FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.
Winston Churchill
To the St Nicholas School Community
TERM 3 - WEEK 3
St Nicholas School's learning culture requires staff to be data informed as learning data is used for so many reasons, some being:
- Accountability of student learning
- Evidence of impact of pedagogy
- Determining what the child needs to focus on next
- Determining what adult learning will have the greatest impact on student learning outcomes.
Just as importantly, when our learning data tells a story of success, we stop and celebrate. We celebrate great learning with our students, celebrate great teaching and learning with our staff and celebrate with our school community.
Below is some reading data which I am delighted to share with you:
Tables 1A and 1B illustrate St Nicholas' PM Benchmark reading levels at the conclusion of Term 2 for 2019-2021. 2021 is by far the most impressive data. Not only are the 2021 averages (Table 1A) higher, the number of students reaching a target is higher (Table 1B).
End of Term 2 PM Level Grade Average | |||
TABLE 1A | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
Kinder | 2.55 | 1.67 | 3.67 |
Year 1 | 12.89 | 12.27 | 13.98 |
Year 2 | 20.81 | 18.88 | 21 |
Year 3 | 26.07 | 24.67 | 25.78 |
End of Term 2 | ||||
TABLE 1B | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
Kinder | Number of students PM Level 3 or above | 28 | 14 | 45 |
Year 1 | Number of students PM Level 12 or above | 42 | 46 | 50 |
Year 2 | Number of students PM Level 19 or above | 55 | 38 | 63 |
Year 3 | Number of students PM Level 26 or above | 54 | 34 | 60 |
Importantly, due to quality professional development in Term 1 on PM running records and moderation now consistently taking place, our 2021 data is by far the most accurate representation of each student's PM reading level.
Tier 2 Intervention for Reading: Learning Leaps for Reading
Term 2: Weeks 1-5 | ||
Grade | No. of Students | 5 Week growth |
Yr 1 | 57 (Every student not on MiniLit) |
|
Yr 3 | 38 |
Note: The 24 Year 3 students who were targeted for all Term 1 and the first 5 weeks of Term 2 have grown on average 5.4 PM levels |
Term 2: Weeks 6-9 | ||
Grade | No. of Students | 4 week growth |
Kinder | 65 | The 65 targeted Kindergarten students grew on average 2.1 PM levels in 4 weeks. Note: The 65 targeted students have an average PM level of 4.7 (compared to the whole Kindergarten cohort average of 3.67) |
Yr 1 | 57 | The 57 targeted students grew an average of 1.9 PM levels in 4 weeks Note: The 57 Year 1 students who were targeted for all Term 2 have grown on average 6.5 PM levels in 9 weeks. The 57 targeted Year 1 students have an average PM level of 17.5 (compared to for the entire Year 1 cohort average of 13.98) |
Some fascinating qualitative data that was relayed during Term 2 came from one of St Nicholas School's office staff. Before 2021 she reported up to 10 children each morning were reporting to the front office to use their asthma ventolins. During 2021, with a far tighter literacy block, it was now very rare for a child to come to the office looking for their ventolin in the morning. This could suggest our students are now far more engaged in their learning.
Staff have reported that the decision for Conservatorium of Music lessons not to run during the English block on a Monday - Thursday has reduced disruptions.
SOCIAL MEDIA
One of the great concerns our parents and school share, is the increasing use of social media by our children. Students of primary school age do not have the maturity to fully understand the wide range of issues and the implications that come with the use of social media. This is clearly articulated in the terms and conditions of each online platform. Therefore, I implore parents to please delete these accounts from their children’s devices and stop them accessing similar platforms in their primary years.
ONLINE EUTHANASIA TALKS: AUGUST 2021
Ahead of the anticipated introduction of the Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation by Alex Greenwich MP to NSW Parliament in the last week of August, the online talks represent an opportunity to join a conversation about an issue which affects many people. With a shortage of palliative care services particularly acute in our regional areas, the online format means those from outside of Sydney can also participate.
Session 1: Monday 2 August, 7.30pm
Fr David Ranson, Vicar General of the Diocese of Broken Bay, will discuss euthanasia through the lens of theology, focusing particularly on a Christian perspective of suffering and death.
Session 2: Monday 9 August, 7.30pm
Insights shared from a panel of palliative care specialists. The doctors and health care workers will highlight how palliative care is both misunderstood and underfunded, and when used effectively, addresses many of the concerns of those who argue for assisted dying.
Session 3: Monday 16 August, 7.30pm
Monica Doumit, Director, Public Affairs and Engagement for the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, will talk about the best ways to bring up the topic of euthanasia with friends and family.
For more information or to register please visit: https://parracatholic.org/euthanasiatalks or contact Emma Baker at emma.baker@bbcatholic.org.au
A CALL FROM YOUR PARISH
Fr Chris and the St Nicholas Parish are currently looking for someone to join the Parish’s financial committee. If you think you have something to offer in this space, please contract Fr Chris through the the presbytery on 6766 2228.
Have a great week.
John Clery
PRINCIPAL