In mainstream classes last week, we focused on setting personal Growth Goals. It is known that self directed growth goals enhance student engagement and perseverance. It is important that students have a voice in setting their own goals for them to be meaningful. Students understood the key features of effective goals and that they are about:

• self improvement (we are comparing to ourselves, not competing with others)
• specific (what is the focus and how will we track it?)
• challenging but attainable
• written in positive terms
• timebound and achievable
• measurable, monitored and can be given feedback - this needs to be regular, not just at the end.  Feedback can be external (e.g. teacher or parent) or from self (e.g. testing own recall of multiplication facts)

Growth Goal meetings with parents will be held next week - Hopefully you have all had discussions with your children and booked in your time to meet with your child’s teacher. 

In the Support unit, students have been continuing to learn about what makes a good learner. Students understand that to learn effectively they need to keep their hands to themselves, listen, try and that it is okay to make mistakes. Talking to your child about the behaviours of a learner helps to reinforce desired behaviours at school.

This week, all students are learning about the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and celebrating Harmony Day. This year's theme is Everyone belongs! Harmony Day is to highlight the benefits and wonders of having many different cultures in our society, country and our school. This learning culminates in wearing national costume or orange clothing on Friday this week! Australia is home to people from many different cultures. Over 300 languages are spoken in Australia! Sharing and learning about cultures makes our country stronger. Harmony Day reminds us to be kind and inclusive. It is always good to regularly discuss with your  child different cultures throughout the year when situations and opportunities present themselves. 

Looking forward to a spectacular day!