We have had an exciting start to Term 4 as we begin PAT testing in the curriculum areas of English (Reading), and Mathematics for students across Prep to Grade 6. We implemented the Reading test first and we have been very excited to see that our data right across the school has shown considerable improvement. This is a real testament to our strong team approach that ensures we are all working together to improve the learning  outcomes of our students.

We have used our Professional Learning Teams to support the implementation of the Department’s Reading Priority through a focus on our pedagogy, as well as looking closely at student data. This has allowed us to plan and deliver high quality learning to provide the best possible success for students. It has been exciting to see students engaging so meaningfully in their learning and taking pride in their achievements.

Term 4 is a busy and eventful time. It is a term where we continue to work hard but also celebrate all the growth we have experienced. The days of more sunlight and warmer weather add a real sense of optimism as well. We look forward to seeing parents and families around the school for the various celebrations we have planned.

Kind regards

Ann-Marie Johnson

Instructional Specialist

It has been a busy start to term 4 in Kinder Johnston.

We have been enjoying learning our letter sounds with the ‘Heggerty’ literacy program, this will give us a great start for next year in Prep.

We also made vegetable soup when we were looking at the letter ‘V’. We all helped cut up the vegetables and when the vegetables cooked we sat down and had a ‘long lunch’, it was very yummy.

Prep A have been exploring how we feel and how we can talk about it.   To help us communicate we have made a chat table in our classroom.  This is a place where we can go to talk to a friend about a problem.  Mrs Lincolne helps us to take turns talking and listening to each other using a talking stick. We use lego with different facial expressions to help us too.  

This term in 5/6 West has seen us begin our Asia project, which sees students research a chosen country, collate the information in a chosen format, and then share their learned knowledge with the rest of the class, helping deepen everyone’s knowledge of the countries that surround us. 

We have been working on developing our understanding of fractions, decimals and percentages through targeted activities, and will continue to strengthen these through rich tasks designed to deepen our understanding. 

Our third term of Word Origins has started incredibly well, with students engaging in the content and strengthening their knowledge of morphemes. 

We are looking forward to taking on the last 7 weeks of this term as we move into an exciting time for our year 6 students, their last year in primary school. 

Jump Rope for Heart  

Jump Rope for Heart is well underway and it’s great to see so many children out in the playground skipping with smiles on their faces. Austins Ferry Primary School has already raised $3,299 which is fantastic.  

It’s not long until our Jump Off Day on Friday 21 November so keep on practicing those tricks! And don’t forget to share your online fundraising page with friends and family to raise money for a great cause!  

Still need to sign up online? It’s easy just follow this link and enter your details. 

www.jumprope.org.au/parents 

PE – Term 4 Update 

At the beginning of Term 4, our students completed the beep test for the final time this year.  Every student gave their best effort and demonstrated excellent perseverance – well done to all! It’s always fantastic to see the determination and encouragement students show as they challenge themselves. 

In our PE classes, students in Grades 3–6 have been focusing on T-ball. They have been developing their skills in striking, catching, and fielding, and are now applying these skills in small-sided games. It has been wonderful to see students improving their coordination, teamwork, and game sense while having fun and supporting one another on the field. 

Meanwhile, our Prep to Grade 2 students have been developing their skipping skills. They have been practicing a variety of techniques using both small and long ropes in fun and challenging activities. The progress has been fantastic, students are gaining confidence, improving their coordination, and building stamina with every session. It’s wonderful to see their enthusiasm and enjoyment as they take on new skipping challenges.  

Looking ahead, our next PE unit will focus on badminton. Students will have the opportunity to develop their hand-eye coordination, agility, and tactical skills while participating in fun drills and games. 

Diabetes Australia Fundraising 

Austins Ferry Primary have registered to fundraise in conjunction with the Schools Triathlon Challenge to support Diabetes Australia in 2025. This year, participating schools have the chance to win $10 000, and we would love your support. All students / families are invited to fundraise, not just those Year 3 – 6 students participating in the Schools Triathlon Challenge. 

All funds raised will help children with type 1 diabetes feel seen, safe, and supported — and our school will also be in the running to win one of two $10,000 prizes! 

If we are lucky enough to win, the prize money will go towards new sports equipment, playground upgrades, and PE resources for our students. 

You can support us by visiting our fundraising page here: https://give.diabetesaustralia.com.au/fundraisers/austinsferryprimaryschool 

When registering, please make sure to join our school’s fundraising page so that all funds raised contribute to Austins Ferry Primary’s total. Once registered, share your fundraising link with family and friends via email or social media to help spread the word. Fundraising will close on Wednesday, 27 November.  

Thank you for your support. 

Library 

Over the last couple of weeks, our school library got the news that we were receiving $10,000 worth of books from Dymocks Children’s Charities. This means that over the next few weeks, students will start to see nearly 500 new books ready for borrowing in the library spaces. Many of these have been carefully selected based on student interests to help encourage the enjoyment of reading. Some red pod students have had a sneak peek at some of the new books and helped to stamp them ready for processing. This year has seen a big boost in new and exciting books in the library, as this grant follows generous donations and fundraising by the school community.