The power of ‘yet’

An important part of good learning is taking time for reflection and identifying areas for growth in learning.

One simple practice that we can all adopt is to add the word ‘YET’ to our learning:

                                   “I can’t do that yet"

"I don’t know that yet"

“I haven’t learnt that yet”

This creates in the learner, a growth mindset and begins the journey of considering how to master the learning. So when your child makes a statement about their learning and feels overwhelmed, encourage them to add the word ‘yet’ and encourage them to brainstorm how they may continue on the learning journey, mastering one skill at a time.

Learning tasks and assessments are not designed to simply address what they already know but to help them to develop their skills in extending their learning and addressing the ‘yets’ in their knowledge and skills. When your child feels challenge help to empower them to identify how they will manage their time, tasks and communication to improve their learning skills. Help them to:

• Plan their time
• Use their diary to plan and monitor learning
• Recall the strategies that have been successful
• Brainstorm strategies that may work
• Communicate with their teacher
• Seek support
• Review their notes and learning

I encourage all parents to become involved in this learning growth journey with a few simple practices:

1. Discuss what they are learning in a positive way.
2. Ensure that students sit down for home study every evening regardless of whether they have homework or not.
3. Assist them in good planning practices, such as diary and calendar use. Make due dates a priority in all aspects of life and plan for completion.
4. Help them to build resilience by taking on challenges, accepting failure and celebrating success.

This aids us in preparing students for the real world. With formative assessment, students stand to learn more about themselves. They’ll also learn how to bring about improvement in their work and in their lives.

Congratulations to all our students who have taken on the challenges and enjoyed the successes of the year so far.

ANZAC Day Ceremonies

It is truly heartening to see the very positive engagement of the St John’s students in the ANZAC Day commemorative ceremonies. We had 135 students as well as staff represent the school in 11 of the ANZAC Day marches and ceremonies throughout the Shoalhaven, from Berry in the north to Milton in the south. And even with this large representation there were still over 30 students who joined in the march in the centre of Nowra. We were so very proud of the distinguished manner in which  they presented in both their uniform and behaviour. The fact that all these students marched during their school holidays shows the respect and reverence that ANZAC Day has inspired in our school community. We would also like to acknowledge their parents and families who supported them.

Thanks also to the families that joined us for the ANZAC ceremony here at school. It was a beautiful and moving tribute.

Primary School Diocesan Cross Country Carnival

Project Compassion

Throughout Lent the st John's community raised awareness and funds for those less fortunate through the Project Compassion campaign. Students were given the opportunity to donate through their PALS and house groups and they also engaged in fundraisers such as the water walk.