Message from the Principal

Dear families 

As Term 3 progresses, our school community is buzzing with activity and achievements. This week’s newsletter highlights some key events and updates to keep you informed and engaged in our school’s journey. 

Selective High School test results 

Last week, students who sat for the Selective High School Test were notified of their results. We want to extend our congratulations to all students for their dedication and hard work during the preparation and testing period. The Selective High School Test is highly competitive and requires strong literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills. Whether or not students achieved the outcome they hoped for, we encourage them to view this as a learning experience and to keep striving for success in their ongoing education.  

Check-In Assessments 

Our students will be participating in the NSW Department of Education’s Check-In Assessments, which are designed to provide valuable insights into individual student performance in reading and numeracy. These online assessments help teachers identify areas where students are excelling and where additional support may be needed. The results guide targeted teaching strategies and assist in monitoring progress throughout the year.  

Marsden Learning Alliance Chess Competition 

This term, many of our keen chess players are competing in the inter-school chess competition, showcasing their strategic thinking and concentration skills. Chess is a fantastic way to develop problem-solving abilities, patience, and sportsmanship. The top 4 teams play in the Week 8 semifinals. The top 2 teams play in grand final in Week 9. Winning school gets a medal for the individual students in the winning team and name on perpetual trophy that they can display at their school for the year. 

Our students demonstrate excellent teamwork and resilience during the competition. We are proud of their efforts and look forward to supporting more students in future chess events as part of our ongoing extracurricular programs. Thank you to Mr Fenech, Mr O’Keefe, Mr Cummins and Mr Thomson for organising and running the competition on Friday afternoons.  

Zone Athletics Carnival 

We are thrilled to announce that Leo T, Lelea B, Vanessa O and Aman M will be representing our school at the Zone Athletics Carnival. These students will compete against the best athletes from schools across the region in a variety of track and field events. Their commitment to training and positive attitude are commendable, and their performance so far have made the school proud. We wish them the best as they aim to qualify for higher-level competitions and continue to pursue their athletic goals. 

Boys and reading 

Engaging boys in reading is a key focus this term, as research shows that boys often benefit from reading materials that connect with their interests and experiences. Our school has introduced new programs and book selections to encourage boys to develop a love for reading, including graphic novels, adventure stories, and non-fiction titles related to sports and technology. We encourage parents to support reading at home by discussing books, visiting the library, and setting aside regular reading time. Building strong reading habits now will support academic success and lifelong learning. 

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.