A Word from the Acting Principal

At this time of the year, staff are engaged in the process of preparing academic reports about student progress and achievement. This involves careful consideration of evidence of learning throughout the first half of the academic year. 

Of course, the school report is only one means of communicating about student progress, and there are opportunities for this to occur in many ways throughout the year. School reports provide a comprehensive snapshot of a student's performance over a specific period. They include not just academic grades, but also comments on behavior, participation, and social skills. This holistic view helps identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement, giving a well-rounded picture of a student's development.

In talking to your child about this process, you might ask them about shared learning targets and criteria for success. It is likely, for example, that learning targets would be discussed and displayed in the classroom, good examples of work would be shared and some form of self or peer assessment of learning goals would be occurring. For parents, school reports are a vital communication tool. They bridge the gap between home and school, offering insights that might not be evident through daily homework and casual conversations. Engaging with these reports opens a dialogue between parents and teachers, fostering a collaborative approach to support the student's learning. For students, receiving their report can be a moment of self-reflection. It's an opportunity to celebrate achievements and set goals for the future. Encouraging students to take ownership of their progress helps build accountability and motivates them to strive for continuous improvement. The qualitative comments from teachers are invaluable. They often provide personalized feedback that grades alone cannot convey. Teachers can highlight specific achievements, such as improvements in problem-solving skills or increased participation in class discussions, which are crucial for building a student’s confidence and sense of accomplishment.

Hand in hand with all forms of assessment,  is the development of a working partnership between staff, students and parents is so important. This allows us to work together to enhance student strengths and identify areas that require additional support. Research indicates that family involvement in schools increases student achievement.  The benefits of building this connection include higher results, better attendance, higher rates of homework completion, increased positive attitudes and behaviour and improved retention rates in school. Importantly, in building and maintaining this connection between home and school, our students have greater opportunity for meaningful, engaging learning experiences. We do encourage families to be actively involved in the life of the College and to maintain contact with staff at the College in whatever ways are possible.

Tips for Parents

1. Read Thoroughly: Take the time to read both the grades and the comments. Understanding the context behind the numbers is crucial.
2. Discuss Openly: Have an open and positive discussion with your child about their report. Focus on both achievements and areas for improvement.
3. Set Goals: Work with your child to set realistic goals for the next term. This can motivate them to address weaknesses and build on their strengths.
4. Communicate with Teachers: Don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers for clarification or further discussion. They can provide additional insights and suggestions for support.

Academic reports are more than just an evaluation tool; they are a cornerstone in the educational development of students. By paying close attention to these reports, and using them as a basis for constructive dialogue and planning, parents and teachers can significantly enhance a student’s learning experience and outcomes. Let’s embrace all forms of assessment to foster a more successful future for our students.

God’s blessings for the week ahead.