Dear Parents/Caregivers,
PUPIL FREE DAYS
GOVERNING COUNCIL HAS ENDORSED 2 PUPIL FREE DAYS
FOR CURRICULUM DESIGNING AND PLANNING.
DATES OF PUPIL FREE DAYS ARE:
FRIDAY JUNE 11TH (FRIDAY BEFORE LONG WEEKEND IN TERM 2)
AND
MONDAY 19TH JULY (FIRST DAY OF TERM 3).
GOVERNING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP
Congratulations to our new Governing Council for 2021. The new Governing Council met for the first time this week. All the office bearers and sub-committee representatives were chosen.
Congratulations and a big thank you to the following office bearers and representatives:
Chairperson – Amber Pellerin
Deputy Chairperson – Rachel Peake
Secretary – Yvette Eglinton
Treasurer/Finance – Melissa Vlachos
Assets and Grounds – Sally Matthews
Canteen – Gaylene Clark
Education – Nikki Dopson
Fundraising – Melissa Vlachos
OSHC – Aimie O'Brien and Yvette Eglinton
Sport – Melissa Vlachos
Uniform – Rachel Peake
Other reps – Claire Boardman, Jessica Chaplin, Tracey Dettmer, and Leanne Craig.
Any items, issues or queries for Governing Council can be raised either through the front office or the school’s email address marked ATTENTION GOVERNING COUNCIL.
EXTERNAL SCHOOL REVIEW
Last week we participated in a two day External School Review. A review panel came into the school and looked at how we manage our learning programs, how we create and implement learning improvement processes and how the school learning culture is developed and nurtured. Almost all staff and some of our students and parents were also involved in conversations with the panel about these processes. We received very positive feedback about all aspects of our work and our personnel at all levels were commended for their knowledge and articulate conversations showing a strong and supportive understanding of our work. This is a big thank you to all students, staff and parents who participated. The official report should be available on the website early next term. It will include some directions for our next 3 years. This is an expectation of all schools at the conclusion of their reviews. Our next review is expected to be in 2024.
NAPLAN
In Term 2 in Weeks 3 and 4, (starting May 11th), we will be participating in the NAPLAN testing program. All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to participate in NAPLAN tests. NAPLAN tests give you information on how your child is progressing against national standards. This information can be used to identify areas in which your child may benefit from additional assistance. NAPLAN does not replace, but rather complements assessments run by your child's classroom teacher throughout the year. NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students have already learnt through the school curriculum. Teachers will ensure that students are familiar with the test formats and will provide appropriate support and guidance. Excessive preparation is not useful and can lead to unnecessary anxiety.
NAPLAN tests are constructed to give students an opportunity to demonstrate skills they have learnt over time through the school curriculum, and NAPLAN test days should be treated as just another routine event on the school calendar. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to reassure them that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program, and to advise them to simply do the best they can on the day. A nutritious breakfast each day and a good night’s sleep will also help them do their best.
ACARA does not recommend the use of commercial products, such as booklets and practice tests, to help your child prepare for NAPLAN tests. None of the commercial products currently on the market were endorsed by ACARA. The use of services by coaching providers is not recommended.
This year, we will again be participating in NAPLAN online and there will be a national practice test next Thursday. This practice is not to test student learning, but rather to test that our electronic devices and the online platform are ready and capable both across Australia and within our site.
If you have any questions about your child's preparation for NAPLAN, please make a time to speak with your child's teacher. Further information can also be found at www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support.
IRISH DANCING PERFORMANCE
It was St Patrick’s Day on Wednesday this week and we were very lucky to have a free performance by the students of the Newry Studio of Irish Dancing. They were excellent and our students and staff all enjoyed it. Special congratulations to Grace from 3N who was part of the performing group.
With regards,
Anne Rathjen
Principal