Principal Reflections

A Short Message from Dr Jake

Dear Parents & Friends,              

Semester One Reports

An effective report card is one that is easy for parents and students to understand. It should show what a student knows and can do in relation to the curriculum, as well as what the student needs to do in order to improve. Teachers need to make sure that the judgements on the report cards are accurate and reflect the current level of student achievement.

The last week or so has been filled with “reporting fever”. Teachers have been busily completing student report cards. Leadership Team members have been kept busy reading and checking each one of them. I have been at the end of the production line, reading them and providing feedback to the team.

To say that I have been impressed with them would be an understatement. From the work the students have undertaken to the teacher assessments and comments, they have been a credit to all involved. As you can imagine, it is no easy task to bring it all together.

I believe the teachers have done a wonderful job in assessing and reporting on each student’s performance, ability and effort. Their comments offer support, encouragement and affirmation. The grades awarded are consistent, professional and justified.

Students should be congratulated on their efforts to date. Some can always do better. Some are giving their all and producing brilliant results. The only thing we can ask of them is that they give their best efforts at all times. These two quotes spring to mind …

• Whether you think you will succeed or not, you are right. (Henry Ford)
• It is a funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it. (Somerset Maugham)

Children only get one go at being a child and in receiving an education. It is therefore up to each one of us (parents and teachers) to make sure that it will be the best education we can provide. It is this partnership between home and school that will ensure that we will achieve our hopes and dreams for these children and help them achieve their own hopes and dreams.

National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA)

The NEiTA Foundation is encouraging parents, students and schools to nominate extraordinary educators who have displayed remarkable dedication, passion and creativity for a National Excellence in Teaching Award. 

This year, NEiTA wants to recognise the role early childhood, primary and secondary teachers and principals played in student’s lives as Australia emerged from the COVID-19 health crisis. Is there a St Edward's teacher that you feel is worthy of a nomination? Nominations can be made until 17 July 2022 at www.neita.com

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us as we are only too happy to help.

Peace & Best Wishes

Dr Jake Madden

(Principal, St Edward's Primary School)