We have had a busy couple of weeks as usual here at Scarborough PS. Please read below for some information on what has been happening and what we have to look forward to!
NAPLAN Online
We are one week into the two week NAPLAN testing period for 2019. 5 tests have so far been completed across years 3 and 5, with 3 further testing sessions scheduled for next week. It is the first time our school, along with the majority of other schools in the state, has accessed the testing through the online format.
I’m sure you have seen in the media reports of connectivity issues causing significant stress to students and staff administering the tests. Our experience here at Scarborough PS has been very positive. Whilst we suffered some minor loss of connectivity that lasted for a few seconds here and there, these glitches did not seem to cause any undue stress or worry to students. These minor disruptions have been far outweighed by the benefits of the testing being so much more engaging for students than the written format and the fact that online testing allows for differentiation in the questions given to individual students depending on how they are progressing during the test. These two factors in themselves make the online format less stressful and more meaningful for our students. They will also help to provide more meaningful data to support schools in developing the best programs to ensure student progress.
Several times these weeks I have reflected on how our students, being digital natives who have grown up in the technological era, probably coped better than many of the adults involved with implementing this new initiative. Whilst there are clearly a few bugs to be ironed out before next year, it is a format that I hope the Department will choose to continue with moving forward.
The Fathering Project
Below in this newsletter our wonderful chaplain, Will Veldman, has outlined some information on the Fathering Project, an initiative that we are hoping to facilitate the engagement of our families in. Please take the time to read it. An information session has been organised where interested dads can meet up at Doubleview Bowling Club at 7.00pm on Wednesday June 12 to learn more about the project and how it could benefit themselves, their families and our community. If you are interested in attending and would like some more information, please let Will know either in person or via the front office. There is a link in Will’s article below to register for the event.
Bikes and Scooters Before and After School
Just a reminder to all that bikes and scooters should not be ridden inside the school grounds before and after school. Whilst we encourage students to be active and walk/ride/scoot to school, for safety reasons, we ask that they walk their vehicles once inside school grounds. On arrival at school, students bringing their bikes and scooters should walk them through the school grounds and immediately park them in the racks provided. They should then head directly to the undercover area if arriving before 8:35am or straight to their classrooms if arriving after 8:35am.
Can I also please remind students that under no circumstances should they be taking bikes or scooters that belong to other people to play on before or after school. We have had a few incidents where such behaviour has resulted in worry to students and their families and in one case damage to a vehicle. We would like your assistance to avoid any more instances like this in the future
Sarah Dawson
Principal
