Things returning to ‘normal’
As we head into Week 5 of the term, there is a sense that things are slowly returning to some kind of normal. It’s been lovely to feel our strong sense of community returning as we welcome parents and carers to join us for school assemblies, our recent cross country carnival and Mother’s Day Breakfast. At present, our students are busy preparing for Star Struck 2022, planning is underway for our 3 day Stage 3 Excursion in October and a Stage 1 excursion to Hunter Valley Zoo later this term, the Premier’s debating challenge has commenced and there are several other sporting opportunities planned for later this term. Either way, all of these extra-curricular activities are good for our students and help us connect better with our families. We hope that both the students and our families are enjoying each of these opportunities as they arise.
Reconciliation Week
There are a number of significant dates for our nation coming up which help us to pause and recognise the contributions and also the many challenges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have faced throughout Australia’s History.
The first of these is National Sorry Day. National Sorry Day takes place on Thursday 26 May and was first observed in 1998 a year after the ‘Bringing them Home’ report was brought before the parliament (the result of a government inquiry into the stolen generations). Following this in 2008, Prime Minister Rudd offered an unreserved apology to Aboriginal Australians which resonated in the hearts of us all.
On Thursday we remember the mistreatment of the country's Indigenous peoples, as part of an ongoing process of reconciliation between the Indigenous peoples of Australia and the rest of the population.
At school, teachers will mark the date by ensuring that our students understand the circumstances that contributed to the ‘Bringing them Home’ report and the National apology. Following this is ‘National Reconciliation Week’ from the 26 May – 3 June. National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
We look forward to diving into our history and sharing the stories with the students over the course of this week. Perhaps it is something that you would be willing to discuss with your children over the dinner table this coming week. If you would like to read more, please visit: Home - Reconciliation Australia
NAPLAN Online
The NAPLAN online assessments for Years 3 and 5 are now complete. Because these assessments are now largely delivered online, the coordination of this in a school is a huge logistical challenge. My sincere thanks to Mr Semmens for not only coordinating NAPLAN online, but for his excellent problem-solving on the run and his support of the staff and students as NAPLAN has progressed. Well done Mr Semmens!
Congratulations also to the students for applying themselves diligently to do their best in each assessment. For now, we wait for the results to be finalised and to be shared with families and schools.
LHS e3 Placement Test and CAPA Auditions – Yr 7 2023
Good luck to our Year 6 students this week who have chosen to audition for the CAPA Drama/Music Programs at LHS in 2023 and/or those that will sit the e3 Placement test this week. We wish you all the best.
Have a great week.
David Holland