Restorative Practice

As outlined in our Positive Behaviour Support Policy and reinforced in a number of newsletters over the last few years, we have developed a whole school approach which focuses on restorative practice.  This usually involves discussions based around a core set of questions:

• What happened?
• What were you thinking? What are you thinking now?
• Who has been hurt or is sad because of what you have done?
• What do you need to do to make things right?
• What will you do differently next time?

In some cases after the discussion, students complete a restorative reflection sheet which they then take home to assist them in explaining to their parents/carers the mistake they made and the actions they are going to take in the future.  By sending the sheet home it not only keeps parents informed of what is happening at school but it also gives students responsibility in explaining and reflecting on their own behaviour.  We then ask parents/carers to sign the bottom of the sheet and return it to school in acknowledgment that they have received the information.  Of course, if the behaviour is of a more serious nature or if it is a pattern of behaviour, we will make contact with you prior to the sheet going home and may also suggest a meeting to discuss further.

Working in a restorative way:

• aligns with our values
• establishes environments where students feel safe, valued and included
• supports, maintains and restores respectful and healthy relationships as there is no blame attached
• promotes explicit teaching of behaviour expectations.

2020 School Satisfaction Surveys

In Week Five a random selection of families will receive information about the 2020 School Satisfaction Survey.  The survey will be open between Monday 24 August to Friday 4 September and can be completed online or on paper (paper copies need to be returned to the school office). 

This annual survey collects information from parents and staff to assist schools to plan for improvement and to inform decision-making at the departmental level. Over the last few years we have used the feedback to make some changes, these have included: publishing a year calendar so parents/carers have more notice of events; where possible giving at least 2 week’s notice for upcoming events; and implementing Class DoJo in all grades as a way to inform and involve parents/carers in their child’s education. 

If you do receive a survey it would be fantastic if you could take the time to complete it as we appreciate your voice and take your feedback seriously.     It is also a great way to let us know what we are doing well so we can continue doing that.  In the end, we all want our school to be the best place it can and for our students to flourish.

SPS Little Big Shots

In the first week of term I was eagerly reminded by students that we hold our Somerset Primary Little Bigshots in Term 3.  Particularly excited were our Grade 3 students who have watched for the last two years and finally get the chance to shine.  Over the next few weeks we will celebrate our students’ talents during lunch time heats.  A roster will be prepared so students know which day they are on so they can bring props and costumes if needed. 

Little Big Shots is a great opportunity for students to enact our values of To Believe, To Grow, To Dream and To Respect.  We are looking forward to seeing the diverse talents of our students and we will showcase the finalist in a special whole school assembly at the end of the term.

Assembly

This term as venue capacity and physical distancing restrictions lift for students we will recommence assemblies.  We are looking forward to all coming together to celebrate our learning and achievements.  Unfortunately physical distancing and screening of adults still applies, so this means we cannot support large gatherings of adults in the one venue, meaning parents and carers will not be able to attend assemblies this term.

We are looking at ways that we can still share some of our special assembly moments, such as students receiving certificates or presenting.  This could be done through photos and or live streaming.  For this to happen it is important that parent/carers have filled in their validation forms so we can ensure that only students with correct permissions can be photographed or videoed.  If you would like to update your child’s permissions please call into the school office.

Our first assembly will be on Wednesday 2^nd September.