Dear MCC Community-parents and carers,

Major activities occurring in the College over the last two weeks have included NAPLAN and Harmony Day. These two big events have been held in addition to ongoing learning and teaching, a full sporting calendar, St Patrick’s Day celebrations and House Activities, Carevan and the National Day of Action against Bullying.

Catholic Schools Week March 24-28 Congratulations to:

(40 yrs) Mrs Clare MItchell & Ma Evelina Blanco; (30 yrs) Mrs Jenny Sartor, Mrs Tori McIntosh; (25 yrs) Mrs Maureen Shannon, Mr Mel Blanco and Mr Vinay Jatan; receiving acknowledgement awards for outstanding years of service at the Catholic Schools Week Mass and Dinner this week.

We welcome Year 6 students this year to our Transition Days on Wednesday and Thursday during Catholic Schools week. Thanks to Mrs Segrave and the teachers for their work on this.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN is a nation-wide assessment held for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. NAPLAN is run by the Australian Curriculum Assessment & Reporting Authority (ACARA). The purpose is to assess students against National standards to help schools and students improve and develop skills in Literacy and Numeracy. As ACARA note:

Literacy and numeracy are core to a well-rounded education and are essential life skills that students develop in every aspect of daily life, no matter what further education or career path they take. Students can’t fail NAPLAN as it’s not that type of test – they should just try their best.

NAPLAN tests are one aspect of each school’s assessment and reporting process, and do not replace the extensive, ongoing assessments made by teachers about each student’s performance.

It is a benchmark of student achievement in specific yet important areas that underpin overall learning and understanding. While NAPLAN indicates student performance at one given moment, the data from this assessment allows schools, parents, and teachers to measure student performance and confidence in literacy and numeracy skills and to identify areas of growth or need for further support or development.

We thank Mr Herb, Mr Summerville and Mrs Jenkins for all of the work organising Naplan and ensuring everything ran smoothly, allowing all students the best opportunity to succeed. This included making many catch up opportunities available and providing support and adjustments for qualifying students. Thank you also to our support team from IT, Inclusive Learning and Year Leaders, teachers and support staff who assisted on the days of the tests. Results should be available to schools to distribute to parents early in Term 3.

Harmony Day

The Australian Government officially supports Harmony Day as a time to acknowledge and celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity. Schools around Australia work to highlight the importance of inclusion, respect and belonging. Australia has always been regarded as a ‘lucky country’ and a rich nation-words that can be heard in the National Anthem. Australia’s wealth is found not only in the abundant resources but primarily in the traditions and gifts provided by First Nations Peoples, and then successive migrant cultures of which there are now more than 300. Harmony Day at Marian Catholic College is an important day, one where we celebrate the vibrant energy, range of perspectives and diverse traditions that unite with shared values to make up our community.

We are grateful to Mr Abdala, Mrs Segrave, Mrs Lole, Mr Segrave and Mr Aviu who organise the day and front of house activities. We also thank our student leaders, students and many of our staff also give their talent and time to make the day the very special experience that it is for all.

I hope that parents and carers have had an opportunity to look at the great photos and the wonderful performances and wisdom shared during our Harmony Assembly and available on our facebook page. Our sincere thanks and appreciation go also to Mayor Mr Doug Curran, Mrs Carmel La Rocca and Sr Theresa, who joined us to celebrate the performances and share some of the wonderful food available from the various stalls.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1XXMqDi5vK/

School Attendance Matters!

Regular attendance at school is very important for positive outcomes for all students. There are important benefits for student learning, confidence and learning development. Regular attendance at school allows students to stay connected, improves their learning, provides opportunities to participate in sports, the arts, and assists in building resilience and the ability to adapt to challenges.

Parents play an important role in supporting students to prepare for school and learning and ensuring that students attend school and stay at school. Parents also need to think about when they take leave and take their child away from school for family holidays and appointments occurring during school term. While there sometimes may be reasons for doing this, in the main, parents are expected to plan holidays, time away from school and periods of leave so they do not impact on their child’s learning or regular school attendance.

When students struggle to attend school for reasons of anxiety, wellbeing or difficulty in accessing learning, we ask that you seek support from the school to get your child back on track. The school can provide school based counselling or external referrals for managing anxiety or wellbeing concerns. The school staff will offer assistance if bullying or friendship issues become a concern or will identify when support is required to manage the learning program.

The beautiful prayer shared here with you was created by MCC Year 7.4 during their recent Community Day.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for all of your faithful actions,

Please watch over those who are struggling, especially through disasters.

Thank you for everything we have received from you,

And thank the farmers who provide for us.

May you watch over our families, friends and loved ones,

Show care to those who need it,

Help us through our lows,

Protect us in our journey,

Guide us to the right path,

This Prayer we make in faith,

Amen

Harmony Day @ MCC