A note from Mr Jackson

Three Way Conferences

A special thanks to teachers, students and parents who gathered on Monday this week to discuss each student’s learning. Such experiences encourage students to develop their reflective and evaluative skills. Learning becomes greater than simply knowing information and has the potential to be transformative. Professor John Hattie identifies "student self-reporting as the most significant indicator linked to raised student achievement." Monday will continue to see interpreters onsite to support students and families as they celebrate the value of such reporting practices.

NAIDOC Experiences

A special thanks to all who shared in celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures last week during our NAIDOC Week. The highlight for many was being welcomed to country by Perry Wandin, a Wurundjeri Woiwurung elder. A smoking ceremony provided a glimpse into one of the oldest living cultures on the planet. It was remarkable that Perry shared his history with students explaining that he was a descendant  of William Barak!

ICAS Invitations

Information on how to participate in the Science, English and/or Mathematics ICAS Assessments are located in this newsletter. These standardised online assessments provide an opportunity for students who wish to be extended and challenged in these curriculum areas. Please make sure that those who are interested are signed up online by 31 July. The assessments are scheduled during school time, supervised by teachers and will take place in August. 

Leadership Ceremony

Classes have been exploring the importance of student leadership this week with the nomination of Junior School Council Representatives and Sustainability Agents. All are invited to join us for the Leadership Assembly on Friday 28 July where our new student leaders will be presented with their leadership badges. We are eager to start the ceremony as soon as we can after lunch at 2:30pm. This will be followed by an afternoon tea for our student leaders and for the families of our new leaders.

Disco Moves Invited on Friday Next Week

For those who love a night out with fun games, loud music and lights, the FORPS Disco will be a highlight of Term 3. Make sure that you read the information in this newsletter and the next to ensure not only that your child/ren can come along but that they are dropped off, and picked up safely.

Fair Volunteers

A special thanks for the warm response from parents and carers in reply to the call out for volunteers. It was great to have a number of people raise their hands in support of the big day in November. Please continue to seek how you can support this important event.

Changes in Staffing

A special welcome to Eli Phillips who has joined our staff this term as Learning Specialist. He will be supporting students on the Tutor program, as well as collaborating to continue to shape our learning culture. You will catch him in 56D on Mondays and in and out of classrooms the following days. I encourage you to make him welcome over the coming weeks.