Primary

From the Head of Primary

Attending a School Assembly is something many of us take for granted. It is something we do every fortnight on Friday afternoon in Period 6. However, this year, many of our Primary School Assemblies were cancelled due to the ongoing COVID risk of these indoor gatherings. The intention behind implementing regular Primary School Assemblies is to develop a feeling of unity and a positive school culture among the students and staff. It helps in building a culture of communication and representation of academic and co-curricular activities. Simply put, gathering together strengthens the way a school works.

To ensure the intent is not lost, staff have been incredibly creative in continuing these gatherings, albeit in different formats; online Zoom Assemblies and fortnightly Stage Assemblies. These smaller assemblies provide great opportunities for students to enhance their leadership, public speaking and social skills. Assemblies are a great vehicle to teach students about responsibility, diversity, accountability and other life skills. On Wednesday 9 November, the following students received a Core Value Award at the Stage 2 Assembly. Congratulations to those students who continue to model the School’s Core Values in our community.

COMPASSION	RESPECT	INTEGRITY	HONOUR & EXCELLENCE
Haylo James 4B	Oliver Bowles 4B	Evie Andersen 4B	Alenna Coburn 4A
	Benji Brown 4A	Kade Fleming 4B	Oliver Knight 4B
	Charlie Palmer 4A

On Friday 4 November, the Primary School came together for the first time for the Outdoor Chapel service. It was just wonderful to see everyone connect through song and prayer. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Stuart Martin for putting together an engaging service. Mr Martin is Moama Anglican Grammar’s Chaplain and we feel privileged to have him on staff.

Remembrance Day Service

Just as important as Primary Assemblies are our whole school gatherings. Today, we came together for the Remembrance Day Service. This day is a time for Australians to unite in solemn respect and remembrance for all those who served and died for our nation. Over the past century, this moment has been adopted across the globe as a time to remember those who served and sacrificed in all wars and conflicts. This is a very important day on our MAG school calendar.

Presentation Assemblies

Preparation for the Primary outdoor Presentation Assembly is underway. This assembly has been scheduled for Tuesday 13 December, starting at 1:30pm in the undercover area. This year, parents are invited to attend this important event and in addition, the assembly will be livestreamed for parents to view. These formal assemblies, are a great opportunity to celebrate students’ achievements. Each classroom teacher from Kinder to Year 6 will select the four recipients for the student awards listed below.

Name of Award	Criteria	How the Award winner is determined
Excellentia	Awarded to one student from each K-6 class: ‘is awarded to the student who has achieved the highest overall results across the curriculum in their class for the year.	This award is objectively determined by the classroom teacher based on consistent and independent achievement throughout the year and generally not dependant on effort or attitude. Results from class-based assessment tasks and standardised tests, form the basis of the decision.
Endeavour	Awarded to two students from each K-6 class: ‘is awarded to a student who has achieved above and beyond their potential across the curriculum by committing their best effort throughout the year.	This award is objectively determined by the classroom teacher based on consistent achievement and application throughout the year. The recipient will be a student that regularly goes the extra mile to provide evidence of attention to detail, in-depth investigation and thinking, reliability and presentation. Learner attributes not readily tested such as work ethic as well as aspects of the School’s Core Values also provide guidance when determining the recipient.
Most Improved	Awarded to one student from each K-6 class: ‘is awarded to the student who has demonstrated the greatest progress and application throughout the year.	This award is objectively determined by the classroom teacher based on progress and application throughout the year. A comparison of results on class-based assessment tasks from the beginning of the year and standardised tests, should demonstrate a significant “leap” and form the basis of the decision, overlayed with teacher judgement to reflect learning attributes not readily tested such as work ethic as well as aspects of the School’s Core Values.

2023 Transition Program

This week, we visited many of the children who are enrolled to start in our 2023 Kindergarten classes. Visiting students in their Preschool setting has many benefits. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to observe the students in a classroom or playground where they are comfortable and feel safe. Secondly, being able to tap into the knowledge that the Educators have about their students is incredibly valuable. The opportunity to discuss classroom routines that work and unpack individual strategies for students are all supporting a smooth transition into school. Finally, for students being able to recognise an adult from their new school will assist students when they attend Moama Anglican Grammar for their first transition morning.

Our transition program includes a transition program for parents. From information sessions to curriculum workshops, we look forward to welcoming all our new families at the various upcoming events.

Kind regards,

Mrs Nici Deller Mrs Mel Scott

Head of Primary Head of Teaching and Learning Primary