Upcoming events

We hope to see lots of parents in the school for the last week of Term 1 as we undertake our Cross Country events (Prep – Year 2 Wed 2 April) and (Year 3 to Year 6: Thurs 3 April) and our Easter Hat Parade for Prep to Year 2 students on the last day of Term 1 (4 April). The Prep to Year 2 students will also participate in a school disco on this day. Students in Prep to Year 2 are encouraged to make an Easter Hat at home and bring to school on Fri 4 April. This event will start at 8.45am and will be held on our oval. Parents are welcome to attend and are encouraged to bring along a chair for their comfort when watching the Easter Hat Parade.

Parent-Teacher Interviews

Parents are invited to attend two formal progress interviews with class teachers each year. It is encouraged that parents attend these in order to spend time with class teachers to allow them to share with you, your child’s progress towards goals and how you can assist with reinforcing learning at home. Our teachers put significant thought and time into planning for these progress meetings and it is a valuable opportunity for you both to spend some uninterrupted time discussing your child’s learning needs and celebrating their achievements for Term 1.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) – P&C

Next Wednesday (26 March) at 5:30pm our P&C Association will host the AGM for 2025. This meeting is a great opportunity to hear from our P&C Executive team regarding the achievements made for 2024 and our next steps for 2025. The results of the digital survey in relation to P&C project support will be available for discussion at the general meeting that will follow the AGM. Being a member of the P&C Association provides you with a deeper insight into the school’s annual plans and also provides you with an opportunity to have input into your child’s future. By attending the AGM, you will be able to sign on for 2025 membership.

Curriculum Focus: What is Systematic Synthetic Phonics?

In response to enhanced research around the teaching of reading, recent changes have been made to the Australian Curriculum and a focus on Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) instruction.

Systematic Synthetic Phonics is a structured approach to teaching reading and spelling. It focuses on teaching students the relationships between letters and sounds in a specific sequence. Through this method, students learn to decode (read) and encode (spell) words by blending individual sounds (phonemes) to form words. This approach has been widely endorsed by educational experts for its effectiveness in helping children become confident readers and writers.

The Australian Curriculum and Phonics Instruction

The Australian Curriculum lays out clear expectations for literacy development across the early years of schooling. Phonics instruction is a key component, as research consistently shows that strong phonics skills are crucial for developing reading fluency and comprehension. Systematic instruction ensures that phonics is taught in a structured, logical sequence, which helps children master the foundational skills they need for reading success.

To support our students in their phonics learning journey, Sunshine Beach State School uses the PLD (Promoting Literacy Development) program from Prep to Year 6. PLD is an evidence-based, comprehensive teaching resource that focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics and early literacy skills. It is designed to be explicit, systematic and tailored to meet the needs of all learners. The program is fun, engaging and aligns with the Australian Curriculum’s literacy goals. It equips our students with the skills and confidence to become fluent readers and writers who can engage with the world around them.

How you can support your child:

You can help reinforce your child’s phonics learning at home by:

• Reading together regularly: Share books that focus on phonics patterns and sounds.
• Encouraging sound recognition: Play games that involve identifying sounds and blending sounds in words.
• Celebrating progress: Acknowledge your child’s efforts and successes in phonics to boost their confidence.

If you have any questions about the Australian Curriculum, phonics instruction, or the PLD program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Lisa Cutter (Acting Principal)