Holy Rosary School

Principal's News

Good morning Families and welcome to Week 9.

 

Our PBL focus this week is for students to re-engage with our HR Behaviour Matrix which outlines expected behaviours across the school. Although the matrix has been refined over the past years, the core behaviours, based on our three expectations have remained consistent. Reinforcing these expectations helps us create a safe and predictable environment where all students can learn and thrive.

 

I encourage you to discuss our three school expectations and the Behaviour Matrix with your child. Engaging in these conversations helps us to reinforce their importance, and shows your child that you value our school expectations. Please check the PBL tab to view the lesson plan and the matrix.

And just in case you’re not aware; there are three HR expectations-

  1. Safety is our Right
  2. Learning is our Responsibility
  3. Respect is our Way

Can you name all three? Can your child?

Vision For Engagement

Last Thursday night I attended the launch of MACS Vision for Engagement. I am sure many of you would have heard and read about the introduction of the whole school approach on tv, radio and newspaper. MACS says student engagement encompasses attendance, behaviour, learning, mental health and wellbeing, and motivation.  

 

We have already integrated aspects of the Vision for Engagement by explicitly teaching students about our expectations and values through PBL. Over the coming weeks and months, we will assess how Holy Rosary is operating across all six engagement practices and identify our gaps. Through intentional planning, our goal will be to continue to build a culture of engagement and achievement for every student.

Eucharist Celebration

This weekend, we celebrate a very special milestone in the lives of some of our students as they receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist. This is a sacred and joyful moment in their faith journey, as they receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.

 

We pray that this experience deepens their friendship with Jesus and helps them to grow in love, kindness, and gratitude. May they always feel the presence of Christ in their hearts and lives. We thank Sarah, Sophie, Vicky, JP, Megan, Ava and Rosie for their work preparing the children.

May God bless our First Communicants and their families on this very special occasion.

Feast of the Sacred Heart (Friday 27 June)

The Feast of the Sacred Heart is a time in the Church where we have traditionally reflected on how we can live our faith in ways that positively impact others. This may include volunteering, donating to charity or simply showing kindness and compassion in our daily lives. The SRC have been keen to have a pyjama day and it seems fitting that we hold it on this day as a fundraiser for the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Vinnies offers urgent assistance to those in need in our local community and they have requested support at this financially challenging time. Students may wear their pyjamas on this day for a gold coin donation.The SRC will provide further information closer to the date. Stay tuned!

Winter Warmer Day 

Our SRC request that we have Winter Warmer Day again this year but for this to happen we would need a convener and volunteers. Traditionally, this day has been held on winter solstice but there’s flexibility here, and as long as the day falls in winter, they’d be delighted. The key is pies and sausage rolls, and they’ll forgo the warm drinks to make it easier. If you can help, as a convenor or volunteer, please let the office know. 

Reports

This year, for the first time, we have introduced a mark for effort and behaviour in each subject in your child’s report. We hope this will give you a clearer understanding of your child’s commitment to learning and classroom engagement across all learning areas.

 

You will also notice a change in Mathematics reporting. Your child will now receive a single aggregated score, rather than separate scores for each strand. This approach, mandated by the Victorian Education Department, is designed to simplify reporting and offer a clearer picture of overall mathematical achievement.

 

In addition to the five-point scale and the new effort and behaviour mark, the report includes:

  • A brief description of the content taught in specialist subjects.
  • Reporting in Religious Education based on the Religious Education Curriculum Framework, which guides all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
  • Goals outlined in the Personalised Learning Plan (PLP) for some students with additional learning needs, to better reflect individual progress.
  • A general comment addressing your child’s personal and social capabilities.

Formal conversations were scheduled late last term for discussion between you, and class and specialist teachers about your child’s progress in Term 1. Should you wish to clarify any aspect of this report, you may contact teachers via email or in person, to negotiate a suitable time for a further conversation.  

Attendance

Attendance and punctuality are vital habits for primary school children as they lay the foundation for lifelong learning and responsibility. Regular attendance ensures children fully engage with the curriculum, develop consistent routines, and build strong relationships with peers and teachers. Being on time each day helps students settle into learning calmly and confidently, avoiding the stress of catching up and missing key instructions. These habits support academic progress, social development, and a positive attitude toward school, setting children up for future success both in and out of the classroom. 

Student Free Day

Please be reminded that our Student Free day is scheduled for Tuesday 24 June.

Enrolments

Our first round enrolments for Prep close on Friday 20 June. Current families should have received their offers by now and we appreciate those who have already formally accepted a place. 

Moving on from HR?

Please advise the office if your P-Yr 5 child will not be continuing at HR next year. This helps us to organise class structures and staffing so your advance notice is much appreciated.

 

 

Have a wonderful week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christine