Term One is always a busy term for staff as they get to know the students in their
classes and establish their routines for the year. Teachers conduct many
learning assessments, to build their understanding of individual student need
which in turn supports their planning and teaching focus. Teachers are supported
in the delivery of programs and adjustments by a team of experienced Teacher
Assistants. Currently we have 19 Teacher Assistants employed across the K-6
classes.

Learning Plan Meetings
Sacred Heart is an inclusive school community, welcoming and supporting
students with diverse social, emotional, and academic needs. School staff work
collaboratively with families and specialist services to support both neurotypical
and neurodiverse students. We support students with a range of disabilities and
incorporate adjustments and recommendations as part of NCCD requirements
into student learning plans. Staff regularly attend Professional learning
opportunities to broaden their knowledge of disability and to ensure adjustments
and programs reflect evidence-based research and best practice.
Over the last three weeks, over 60 families have attended individual learning plan
meetings. Attended by parents, the class teacher, myself and in some cases
specialist support providers, these reflect the positive partnership and
collaboration that occurs at Sacred Heart. Our goal is the same, and that is for
each student to achieve the best possible outcomes, celebrating their unique gifts
and equipping them with the skills to function successfully in life. At the
conclusion of these meetings, Teachers will be provided with some release time
to finalise these learning plans. These will be sent home for parents to review
and sign.

Speech News
The Tasmanian Catholic Education Office provides speech support for students
in kindergarten through to the end of Year Two. To be eligible for this support,
students must meet strict criteria and demonstrate articulation difficulties that are
not age appropriate. Conditions such as stuttering or myofunctional disorders
such as a tongue thrust disorder are treated independently by a Speech
Pathologist.
Speech Screeners have now been completed with all kinder students and any
new students in the P-2 area identified by teachers. These screeners are sent to
Hobart and reviewed by a team of Speech Pathologists. Eligible students are
funded for a speech assessment and school-based speech program.

Parents will be notified once this information has been communicated to the
school.

Lee McCormack
Student Support Coordinator