Last week, those who attended the Early Years Sector Assembly were given a wonderful lesson in the Zones of Regulation, commonly referred to as 'zones'. This framework has been implemented to help our students simplify how they think and manage their feelings. Through explicit lessons, students develop an awareness of their feelings, energy and alertness levels while exploring strategies for self-regulation, social skills and wellness. We often talk about what we each need, individually, in our own ‘toolkit’ to meet our goals, such as managing healthy relationships with others, engaging in schoolwork, or managing big feelings. The students learn to identify and sort their own and others feelings into four coloured zones, which were so aptly captured by the Yr 2P presentation last week. Once we learn to identify what zone we are in, it becomes much easier to dive into our toolbox to tap into what we need to get back into a healthy place, like the green zone, ready for learning and socialising!

How wonderful it has been to see so many learning opportunities occurring outside the classroom once again! This week alone we have had Year 1 visit Cobb and Co Museum in Toowoomba and Year 2 visit Pioneer Park in Dalby. All Early Years students also participated in Streetscience workshops today at school. We are so pleased to be able to offer our students these additional learning opportunities!

Year 1 Visit to Cobb and Co

Year 2 Visit to Pioneer Park

Streetscience

Attendance Data

Term 2 presents us with an opportunity to refocus our mission to have 'every day count' with high expectation for student attendance. Research has shown that once attendance drops below 93%, learning is impacted. This is the equivalent of 10 days per year, or a couple of days each term. We know that most of our young students will easily use that up just in sick days, so it is good to think of this in terms of 'sick leave for kids'. As such, it is essential that absences are saved for things such as illness rather than term time holidays or unnecessary days off. The best way to ensure quality learning is to support your child to be at school every day.

The College has automatic checkpoints for attendance in place, and families can expect to be contacted by letter once attendance falls below 85% as this poses a significant risk to learning. Again, in terms of days off, this is the equivalent of around 30 days of absence, or about 6 weeks of learning, or over half a term. The best way for a student to achieve and make positive social connections with others is to be in attendance at school every day they possibly can.  

Mrs Katrina Walton

Assistant Principal Early Years