Dear Middle Loop Learners & Families,

As the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible partnership we’ve shared with you in supporting our learners' growth and success. Your encouragement and involvement in their learning journey have been invaluable, and for that, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.

The holiday season offers us all a chance to pause, recharge, and connect with our loved ones. We hope your break is filled with joyful moments, laughter, and a sense of peace that carries you into the new year. Whether you're traveling, staying close to home, or simply enjoying a slower pace, we wish you a restful and meaningful time with your family.

As we prepare for an exciting second half of the school year, we are eager to see what new milestones and accomplishments await. Until then, take this time to celebrate, relax, and enjoy the season.

Thank you for being an integral part of our school community. We look forward to welcoming you and your children back in the new year, ready for more learning, growth, and discovery!

Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season and a fantastic New Year from all of us in the Middle Loop Team!

                            Learner Focus Meetings (every week)

This week’s photo captures a powerful moment of teamwork and dedication during a Learner Focus Meeting. Our Learning Designers came together to share insights, strategies, and observations about how best to support and motivate our learners.

With a shared goal of meeting each learner’s unique needs, the team engaged in meaningful discussions from multiple perspectives, brainstorming ways to inspire growth and unlock potential. By pooling our expertise and experiences, we’re better equipped to ensure that every learner feels seen, supported, and challenged.

What makes these meetings so impactful is the collaborative spirit they embody. Since we’re all teaching the same learners, this exchange of ideas not only strengthens individual teaching approaches but also reinforces a unified, learner-centered approach to education.

Moments like these remind us that teaching is a shared journey, and together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of our learners. Here’s to the power of teamwork and the collective commitment to helping our learners thrive!

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Building Foundations | Executive Functioning

For our last professional learning day on Friday 22 November, we had Dr. David Mannell facilitate Mind Brain Education workshops for the staff. One of the key messages he shared with us was centered around Executive Functioning. Below is a summary of how vital Executive Functioning is for learning as our brains develop during these informative years to adulthood.

Building Strong Foundations: The Role of Executive Function in Learning

Executive function skills are often described as the "air traffic control" system of the brain. These skills—including working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control—are essential for managing emotions, staying organized, setting goals, and adapting to new challenges. They are the foundation of lifelong learning and success.

At VERSO, we recognize the critical role of executive function in every learner's journey. Developing these skills is woven into our educational approach, ensuring learners are not only equipped to excel academically but also prepared to navigate the complexities of life beyond school.

Here are some ways we foster executive function skills at VERSO:

1. Goal-Setting and Reflection
   Learners regularly set personal and academic goals, reflect on their progress, and celebrate their growth. This process encourages self-awareness and accountability, two key aspects of executive function.

2. Project-Based Learning (PBL)
   PBL naturally nurtures planning, organization, and problem-solving. As learners work on long-term projects, they learn to manage time, collaborate with peers, and adapt to feedback—skills that strengthen cognitive flexibility and resilience.

3. Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation
   Through mindfulness practices and SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) activities, learners learn to manage their emotions, focus their attention, and respond thoughtfully to challenges.

4. Learning Labs and Scaffolding
   In our Learning Labs, learners engage in structured yet flexible activities that gradually build their ability to work independently, make decisions, and persevere through challenges.

5. Integrated Feedback and Support
   Our Learning Designers work closely with learners to provide tailored feedback, helping them understand their strengths and areas for growth. This builds self-confidence and the ability to set and achieve realistic goals.

By intentionally nurturing executive function skills, we empower learners to take charge of their learning, make informed decisions, and tackle complex challenges with confidence. At VERSO, we’re not just teaching content—we’re equipping learners with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

 

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Tech Use| A Force for Good

Last week, our Middle Loop Assembly centered around an important and timely topic: Responsible Device Use. With technology playing such a significant role in our learners' lives, we want to ensure they understand how to use it thoughtfully and purposefully to support their learning and well-being.

During the assembly, we explored how technology can be a powerful tool for growth, creativity, and connection when used responsibly. Learners reflected on the importance of maintaining a healthy balance, using devices to enhance learning, and being mindful of their digital habits. Together, we discussed practical strategies for staying focused, managing screen time, and ensuring technology serves as a force for good in their lives.

We also took this opportunity to celebrate the ways learners are already using technology positively—whether it’s researching for projects, collaborating with peers, or exploring their interests through creative outlets.

This is just the beginning of an ongoing conversation. In January, we will hold another assembly to revisit and reinforce these key messages, ensuring our learners stay on track in developing healthy and productive digital habits.

We are deeply grateful for your partnership in guiding learners to use technology responsibly. Your support in encouraging a balanced approach at home complements what we’re working to instill at school. Together, we can empower our learners to harness the potential of technology while staying grounded in healthy, purposeful practices.

Thank you for joining us in this important effort! We look forward to continuing this journey together.

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Explore Project I DJ 

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Thank You Student Council

Thank You, Student Council, for Toasting Our Community!

A huge shoutout and heartfelt thanks to our amazing Student Council for organizing last Friday’s Cheese and Ham Toastie event! It was a delicious success that truly brought our community together. A big shout-out to JC for organizing and leading this initiative!

The smell of freshly toasted sandwiches and the smiles on everyone’s faces reminded us of the simple joy of sharing good food and good company.

The Student Council worked hard to plan, prepare, and serve these tasty treats, all while fostering a sense of connection and camaraderie among learners and staff.

Events like these highlight the power of small gestures in building a vibrant and supportive school culture. Thank you, Student Council, for your creativity, teamwork, and dedication to making VERSO a place where everyone feels welcomed and connected.

We can’t wait to see what you cook up next! 

A Big Thank You to Shanna for an Amazing Floor Hockey Event!

Last week’s Floor Hockey House Event was a smashing success, and we owe a huge thanks to Shanna, our incredible Well-Being Learning Designer, for organizing this fantastic opportunity.

The event was filled with energy, excitement, and lots of cheering as learners rallied behind their teams and showed off their skills on the floor. Events like this do so much more than provide fun—they strengthen friendships, foster team spirit, and create a positive vibe around healthy competition.

Thank you, Shanna, for your effort and enthusiasm in making this happen! Your dedication to creating meaningful and enjoyable experiences for our learners is so appreciated. Here’s to more moments of connection and friendly competition! 

We have one more week left of school and we hope you can join us for the WinterFest on Friday 13 December. If we don't get a chance to see you before then, have a lovely holiday break and we look forward to connecting again in the New Year.

ML Team

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Save The Dates

11 December: Coffee Morning: Performing Arts at VERSO

13 December: WinterFest 2024 (12:00pm-3:00pm)

16-27 December: International Basketball Winter Camp

7 January: Back to School

14 January: C5-6 ShowTime

15-17 January: School Photo Days

24 January: Lunar New Year @ VERSO

1, 8-9 February: VERSO HACK 2025