have guidelines for how we expect our students and staff to interact with each other, we also have guidelines and expectations for our Parents and Carers. 

For this reason, we have recently developed a comprehensive Parent Code of Conduct Policy which is an important document for Parents and Carers to read and be aware of. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with this document and let us know if there is anything that you would like clarification about.

From time to time, we will highlight certain policies to make sure our school community is aware of them. Some other examples that you may not be aware of include our Concussion Policy  and Grievance Policy. 
 

Online Approvals System

Don’t forget to update your child’s personal information and health data by Friday 12 June.

If you did not receive the invitation via email please contact us to confirm your email address. If you have any questions or concerns please let us know.

 

Year 1 Update

It has been wonderful to have students back in class for two weeks now, and they are settling back into class routines well. Students have been reigniting friendships, and building new ones, as we welcomed two new students this term.

In Devotions, we have been enjoying an animated series called ‘Theo’. This series explores theological concepts to assist in the building of faith foundations and understanding of Christianity. We have also been focusing on the biblical thread of 'Pondering Creation', with God as the supreme artist.

In Science and Art, we have been exploring changes in the sky and environment.

Psalm 19:1 says "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

We have been painting sunrises and sunsets as we ponder the wonder of colour in creation. Students have learnt about colour blending techniques to enhance contrast and tones. It has been such a joy to see the beautiful paintings created by students.

Mrs Tara Williams -
Year 1 Teacher
 

Important Notices

Reports and Student-Led Interviews

Semester 1 Academic Reports will be available on Friday 7 August. The reports will be sent home with each child on this day.

Student-Led Interviews involving students, caregivers and the class teacher will commence in Term 3, starting Monday 10 August. You will have an opportunity to book a face-to-face interview, or a phone interview, with your child’s teacher via our online booking system. More details regarding this will be provided at the start of Term 3.

Black Footwear

A friendly reminder that all students from Prep to Year 6 are required to wear black enclosed shoes, such as a leather school shoe or sneaker. The correct shoes are required under Health and Safety Guidelines, and as such, shoes:

  • must cover the bridge/upper surface of the foot;

  • must cover the full instep and be below the ankle (i.e. they must not be a boot); and

  • must not have soft uppers or punched holes, but a full leather covering.

Please note, students are permitted to wear sport sneakers on Fridays for their Physical Education lesson. We are aware that some students are already wearing predominantly black shoes. When purchasing your child their next new pair of school shoes, please ensure that they are all black.

Uniform Shop Update

Thank you to those who have now collected their pre-ordered
Short-Sleeve Polo Shirts. We are now happy to commence sales
over-the-counter, via Qkr! or by phone. We no longer accept cash for payment of uniforms.

Unfortunately, we still have not received any further stock. We are looking at Term 3 before we receive any trackpants, however we have lots of Navy Trousers available if you need long pants for the colder months.

We will provide further updates as we receive the next delivery, and thank you again for your patience.

Impetigo (School Sores)

Please be aware that Impetigo (School Sores) is a highly contagious type of skin infection caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria.

The infection that can appear on the face, hands, and any other part of the body is characterised by inflamed blisters that pop, weep and form crusts.

A child with impetigo should be kept home from school or day care until appropriate treatment has begun and the sores on exposed areas are covered with a waterproof dressing and where necessary a crepe bandage. Treatment options include antibiotic cream, ointment, antibiotic syrup or tablets.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

 

School Calendar

Due to our response to the ongoing COVID-19 virus, all special events at school have been cancelled. Any events that are rescheduled will appear below and on the Northern Calendar.

JULY
3rd | Last Day of Term 2
 

From the Office

All School Absentees

For absentees please fill-out our Absentee Form OR email us before 9.30am.

  • An SMS will be sent to parents for unexplained absences.

  • Please ensure late students who arrive after 9.00am are signed in at the office.

  • If students are leaving early they are required to be signed out at the office.

  • A doctor’s certificate is required for more than three days’ absence.

  • Please notify the office before 2.30pm for any messages your children need before leaving school.

Newsletters

If you've missed a copy of the Newsletter you can also view previous editions on the Newsletter Page.

Parents Page

Don't forget our Parents Page, with Handbooks, Homework Policies, Term Dates, Medical Forms, a Feedback Form and lots more!