Prep to Pre-School to Prep

Throughout the evolution of education in Queensland there have been varying ages of initial enrolment and also periods of Preparatory learning ending, followed by Preschool starting and consequently a return to Prep.

Petrie had Prep classes in the 1940s and 50s but at some point these were no longer offered and children began schooling in year one. This was the case for many years until a rise in alternative educational ideologies began to expand in the late 1970s and the Preschool system was introduced, this was generally offered on a morning/afternoon basis or on a rotational 5 day per fortnight (2 days/3 days) system.

Petrie needed to fight to get their Preschool and unlike other Queensland state school campuses, did not have one built until 1984.

In 2007 Queensland primary school again returned to a Prep model of early childhood education.

Below is a rough timeline of this evolution and how it involved Petrie State School.

Some of these references have been sourced from the Department of Education, Training and Employment’s website, A Chronology of Education in Queensland (http://education.qld.gov.au/library/edhistory/state/chronology/)

 

1930: A new primary syllabus was introduced. The structure of primary education was reorganised so that there was a preparatory Grade (1 ½ years) plus Grades 1 to 7, to replace the former system (Classes 1 to 6).

 

1938: Amendments were made to the primary syllabus. Preparatory Grade was increased to two years (Preps 1-4).

 

1943: The Hanlon Government decided to establish a State Preschool system, and began reserving suitable land. This policy was not fully implemented till 1973.

 

1952: A new primary syllabus was introduced. The class structure was changed to a Preparatory Grade (1 year) and Grades 1-8.

 

1953: The Preparatory Grade was abolished.

 

1973: Provision of one-year State preschool education for four and five year olds commenced. The first teacher aides were appointed.

 

1980s: FIGHT TO ‘SAVE SCHOOL’ SUCCESSFULLY DRIVES PROGRESS

By the 1980s rapid growth in all areas of Queensland meant that lots of new schools were being built and some older schools were receiving government assistance to improve and create new additional blocks and classrooms for their existing enrolments.

Petrie State School however was seemingly overlooked during this period and it became a great concern to parents and teachers at the school that the local children were not treated with such modern comforts as shade and pre-schools. For the population of the school the facilities were grossly inadequate and were echoing the ghosts of what was becoming the bi-gone era of the school’s past.

An increasingly anxious, and quite possibly angry, community was looking to State politicians to wield leadership on the issue in the government of the now infamous Joh Bjelke-Petersen (former Premier of Queensland between 1968 and 1987).

In October 1983 a telegram was sent from the Kallangur Post Office desperately pleading directly to the Premier to intervene and provide funding to overcome these challenges. The original copy is marked “NO REPLY RECEIVED”.

 

 

[reveal heading=”%image% Click here to read transcript of telegram”]

 

28 October 1983

A telegram is sent to Premier and Treasurer of Queensland, Hon Joh Bjelke-Petersen at 1:30 pm from Kallangur Post Office.

PLEASE ADVISE WHEN FUNDS WILL BE RELEASED FOR LONG PROMISED PETRIE REPLACEMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL STOP EXISTING NOISY CONDITIONS INSUFFICIENT LIGHTING INADEQUATE SHELTER INSUFFICIENT TOILETS ROCKY TERRAIN SIX TIN DEMOUNTABLES AND LIBRARY BUILT IN 1974 NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE FOR FIVE HUNDRED PUPILS STOP OUR EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS THIS YEAR HAVE FAILED STOP WE NEED YOUR HELP PLEASE

SECRETARY PARENTS AND CITIZENS ASSOCIATION

Senders Name: Roslyn Burrell (Whiteside)

[/reveal]

The promise of a pre-school (since 1981) and its consequent lack of materialisation was also of great concern and irritation.

It was a critical time for the existing buildings of the school with one politician stating that he thought the plan should be to “save the historical bits, bulldoze the rest and start again.” It was a different mentality to within the community today regarding the old parts of the school, as they were generally considered to be a hindrance to the progression of a better teaching environment. Thank goodness, they decided to keep them!

 

[reveal heading=”%image% Click here to read transcript of John Toppings Letter to the Editor”]

 

1983 Suburban Express

Letter to Editor

Subject – Petrie Primary School

The state of facilities at Petrie State Primary School has been the subject of much comment in this paper over recent weeks.

Candidates of the major parties for the State seat of Murrumba attended a meeting held at the school on 16 August.

The concerned feelings of those parents who attended seemingly has had the effect of galvanizing the candidates to speak out.

All believe the facilities to be a disgrace and an indictment on the State Government and its relevant department.

It is time to place the comments made by the candidates under closer inspection.

Mr Male (National Party) has supported the need for a pre-school at Petrie.

He is to be congratulated on his endeavours.

It needs to be pointed out to Mr Male that a pre-school was promised in 1978 but has been shelved since.

At the meeting, Mr Male said that had he been the member more would have been done.

He suggested that the parents should have contacted the media and withdrawn their children in protest at the lack of government attention.

Mr Male does not seem to realize the efforts parents have made.

Rather than sensationalize issues, they have used the proper channels.

These efforts could have been wasted if Mr Male’s ideas were used.

Another candidate who has condemned the State Government over its inaction has been Mr Maquire (Liberal Party).

He said in this paper (18 August 1983) “Save the historical bits, bulldoze the rest and start again.”

Unfortunately, Mr Maguire, the historical bits are the core problem at Petrie.

They contain old, cramped classrooms that are situated too close to busy Dayboro Road.

A small, inadequate library is housed in the original school building that dates back over a century.

The other candidate to condemn the situation was the sitting member, Mr Kruger.

He cannot feel any pleasure with the poor state of facilities at the school which make it the worst endowed in this electorate.

Mr Kruger must have felt the mood of parents and teachers by the attendance of over 150 people at each of two meetings held at the school in 1981.

At those meetings, attended by Mr Kruger, the parents voiced their concerns.

Certainly Mr Kruger has been most active of late, but his efforts from 1979 to 1982 were not as forceful as they could have been.

My concern is for the children of the school who have been forced to endure poorer facilities than those offered at other schools.

John Topping

Albany Creek

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p55

[/reveal]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eventually the pressure from the community gained them a first-hand visit from the Local Member of the National Party for the electorate of Murrumba at the time, Mr Allan Male and also Russ Hinze, a member of the Queensland Government’s ‘front-bench’.

Again it is suggested that “the whole lot needs pulling down”:

 

 

[reveal heading=”%image% Click here to read transcript of this article”]

 

HORSES HOUSED BETTER SAYS RUSS HINZE

“Russ Hinze agreed that his horses had better accommodation than the pupil’s playshed at Petrie State School,” said the National Party candidate for Murrumba, Mr Allan Male.

Mr Hinze was making an inspection on the school last Thursday when Mr Male made the comparison.

Mr Hinze said, “I am staggered at the way the site has been allowed to deteriorate. Allan tells me that some of the building are over 100 years old. The whole lot needs pulling down.”

He said a feasibility study into a total resiting of the buildings to front Young Street was required.

“Mr Hinze was appalled at the noise that children and teachers had to work with in the present site so close to Dayboro Road,” Mr Male said.

“He was in total agreement that a safe area for children to be set down and picked up by their parents needed to be established away from main traffic areas.”

Mr Male said they both agreed that the area near Dayboro Road would be better suited for playing, where noise would not be a problem.

“The teaching area needed to be moved into a quieter corner of the school ground. This would be part of the overall redevelopment plan the school needs, and I have the full agreement of the parents.

The whole concept here needs to be expanded to include a pre-school, and I have spoken to Works Minister, Mr Claude Wharton about this.

I have the backing of Mr Hinze and the parents and teachers supporting statements and Claude Wharton is coming out to have a look himself,” Allan Male said.

Liberal candidate for Murrumba, Ald. Roger Maguire said this week he would not be surprised if Petrie State School received little more than funding at a consolation prize level when government spending for the current financial year was announced.

“Joh Bjeike-Petersen is such a master of the art of publicity that I believe if he was going to make a major announcement on the future of Petrie State School during the lead up to the election, the place would have been swarming with National Party Ministers, photographers and TV cameras,” said the Liberal candidate.

“The absence of this activity suggests to me that Petrie School will not receive anywhere near the funding it needs in this financial year.”

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, p54.

[/reveal]

 

The relatively new Principal of the time, Peter Boge, spearheaded the campaign to improve the school beyond any development that had thus happened at Petrie since the inception of the first Provisional system.

He spoke of the battle to improve the school in his memoir of 1999:

 

“The first P & C meeting in February 1983 resulted in the formation of various committees – Fundraising, Ways and Means, Priorities, to identify the improvements necessary and whether they were the responsibility of Education or Works Departments, or a possible P & C subsidy project. Teachers agreed that the encouragement and gaining of full Parent/Teacher cooperation would be a major goal for 1983. Politicians were exposed for their inaction and broken promises. It took lots of meetings, letters, deputations, visits by VIPs and persistence, before the wheels finally turned in our favour. We finally convinced them that the Petrie community would not accept third-rate facilities. The late Russ Hinze said during a visit in 1983 that his horses were stabled better than Petrie students. Another candidate suggested “retain the historical bits and bulldoze the rest’. Even the Ombudsman was enlisted to help the P & C.

Looking back, I know our persistence and belief in the justice of our claims meant that we never lost sight of our vision and resolve to ensure the redevelopment of the School. Gradually, the concerted efforts forced the government to allocate money for the redevelopment of the school.”

– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.

 

Once the community had finally convinced the Government that the money was necessary the funds began to flow to the school and the biggest serious round of development since the opening of the school progressively took place over the decade and into the 1990s.

From his memories written in 1999, Peter Boge outlined a timeline of the works that took place. In conjunction with all of the new construction and renovations happening at the time, the Bicentennial year of 1988 provided a perfect opportunity to beautify the school grounds (More About the Bicentenary) and encourage and nurture a new pride in the accomplishments and aesthetics of the school.

Mr Boge begins by describing the identified issues with the school in 1983 and by the close of the decade, 1990 saw the culmination of this exciting era with the construction of the new Administration block, allowing for a reception, offices and staff room:

 

1983

• About five classrooms had light or fans, so on dull days overhead projectors were used to provide light to work by.
• No two buildings were linked, so wet weather meant everyone got wet.
• The old toilet block was short of cubicles and was inadequate for 480 students.
• All but five classes were in demountables; two of the five were beside noisy Dayboro Road.
• The Petrie Special School occupied one corner of our grounds.
• Buildings were dilapidated and needed painting.
• A small Tuckshop under Room 5 operated 2 days a week.
• The library, staff room and office were in the oldest part of the school, and were inadequate.
• Tenders closed for single unit Preschool.

1984

• Original play shed demolished and donated to North Pine Country Park, to make way for proposed Amenities Block as part of the staged redevelopment.
• Tenders were called in June for “G” two storey block.
• Now 14 out of 19 classes of 520 students in 7 demountables.

1985

• Tenders called for Covered Games Area and Tuckshop at cost of $175 000.

1986

• Planning for computers: Stage One involved Commodore computers and security bars to Room 2.
• Tenders called for new Special School at Lawnton, replacing school in our grounds.

1988

• “G” Block enclosed underneath for four classrooms.
• Some of the seven demountables were moved to allow more playing space.

1989

• Room 4 became a Parents’ Room.
• Electronic learning centre funded ($11 555).
• Tenders called for Administration Block.

1990

• YMCA vacated old Special School buildings, which were demolished.
• Moved into Administration Block 23 April 1990.
• Air cooling system and roller doors to Activities Building.

– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.

 

A new library had been promised in the late 1980s but was not built at this time. It would nearly be another ten years before the ‘Resource Centre’ would come to realisation.

 

THE PLAYSHED REMOVAL

In 1984, after the fight with the State Government to improve the conditions at Petrie primary school, the playshed that was originally built in 1906 needed to be removed from the school. Thankfully it was not demolished but dismantled and re-appropriated at North Pine Country Park’s ‘Old Petrie Town’ as a local heritage building. (More About the Playshed)

 

 

An Amenities Block was built in the spot on the grounds where it stood as part of the staged redevelopment.

 

“Original “Playshed” demolished and donated to North Pine Country Park, to make way for proposed Amenities Block as part of the staged redevelopment.”

– Peter J Boge, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1983 – 31 Dec 1990.

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp46-49.

FINALLY! PETRIE GETS PRESCHOOL

 

31 January 1984

SUBURBAN EXPRESS – PETRIE PRE-SCHOOL AT LAST

State Member for Murrumba, Mr Joe Kruger inspects work on the Petrie State Pre-School. The building of the pre-school was one of the more contentious issues in the Murrumba electorate at the last State election. Parents and residents have wanted a pre-school in the area for many years. Mr Kruger said that he had received a letter in 1981 stating that the pre-school was to be built, but this did not occur. He said he welcomed the addition to the Petrie Sate School which was at last being built. The pre-school should be operational about mid-March. Mr Kruger also said that a demountable teaching space was being provided for the state school, however he said much more was needed in the way of facilities at the school. “I will continue to make representations to the minister for the reconstruction for the school,” he said.

Source: Moreton Bay Regional Council Local History Library, Strathpine


Read More About the Preschool

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An undated article for a local newspaper celebrated and documented the much anticipated opening of Petrie State Preschool:

 

1984: UNREFERENCED ARTICLE– NEW PRE-SCHOOL AT PETRIE

 

Petrie pre-schoolers will have their own pre-school to go to now the Petrie State Pre-school is open.

The pre-school, in Young St. Petrie, will have an enrolment of 50 five-year-olds this year, with half attending a morning group five days a week, and the other 25 attending the afternoon group.

Teacher-in charge Ms Robyn Wilson said the aim of the pre-school was to develop the children’s readiness for school, with activities to foster social and emotional development, and pre-reading and pre-writing skills.

Enrolments for next year and 1986 will be taken now this year’s group of children have settled in, Ms Wilson said.

“We’re looking to having a very enjoyable year with the children,” she said.

“We know people have really waited a long time for the centre.”

Source: From the Collection of the Dabrowski Family

 

Long serving teacher aide Jenell Dabrowski reminisced on the early days of the Preschool for the 125^th Anniversary in 1989:

 

“Preschool opened its doors on 23 July 1984 with an enrolment of 43 children. The centre was officially opened by Hon B D Austin (Minister for Health) on 17 November 1984. He was entertained by the children with songs and poems. The Teacher-in-Charge was Miss Robyn Wilson and her Teacher Aide was Mrs Jenell Dabrowski … Mr Peter Boge (Principal) was always on hand to help with the working bees. He helped lay the first slab of concrete for our shed.”

– Mrs Jenell Dabrowski, 1999

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999

 

Mrs Dabrowski was the original teacher aide to begin with the Preschool and has affectionately affected the lives of many, many Petrie families. We are grateful to still have her helping hands in the classrooms of our current Prep classes (2014).

 

1986: LOCAL POLITICIAN DELIVERS THE AUSTRALIAN FLAG

Schools (and preschools) were often a media field day for a local politician and there was a time, particularly in the 1980s, where if there was any reason to be photographed with smiling children for the paper, they would arrive as a V.I.P.

 

12 March 1986

THE SUBURBAN EXPRESS – PETRIE PRE-SCHOOL AT LAST

ROUND OUR SUBURBS

Federal member for Fisher, peter Slipper had a busy afternoon recently, presenting Australian flags to the Petrie State Pre-School, Strathpine Kindergarten Association, and the Strathpine State Pre-School.

Mr Slipper took the opportunity at each visit to outline to the children the various features and meaning of the flag.

The Petrie State Pre-School wasted no time in proudly flying the flag.

Pictured with Mr Slipper are teacher-in-charge, Robyn Wilson (right); teachers’ aide, Jenell Dabrowski and pupils of the school.

Source: From the Collection of the Dabrowski Family

 

1994 & 1995: MRS COSGROVE IS THE PRESCHOOL BOSS LADY

 

PRESCHOOL TEACHER IN CHARGE: Mrs J E Cosgrove, Dip. T.

Source: 1994 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.

Source: 1995 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.

 

1997: PRESCHOOL MOVES TO FULL DAY PROGRAM

Rather than children attending half days every day in either the morning or the afternoon, Preschool moved to a 5 day fortnight. Two groups would alternate on days with one group attending Monday and Tuesday on one week, and the next week attending Wednesday to Friday.

 

“Preschool moves to a full day program.”

– David Stephenson, 1999 – Principal, 1 Jan 1991 – 2007

Source: Commemorating 125 Years of Service: Petrie State School 1874-1999, pp50-53.

 

2001: MRS JUST IS JUST THE TEACHER

 

PRESCHOOL TEACHER IN CHARGE: Mrs Margaret Just

Source: 2001 Petrie State School Prospectus, From the Collection of Jean Charters.

 

2006: PRESCHOOL CLOSES ITS DOORS TO MAKE WAY FOR PREP

After many years of successfully preparing the youngest of the Petrie State School family, Preschool metaphorically closed its doors as the 5 day per week Prep system was introduced in Queensland.

It was the end of an era that spanned over 30 years but times were changing, and we now expect more from the minds of our children.

This event at Petrie was marked in the local news in this undated article from 2006:

 

UNREFERENCED ARTICLE (POSSIBLY THE PINE RIVERS PRESS) – PRESCHOOL PARTIES

Petrie State Preschool celebrated its 21^st birthday on Friday night when past and present pupils, parents and staff gathered at the Young St premises. The preschool opened on July 23, 1984, with 43 children enrolled.

At the time, children went to preschool Monday to Friday, either in the morning or the afternoon.

Preschool aide Jenell Dabrowski was a foundation worker and remains on staff today.

“It was so exciting to help open a new centre (and) I have been so privileged to be doing something I love,” she said.

Mrs Dabrowski said it ws only outside school hours that she realised the impression she had made on her young charges.

“It is so rewarding when children and adults from 4-31 years come up to you when you’re out shopping, say hello and ask ‘are you still working at the preschool,” she said.

Mrs Dabrowski said she would be sad when preschool closed its door in 2006, but she looked forward to the new adventure of Prep in 2007.

Source: From the Collection of the Dabrowski Family.

 

2007: PREPARATORY YEAR BEGINS

 

THE PREP PRECINCT

Since the inception of Prep, Petrie State School can vary between 3 or 4 full classes of four and five year olds. Wearing full school uniform and integrating in many activities with the greater school community.

The original Preschool room was originally utilised as one of the first Prep rooms and was used for a couple of years in this way in conjunction with purpose build demountables.

 

[COMING SOON: MOURE ABOUT THE BUILDING OF THE PREP DEMOUNTABLES AND NEW PREP PLAYGROUND

 

2012: PREP INTERVIEWS

 

We are currently conducting Prep interviews for 2013 enrolments. Children born between 1 July 2007 and 30 June 2008 are eligible for Prep in 2013. If you have a child in this age group, please contact the office for an enrolment pack and interview time. If you have a friend or neighbour who has a child eligible for Prep but who may not realise we are currently taking enrolments, please encourage them to contact the office and enrol.

– Linley Greenland, Deputy Principal

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 14/12, 23 August 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2012: PREP INFORMATION EVENING

 

Parents of 2013 Prep students are invited to attend a Parent Information Session on Wednesday 24th October at 7.00 pm. This will be held in the Prep classrooms near the church in Wyllie St, and will be an opportunity to hear important information about the Prep program; hints on how to prepare your child to start school; and for parents ask any questions they may have about Prep.

– Linley Greenland, Deputy Principal

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 17/12, 11 October 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2012: PREP VOLUNTARY RESOURCE SCHEME

 

Book Packs for Years 1 to 7

The booklists have recently been finalised and will be forwarded to families in the very near future.

Families are not obliged to use the company selected, however careful consideration has gone into cost, durability and service as a whole package.

Prep will be offered the Voluntary Student Resource Scheme, the same as this year, which covers all possible resource needs of the student for the entire year.

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 17/12, 11 October 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2012: PREP FOR PREP PARENTS

 

Last night we held our Prep Information Evening for parents of students who will begin school in 2013.  This was an opportunity for parents to hear about what is involved in the Prep program, ask any questions they may have and meet with other parents who have children starting school. If you have a child starting next year but were unable to make it to last night’s program, please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any questions. Next week we will be holding open mornings from 9.00 am – 10.00 am on Monday and Friday for the children to visit and see some of the things that will happen at school.

– Linley Greenland, Deputy Principal

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 18/12, 25 October 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2013: PREP DOES NOT NEED A BOOKLIST

 

Book Packs for Years 1 to 7

The booklists have been finalised and will be forwarded to families with this newsletter.

Families are not obliged to use the company selected, however careful consideration has gone into cost, durability and service as a whole package.

Prep does not have a booklist and will be offered the Voluntary Student Resource Scheme, the same as this year, which covers all possible resource needs of the student for the entire year.

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 18/12, 25 October 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2012: PREP OPEN MORNINGS

 

… We have not sent out a booklist for students who will be in Prep. Instead, we are offering a Student Resource Scheme where the school will supply the required Prep items for parents who agree to be involved, and the parents will make payment to the school. Parents who choose not to be involved in this scheme will be provided with a list of requirements for Prep.

On Monday and Friday last week we held our Prep Open Mornings for students beginning Prep in 2013. It was wonderful to welcome these new children to the school, and to see how keen they are to be involved. One thing that was really obvious was how far our current Prep students have come in the short time they have been at school. Our Prep teachers do such a fantastic job, and I’m really proud of the Prep program we offer here at Petrie.

– Linley Greenland, Deputy Principal

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 19/12, 8 November 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2012: LETTERS SENT HOME ADVISING OF THEIR NEW PREP CLASS

 

Parents of Prep students for 2013 will receive a letter in the mail at the same time, advising them of their child’s Prep class for 2013.

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 21/12, 10 December 2012, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2013: INFORMATION NIGHTS ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION

 

In Week 3 we will be holding parent information evenings. Parents of students in Prep–Year 3 are invited to attend at 6.30 pm on Tuesday, 12 February; and parents of students in Years 4-7 are invited to attend at 6.30pm on Wednesday, 13 February. These evenings will be an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher in the classroom, where they will provide specific information about the program for your child’s class this year. It will also be a chance for parents to ask any relevant questions they may have. I would like to encourage all parents to attend. Please note that this is a general information evening for all parents. If you need an individual interview about your child, please make an appointment through the office to see your child’s teacher at a suitable time.

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 01/13, 31 January 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2013: THE FINANCIALS OF PREP

 

Reminder to all Prep parents – If you haven’t already completed a green “Participation Agreement” for the Voluntary Student Resource Scheme, please do so and return it to the office as soon as possible. It is important that you complete the form even if you do not wish to participate.

We understand that at various times families can find it very difficult to find the money to pay for their children to do all the activities offered. We are always willing to assist families in any way possible so that their child can have the best experience while attending Petrie SS. If any family is under financial difficulties please come and talk to me about arranging a payment plan.

Jody Lawton, Business Services Manager

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 01/13, 31 January 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2013: PREPS LEARN THE FOUNDATIONS OF LITERACY

 

Literacy is the ability to read, view, write, design, speak and listen in a way that allows us to communicate effectively and to make sense of the world. Recent media articles have referred to research indicating the benefits to students who consolidate and enhance their literacy skills in the home environment. With a small outlay of time and at little or no cost parents can make a significant difference to their children’s literacy.

Why is literacy important?

Literacy is vital to ensuring your child has the best chance to succeed in their schooling and everyday life. Literacy allows us to make sense of a range of written, visual and spoken texts including books, newspapers, magazines, timetables, DVDs, television and radio programs, signs, maps, conversations and instructions.

Prep students are involved in a rich variety of experiences to build their literacy. In Years 1 to 3 and beyond, children use language in increasingly complex and unfamiliar situations. They learn to use the language necessary for different purposes such as reading and writing stories, lists, recipes, reports and understanding charts and diagrams. Children will speak and write about real-life and imagined events and experiences and learn ways to improve their written work through drafting and editing.

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 04/13, 14 March 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2013: PREPS LEARN TO CONNECT NUMBERS

 

This term in Mathematics, Prep C have been learning to connect numbers with pictorial representations and number words.  We completed an Easter themed activity for numbers one to five this week that also saw us work on our scissor and colouring in skills.

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 05/13, 27 March 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2013: PREPS GET REPORT CARDS

 

The following scale will be used in Prep for reporting on student achievement in the Australian Curriculum subject areas of English, Mathematics, Science and History:

Becoming Aware (BA)
Exploring (EX)
Working With (WW)
Making Connections (MC)
Applying (AP)

The expected end-of-year standard for Prep is “Working With” (WW). As with other year levels, students who achieve “Exploring” (EX) at this stage of the year may well be on target to achieve “Working With” (WW) by the end of the year.

Prep teachers will use comments only to report on other areas of the Prep curriculum (Social and Personal Learning, Health and Physical Learning; and Active Learning Processes).

Parents are encouraged to speak to their child’s teacher if they have questions about reporting.

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 08/13, 29 May 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014

 

2013: PREPS CELEBRATE 100 DAYS OF LEARNING

 

On Wednesday the 17th of July Prep A celebrated their 100th day at school. With support from our wonderful parent volunteers the students participated in a variety of 100 themed activities. Some of our fun learning projects included: painting portraits of ourselves as 100 year olds, creating a paper chain 100 links long that we used for counting and measuring, stamping 100 gumballs into gumball machines, building Lego creations with 100 Lego blocks and reading 100th day stories.

 

We wrote about what we would do if we had $100 and decorated special glasses to wear with our 100 day badges. As part of our History curriculum we looked at photos to remind us how we looked on Day One when we first started Prep.

To finish our fabulous 100th day we shared a special cake made by Mrs Richards, one of our Prep A mums, and it was delicious!

Source: ‘Petrie Log’ Newsletter, 11/13, 24 July 2013, Petrie State School, http://www.petriess.eq.edu.au, Accessed 16 September 2014