Principal Reflections
NAPLAN - Year 3 and 5
Each year the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is undertaken by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
NAPLAN 2024 will take place from Wednesday 13 March to Monday 25 March.
NAPLAN is just one part of our school learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school.
In preparation for NAPLAN, our school will undertake activities to help students become familiar with the format and functionality of the online tests. These activities are not an assessment of student ability and will not be marked. Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not required nor recommended.
The public demonstration site (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) is available to see the types of questions, tools and functions used in the NAPLAN tests.
Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website (https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/understanding-the-curriculum/naplan/parent-information).
If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact your child’s teacher ASAP.
Infants Learning Walk
On Wednesday Mrs Sheridan and I were very fortunate to share the great teaching and learning that is happening at our Infants Campus via our first Parent Learning Walk.
Learning walks are designed to support professional learning for educators and encourage collegial conversations. It is hoped that through the engagement of parents/carers in learning walks we will increase the potential to facilitate powerful and reflective conversations around teaching and learning with our parents/carers and therefore support improved student learning outcomes.
Research indicates that through the engagement of parents and carers, student learning outcomes are significantly enhanced. Please see some of the comments made under the three reflection categories, by the parents/grandparents after being guided through our classrooms on a learning walk.
I noticed |
|---|
| # Engagement - not only students in their lesson but their discussions in the small groups were about the topic. Fantastic routines at an early stage for Kindergarten!!!! |
| # Lots of learning on the walls, children engaging, interacting and following instructions. |
| # Expectations in all kindergarten rooms were clear, all rooms were doing the same or similar content. Lessons had a clear focus/learning intention. |
| # How focused and well supported the kids are. |
I saw |
|---|
| # The 3rd teacher wall being used very effectively. |
| # Warm, welcoming spaces. |
| # Loved reading rotations- short subjects to keep them engaged and switched on, then up and moving to the next station. |
| # So much classroom support. |
I heard |
|---|
| # We walked through 5 different classes, all of which had a positive vibe and happy engaged children. Very impressed. |
| # Children listening to commands and following instructions efficiently. |
| # Children independently learning. |
| # Children teaching other children. Peer mentors. |
A big thank you to all the parents, grandparents and carers that were able to join us. We look forward to offering this same opportunity at the Primary Campus.
National Young Leaders' Day
It was a privilege to accompany a fantastic group of parents and our Year 6 leaders to the National Young Leaders' Day Conference in Sydney on Monday. A big thanks to all the parents for your time and energy in supporting the school to attend such a meaningful event. Please read the account of our day included below, written by School Captains Louie Fernance and Charlotte Stuart.
Newsletter article written by:- School Captains Charlotte Stuart & Louis Fernance
The National Young Leaders' Day was attended by Mrs Hatton, some parents and all of our Year 6 Leaders from our School.
We started our day by dancing with the people from Dance Curriculum and DJ Ralph.
During the day we listened to a number of high-profile Australians talk about their journey as a leader. The speakers were Stephen O'Keefe - Cricket Superstar, Eva Amores & Matt Cosgrove - Authors, Anastasia Woolmer - Australian Memory Champion and Bryson
Klein - Ninja Warrior Superstar.
We learnt about how good leaders inspire others and make a difference in school communities. We also learnt to take a step outside of our comfort zone and do things we usually wouldn't do.
During the breaks of the day we took photos with the icons and got to meet other schools and staff. We also had the opportunity to go in early and learn more dances.
Overall, we think the best parts of the event were:-
1. Being able to be inspired and listen to their stories.
2. Having the opportunity to meet other leaders and know more about where they come from.
The kind of leaders that we want to be for our school are:-
1. Leaders who are respectful and able to be heard.
2. Trustworthy leaders who make a positive impact and give students the trust to come up to us if they need help.
It was a wonderful experience and we are very grateful that we were able to attend.
Until next week,
Keep smiling,
Alison Hatton