YUMI College News TAGAI STATE COLLEGE

Literacy – Multi-Tiered Systems of Support

I am thrilled to share remarkable news about our progress in enhancing literacy skills through the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) at Waybeni Buway Ngurpay Mudh (WBNM).

Over the past year, we dedicated ourselves to improving literacy outcomes, especially for Prep to Year 2 students, through targeted interventions. Through the outstanding work of our MTSS design team, led by the brilliant Deb Calder, and the unwavering support of Tamara Taumafai, we were able to devise a comprehensive and personalised system that addressed the unique needs of each student.

From the initial 38 students at WBNM requiring interventions, 21 have successfully reached their literacy goals and no longer need support. This success is a testament to our staff’s dedication and the effectiveness of the MTSS program.

Our teaching staff played a crucial role, delivering interventions that empowered students to overcome challenges and develop a love for learning. These positive outcomes are also evident at our outer island campuses.

I extend my gratitude to parents and guardians for your unwavering support. Together, we are rewriting the history of education in the Torres Strait. Moving forward, we will build on this success and continue refining our MTSS program to meet student needs. Our commitment to providing a high-quality education remains steadfast.

I am immensely proud of our students’ growth and progress. Thank you for being part of this journey with us as we pursue educational excellence.

Suberia Bowie Principal Project Manager

Attending school every day is so important to our students’ learning and getting a good education. Some of the other benefits of attending school every day for students are:

- they make friends

- they are happier

-they have a brighter future

The Queensland government law states that all children of school age must attend school unless they have a reasonable excuse. Reasonable excuse can be illness, doing work experience or competing in school sporting events etc. Avoid keeping your child from school for birthdays, Cairns show days, shopping, visiting family and friends, looking after other children etc.

The infographic shows that missing out several days a fortnight can have a big impact on your child’s learning.

Contact your school for help if you are struggling to get your student to school.

Reading for enjoyment at home

I applaud the efforts of our dedicated teachers and teacher aides at each campus, who strive to instil a love for reading in our students. I would like to encourage you to join in this journey at home!

Remember, it’s all about having fun reading together!

Reading with your children for enjoyment accelerates their reading performance. As Dr. Seuss famously said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Just ten minutes a day spent reading with your child will have a profound impact on their development.

Let’s embark on this adventure together!

School & region Review

I am excited to inform you that the School Review will take place between Monday 14th and Friday 18th August, covering all campuses. This review aims to monitor and support school performance through administration of school reviews. Parent feedback is essential for the comprehensive report using the National School Improvement Tool which cover 9 domains.

Please schedule a time to meet with the review committee by contacting your Head of Campus. Your participation is crucial in helping us enhance the learning experience for our students. Together, we can ensure continuous improvement and provide the best education for our children.

Mabuygiw Ngurpay Lag

Head of Campus

Tanya McGaughey

Term 1 Attendance - 47 Students Enrolled

Current 79% (37 Students)

Target Goal 90% (42 Students)

Literacy

We have recently completed some reading testing and have been so happy to see many children improving. Our younger students have been focussed on decoding (sounding out) new words and reading simple sentences. As students gain more confidence and learn more sounds, one of the goals is to improve their fluency when reading.

We have all been working on persuasive writing about taking better care of our environment.

Positive Culture for Learning

Week 3 – I am a PROUD LEARNER – I am a good team member.

Our Positive Culture for Learning focus was especially valuable last week, as we held our Fun Sports Day on Friday 28th July.

Students practised relays during play time in the lead up to our Fun Sports Day. We have been talking about the importance of working together as a team and supporting and encouraging one another.

Kadhego

Ngurpay Lag

Head of Campus

Michael Richards

Term 1 Attendance - 76 Students Enrolled

Current 78.6% (59 students)

Target Goal 90% (69 Students)

Literacy

Students at Kadhego Ngurpay Lag have continued to excel in their reading. Last week, Teachers met with the Head of Campus to discuss student improvement and it was exciting to see that students had made significant gains in their reading and spelling with many students ‘closing the gap’ in their reading outcomes in Semester 1, 2023.

In our Woerab Class, Tiyaree, Shan, Adeyoola and Jehu participated in our Tagai Readers Cup Challenge. Students are asked to read a chapter book over several weeks and then answer questions to score points. They compete with other Tagai State College campus teams with the top 4 teams flying into Thursday Island to compete in the Grand Finial. Our Kadhego team is currently in 3rd place. Congratulations to our Kadhego Readers Cup team and good luck for Round 3.

During Lunch time, Mrs Whelan and Miss Waia have been opening the library and have coordinated our student’s participation in the Premiers Reading Challenge. Kadhego Ngurpay Lag has 26 students participating in the Premiers Reading Challenge. On parade on Friday 14th July, students participating received certificates and prizes for being half-way through the challenge. Congratulations to all students!

Positive Culture for Learning

At Kadhego Ngurpay Lag our students regularly learn our Tagai State College Expectations: We are Proud Learners, We are Safe, We are Respectful and We are Responsible.

Community members on Saibai may noticed our new expectation songs beautifully mounted in the front office. Koeyma Eso to our Groundsman Mr. Gibia for doing a wonderful job of displaying our new signs in our reception area.

This fortnight, students are learning how to Be Safe by ‘wearing safe clothing at the right time’. We are focusing on wearing hats on the oval and when outside. Families can buy reversible sports / school hats at the front office for $30. We also have spare hats that students can borrow up to twice a week if they accidently forget their hat.

Hazel and Jordan did a wonderful job of showing us how to wear hats during our PCL Lesson this fortnight.

Great Northern Clean Up

Last term, the campus helped with the Great Northern Clean-Up, this was held in the community. Students did a fantastic job of getting involved and working hard to help take care of our island. It was also a great way to launch our learning at school about sustainability.

Naidoc Day

On Thursday 13th July, Kadhego Ngurpay Lag joined with GBK and other stakeholders on Saibai Island to help celebrate NAIDOC Day. Staff and Students joined together in marching, singing and dancing at the Community Hall to thank our Elders for their contribution to education on Saibai Island. Thank-you GBK and all stakeholders for inviting our students to be part of this special day.

Farewell Mr Richards

Lastly, as Head of Campus at Kadhego Ngurpay Lag, I would like to extend a Koeyma Eso to all families, staff, community members and most importantly our students for an incredible 3 years. I have been blessed with the opportunity to lead Kadhego Ngurpay Lag during this time and have enjoyed working with community to further reflect Saibai Island traditional culture at our campus.

As my final day as Head of Campus nears, I would like to wish all community, staff, students and families the very best for the future as the campus continues to ensure a Saibai Kulai; Saibai First approach to education on Saibai!

Keoyma Eso – Mr. Richards