From the Principal

Home Learning

What is Homework?

Traditionally, homework is any task set by a teacher to be completed at home and returned to school for marking. However, research - including that of education expert Professor John Hattie - has shown that homework in primary school has little to no impact on academic achievement (visible-learning.org).

Our Approach to Home Learning

At Channel, we believe in partnering with parents to create the best learning outcomes for our students. Instead of traditional homework, we focus on home learning - activities that extend classroom learning in meaningful ways.

These tasks may include:

• Encouraging a love for reading – Home readers, library books, and listening to stories together.

• Practising spelling – Some teachers provide weekly spelling lists for at home practise.

• Maths reinforcement – Activities that help consolidate learning from the classroom.

Building Responsibility & Life Skills

Beyond academics, we encourage families to help children develop responsibility for their own learning through:

• Chores and responsibilities – Contributing to family life builds independence.

• Time management – Setting expectations for completing tasks before moving on to other activities.

• Meaningful conversations – Ask questions, encourage opinions, and explore your child’s interests together.

Taking an interest in what your child is learning at school - whether by discussing topics, researching together, or simply listening makes a big difference. Let’s work together to foster a love of learning that extends beyond the classroom!

A New Year of Belonging and Growth

As we begin a new school year, our class has been reflecting on what it means to belong. In our classroom, everyone is valued, and we celebrate the unique gifts and talents that God has given each of us.

The Bible reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:27, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Just as every part of the body has a special role, each of us brings something wonderful to our class community.

To explore this idea, we spent time thinking about the strengths, interests and talents that make us who we are. We then created self-portraits, expressing our individuality through art. To extend our creativity, we also designed animal self-portraits, choosing animals that represent our unique characteristics.

We look forward to growing, learning, and supporting one another throughout the year!

Erica Wyllie - Year 5/6 Teacher

Consent2go

When your child/ren is attending an outing outside of school grounds you will receive a Consent2go permission to complete. This is to update any details and to advise of any medical changes we need to be aware of. Please respond to this as soon as possible so we can effectively care for your child.

Forms to Return to the Office

Here is a list of forms that have been sent home with your child:

• Student travel form (after school arrangements)

• Soccer form (K - Year 6)

• Chess club (Year 1 - 6)

If you have not already done so, please return forms to the school office - thank you.

Prayer Wall

• Thankful for the families for making time to speak to teachers at the parent partnership sessions. Such a wonderful opportunity to grow in partnership.

• Thankful for the new arrivals over the holiday break, both current families and Little Learner families.

• Pray for the preparation for the Year 5/6 camp in March.

• Pray for student friendships, that new ones may be formed and older ones strengthened.