Assistant Principal's  Message

Welcome back to a new term! I hope you and your families had a restful and enjoyable break. As we begin Term 3, we’re excited to continue building on the wonderful progress our students have made so far this year.

This term promises to be full of rich learning experiences, engaging activities, and opportunities for growth. Our dedicated staff are ready to support every child in reaching their full potential, and we look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure a successful and rewarding term ahead.

Please keep an eye on our communications for updates on upcoming events, key dates, and ways you can be involved in our school community. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Teacher Accreditation - Congratulations!

The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers form the foundation of the teacher accreditation process in Australia. These standards outline the knowledge, skills, and practices expected of teachers at different stages of their careers. The accreditation process ensures that teachers meet these standards, maintaining the integrity and accountability of the teaching profession.

Last semester Mr Peter O'Malley worked towards completing his Proficient Teacher Accreditation. Together we had some planning days that outlined the whole process, viewing of lessons and linking teacher/student evidence, which is crucial to the process.

I was very happy to hear during the holidays that Mr Peter O'Malley received his Proficiency Teacher Accreditation. Congratulations!

Wellbeing: How to be positive about School @ Home

Be positive about your child’s school at home 

A parent is a child’s first educator and as such, you can have an enormous impact on your child’s attitude to learning and to school. How you behave at home in your interactions with your child’s school can make a big difference to your child’s experience of their education.

Talk positively about school

Try and talk positively about your child’s school and schooling in general. While it’s natural that there may be some aspects of schooling that you don’t agree with, it’s important to promote the value of education and how going to school can put a person on the right track for succeeding in life.

Be supportive of your child’s teachers

Being supportive of your child’s teachers is one of the best things you can do to support your child’s experience at school. Think of your child’s teacher as your partner and work with them to support your child. Share insights about your child to help your teacher understand them better. Also talk to your child about what a great job their teacher is doing and the importance of teaching in helping to shape the lives of children.

Promote the value of learning

Children watch and copy what parents do and say. Be aware of how you talk about learning and school. Promote the many benefits of an education and the joy that can be gained from learning. Ask your child about what they are learning at school and help them explore what is interesting to them.

Share your own experiences

Talk to your child about how important learning has been in your life. Tell them about your successes and also your mistakes and how you have used difficult experiences to do better next time. Let them know how much you use learning in your daily life and how staying curious and continuing to learn makes life much more interesting.

International Competitions & Assessments for Schools (ICAS)

ICAS is a series of competition assessments, set at a challenging level, which focuses on problem solving skills. Students who sit ICAS are asked to demonstrate a deeper, integrated, and thorough level of learning. The assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment.

ICAS assessments can serve as a valuable tool for parents to gain insights into their child's academic performance, make informed decisions about their education, and support their learning journey effectively.

The exams are available to students in Years 2 to 6. The test will be administered BEFORE SCHOOL at 7:45 am in the Year 2 classroom and will be supervised by Mrs Iorfino.

The following table shows the exams and the dates on which the exams are held. The cost per test is indicated below.

In 2025 students have the opportunity to participate in the following subjects:

Please note: ICAS assessments have a strict testing window and if a student is absent on the designated day of testing, it may not be possible for them to complete the test.

If you would like your child to participate in any of the subjects listed above, please visit the online Parent Payment System to make a direct payment. The Parent Payment System is a simple and secure online payment service specifically for parents to purchase ICAS Assessments. Please note, we cannot facilitate refunds or make alterations as all money is paid directly to ICAS Assessments. 

Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition. Every student will receive a printed certificate and an online result report. Top performers will be eligible for medals.

IMPORTANT:  Please enter your child’s name accurately into the System as this is how it will appear on their ICAS certificate.

2025 Staff Development Days (Pupil-Free Days)

Each year, Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) provides time for Staff Development Days (SDD) which provides professional learning time for all staff. With the introduction of the new English and Mathematics Syllabus' in 2023 (K-2) and 2024 (Years 3-6) and the implementation of other syllabi within the next two years, SCS has provided the following days in 2025. 

Blessings,

Marie Iorfino

Assistant Principal