Berry Street Education Model (BSEM)

As part of moderation day, our teachers came together as part of the Central Coast Cluster to continue our journey of implementing the Berry Street Education Model BSEM).  So, what is the Berry Street Education Model?  Berry Street is an evidence based,  Trauma-Informed Positive Education Model that supports teachers to develop positive relationships with students, whilst fostering a positive mind set.   The model focusses on supporting students in understanding their physical, psychological, social and emotional capabilities and provides our staff with strategies to respond to student’s needs, flexibly and responsively.  Ultimately, the aim of implementing this model, and associated strategies, is to empower our students to regulate their wellbeing, identify/manage their emotions, cultivate resilience and identify and use the personal strengths.

The Model encompasses five domains (Body, Relationship, Stamina, Engagement, and Character.)  Within these domains there are focus areas that are taught systematically and purposefully.  Today we focussed on the “Character” domain.  We further unpacked this by breaking the domain down into the following:

• Values
• Character Strengths  
• Community Strengths
• Hope
• Gratitude

Through the systematic and explicit teaching of these domains, our students will be encouraged to develop acceptance and respect for one another.

From a personal perspective, I was walked away with a greater sense of the strengths of those that I work with and an awareness of how important it is to recognise our own and others strengths.  I also left the session with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the students I get to support every day, the staff I work with and support, the support our community provides our school with and affirmation of just how lucky I am to work in an environment such as PDS.

My long weekend challenge is to pose the question to your child/children.  When you go to school, what are grateful for and why?

Primary Evidence of Learning/Communicating with Families meetings.

Yesterday, primary families will have received an envelope that included an English and Maths evidence of learning.  These were shared with you prior to parent meetings this week so you have some time to digest and talk to your child about their learning.  Keep in mind these are just one evidence of learning and are part of a bigger picture that is considered come report time.

With close to 300 bookings already in place, we are really excited about this opportunity to celebrate your child’s learning progress.

Please note that mid-year school reports will be sent home on Friday of week 10.

IMPORTANT – “Communicating Learning with Families” bookings close tonight (Friday, June 7) at midnight.

https://penguinds.schoolzineplus.com/view-session/35

Thankyou

Last Friday we had nearly 30 families join us for a special presentation from our local speech pathologist (and School Association President) Sheila Steele.  The presentation centred around the current research on how we, as parents, can best support our children with their reading at home.  Whilst I won’t share every aspect of the presentation, I will share Sheila’s top 10 tips and tricks.  We certainly appreciate the time and effort Sheila put into preparing and delivering this session.  Thankyou.

1 – Read everyday!

2-  Audio Books are a great way to engage our children (Also great for long car trips)

3 – DON’T GUESS – Always come back to the letter sounds and don’t “read” the picture

4 – Talk to your teacher (Two way communication is vital)

5 – Play “I Spy” in the car (It’s a great way to expose children to sounds/words etc)

6 – If there are “rogue” words that your children can’t decode yet, read them to them

7 – If your child gets stuck, help them out

8 – PRAISE!  This releases endorphins and will encourage your child to want to continue reading

9 – Use the School and Penguin Library

10 – Remember that decoding is just one part of the Big Six of Reading.

Have a fantastic long weekend and we look forward to welcoming everyone back next Tuesday.

Yours in partnership

Adrian Beard

Assistant Primary Principal