Deputy Principal's Updates:
Another Crazy Week!!
Congratulations everyone on surviving another crazy week. It doesn't seem to matter what they throw at us we continue to do the best we can for all involved. Well done teachers for sending out work, at short notice. Well done parents for supporting your children in their learning. And a big well done to our amazing students who took it all in their stride, especially our Foundation students who had only been at school for a total of 8 days. Great effort everyone!!
Naplan Testing Dates
At this stage Naplan will take place this year in May for all students in Years 3 and 5. The test will cover areas of Literacy (Language Conventions, Writing and Reading) and Numeracy. If you do not wish for your child to participate in these tests please speak to either myself, the classroom teacher or David.
More details will follow in the next few newsletters.
Staff Professional Development
This year all staff are engaging in some professional development using the text 'Clarity' by Lyn Sharratt. This text weaves together theory and evidence based practices while focussing on student data to improve achievement. Staff will partake in a number of meetings, including twilight sessions ran by Karen Crennan, a consultant who I have had the pleasure of working with in the past. We look forward to sharing some insights in to our learning with the school community.
Open Nights
This year the school will be holding two 'Open Classroom Nights' for parents to attend to meet their child's teacher and to view some of their work in the classroom.
These will be held on Tuesday 2nd March from 3.30 -6.00 pm for families with the surname A-K and Wednesday 3rd March from 3.30-6.00 pm for families with the surname L-Z. (pending restrictions etc). More information will be put on PAM or via email before the dates.
F-2 Testing
A requirement of Catholic Education is all students in Foundation-Two participate in literacy testing twice a year for data purposes. This happens in February/March and Term Four.
The teachers are also able to use this information to support your child/ren in their literacy learning. This testing may mean your child's teacher is out of the class for a number of days completing this process. If you have any queries please see/email your child's teacher or myself.
Life Education Visit
Three lucky classes got to experience Life Education before the sudden lockdown took place. The rest of the school will participate in the coming weeks (22nd Feb, 10 March, 17 March). The parent info session (30 mins) is available for any interested parents on Monday 22nd February in the Learning Centre at 9am. If you are attending please wear a mask :)
Book Covering
Thank you to our amazing helpers who assisted in covering over 100 books which are now ready for the students to use. A big thanks to Tammy, Kirsten, Julie, Brooke, Nicole, Glenda, Sheena and Mary...you are wonderful! My apologies if I forgot anyone.
Zooper Doopers Available
Zooper doopers will once again be available to purchase during this term. They will be sold for 50 cents and parents will be notified which days they will be available (these days will vary depending on weather/temperature etc). They have been a hit so far!
I'm taking some Long Service Leave over the next few weeks. My husband and I were meant to travel to Egypt last year until co-vid messed that up, so now we are off on the Ghan train to see the sights of Central Australia. It won't quite be the same as seeing the pyramids and travelling down the Nile River but Ayers Rock and Katherine Gorge are a pretty good consolation prize. I might send through a few pics if I remember.
See you in a few weeks.
Stay safe everyone,
Maree