Our leadership memo will now feature a series on our whole school to the teaching and learning of Reading. Our approach is influenced by ‘The Science of Reading’ and an ‘Active View of Reading’. ‘The Science of Reading’ is a comprehensive body of research which provides us with the information to understand how we learn to read, what skills are involved, how they work together, and which parts of the brain are responsible for reading development. Reading is a complex process with comprehension the ultimate goal. The research clearly shows there are six components which need to be explicitly taught and securely. These are phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, oral language, and comprehension.

An updated general reminder from SAPOL:

“Learners and families are reminded to be wary of approaches from strangers, especially when they are unaccompanied or travelling to and from school. If they are approached learners should not respond and should not accept offers of rides or gifts. Learners should seek the assistance of other nearby adults if they feel unsafe and should report the event to a trusted adult (parent or school staff member) as soon as possible. SAPOL advises that taking out a mobile phone and calling police can deter the offender and they recommend the student making a formal report to their closest police station.”

This week we posted a letter and links to our annual Parent Satisfaction Survey – Living Learning Leading survey on Audiri.  At McAuley Community School, we are committed to continuous improvement and educational excellence. As a school community, we believe in the power of feedback to inform best practice. The aim of this survey is to capture our community's perceptions regarding CESA's Living Learning Leading Framework. I respectfully ask that you engage with this in order to provide feedback about what is working well and what we need to improve on.  The short survey (3-5 minutes is open for two weeks. This survey is being conducted by Catholic Education South Australia (CESA) in all Catholic schools across the state.

This week we thank and farewell Robert Miller.  He has been providing an ongoing visual art program for all our leaners until Lisa Lambourne takes up her new role next week.  We are very grateful to Robert for his willingness and commitment to our art program.  Dani Higgs begins her new position at Dominican School next week and we welcome Mrs Sara Petrie joining the Year 3 Neighbourhood. We welcome back Tayla Guthrie (Auslan) and Olivia Angel-Keys (6AK) and thank Suzanne Fordham, Robert Miller and Karen Arbon for joining our community during this time.  We also wish Alice Fuller well as she begins her maternity leave. We are pleased that Karen Arbon has been willing and able to stay on with us and teach 4F. Please note, this week we have advertised for an Enrolment officer / Leadership Administrator.