Newhaven College encourages outstanding reading habits by awarding students who have excelled in reading. With Head of Junior School Cath Huther and Principal Tony Corr are outstanding readers, Jude Brown (Year 1), Kiela Dennis (Year 3), Ruby Pirouet (Year 4) and Vincent Manias (Year 2).
Prep Sunny Jose was presented with her reading folder, and congratulated by Principal Tony Corr, while proud dad Jai watched on.
Prep Asha Dillon shares her reading folder with mum Denise. They are ready to read at home to support Asha's daily learnings at school.
Prep Sunny Jose and her dad Jai enjoyed the Prep Reading Party to celebrate and learn more about the home reading program.
Prep Luca Canil enjoyed sharing his reading progress and showing off his classroom with mum Nicola.
Prep Alison Gupta and mum Priyanka concentrate on learning about the importance of home reading to support the school curriculum.
Last week, Preps at Newhaven College celebrated a significant milestone with the presentation of reading folders, marking the beginning of their path to becoming proficient readers.
Families joined the celebration, participating in reading sessions and Principal Tony Corr was present to congratulate each student on their achievements so far.
Cath Huther, Head of Junior School said the College's Junior School teachers have engaged in professional development opportunities.
"Some valuable changes in reading instruction have been implemented, and we are incredibly pleased with the results," she said.
At the beginning of the year, Nathaniel Swain joined the entire Newhaven College educational staff for a professional learning day focused on aligning literacy from Prep to Year 12, emphasising the Science of Learning.
Nathaniel, from La Trobe University, has been involved in developing structured literacy resources and professional development with focuses on explicit instruction, cognitive load theory, and effective literacy interventions to support teachers and students.
The Science of Reading program at Newhaven College is built on the latest research to ensure that all students receive the highest-quality literacy instruction.
The College said this evidence-based approach "focuses on teaching essential reading skills and offers effective strategies for helping children learn to read. It also provides guidance on how to support students who may struggle with reading along the way".
A significant flow-on effect from this program has been families actively supporting their children's reading development through tailored take-home reading folders.
Cath Huther is impressed with students' progress so far.
"We are proud to announce that last week we awarded reading certificates to students who have displayed consistent reading habits at home throughout Term One.
"These certificates are awarded each term, and our goal is to increase this percentage each term — ultimately aiming for 100 per cent of our students receiving reading awards.
"We are thrilled to see nightly reading habits flourishing at home, knowing they will make a big difference in students' reading development.
"Our ultimate aim is simple: to ensure that every child at Newhaven College learns to read and reads well, while also developing a love of literature and a lifelong passion for learning," she said.
Learn more about Newhaven College's Prep program at the upcoming Prep Information Morning on Tuesday, April 29.
For more information, visit the Newhaven College website: 'Book A Tour', or contact admissions@newhavencol.vic.edu.au
