From the Leadership Team
Dear families,
What a great term we have had, with so many events, learning opportunities and loads of fun. As we head into the school holidays, we wish you a safe and restful break with your children and look forward to seeing you next term.
This newsletter is important as it will give instructions on obtaining your child's school report today. We will not be emailing reports to families from this year, instead using the Parent Portal, where you can login and access your child's report. Please see the 'Reports' page in this edition of the newsletter.
There have been lots of exciting things happening across the school over the past few weeks. Please enjoy reading all about them.
Thank you
A big thank you and shout-out to our Governing Council and chairperson, Ben Kempster, who was able to organise for the CTTGCC representatives to come out and look at the overgrown shrubbery at the front of the school near our garden. We discussed with council about the recent ongoing theft of plants from our garden and how increasing the visibility from the roadside may deter anti-social behaviour. As a result, the council will be cleaning up this area during the school holidays. Thank you to our dedicated Governing Council members who actively work to support our school.
Questions to ask your children after school instead of 'How was your day?'
This is a great resource to bring out the rich learning that happens at school from your children at the end of their day.
Transition Visits
Our Mid-Year Reception and Mid-Year Preschool Transition visits have been a fabulous opportunity to get to know our new learners, and we are super excited to have them join us officially in Term 3.
100 Days of School
Our early years celebrated 100 days of school today! So much fun!
Room 10 Artwork
Room 10 students have been working with Marisa over the last two terms to learn about our country and created artwork related to their learning. It looks fantastic.
Term 3 Open Afternoon
Our Term 3 Open Afternoon event will be in Week 4.
Reading over the holidays
Reading is so important for our children to continue to practice over the school holidays. Here are some useful tips to help you listen to them read aloud to support their ongoing success in being a fluent reader:
School Reports
This afternoon, our Mid-Year Student Reports will be available to families via the Parent Portal. These reports will provide information about your child's achievement and progress at school to this point of the year. As per department requirements families receive two written reports each year (the end of Term 2 and Term 4), however, you are encouraged to make contact at any time or arrange a meeting with your child's teacher if you require further information about their progress.
Student reports (Years 1-6) are based on a 5 point scale which reflects an A-E grade standard. A 'C' grade standard indicates that a student is achieving at the expected standard for their year level. Below is a summary of the grading scale and accompanying word descriptor used for mid-year and end of year reports:
A - Student is demonstrating excellent achievement of what is expected at this year level
B - Student is demonstrating good achievement of what is expected at this year level
C - Student is demonstrating satisfactory achievement of what is expected at this year level
D - Student is demonstrating partial achievement of what is expected at this year level
E- Student is demonstrating minimal achievement of what is expected at this year level
These grades are based on a range of assessment strategies teachers use to determine student achievement against the Australian Curriculum standards. Teachers make a banded judgement to decide which grade best matches the standard the student has achieved.
We are pleased to announce an exciting update to our school reporting process this year. In collaboration with Impromation, one of the Department for Education's preferred providers, we will be utilising their Parent Portal. This platform will allow families to easily register and access their child's report online. Detailed instructions on setting up your account are included in this newsletter on the page 'How to Access you Child's School Report Online'.
In addition to this new reporting system, we have worked collaboratively as a teaching team on our feedback by focusing on key learning dispositions in Mathematics and English. These dispositions are essential skills and attitudes that support your child's learning journey from Reception to Year 6. We have developed clear indicators from Reception to Year 6 that allow you to see the journey as your child progresses each year. As the dispositions are the same in each year level, there are similarities across the statements, across the year levels.
Mathematics Dispositions
In Mathematics, we are focusing on developing a growth mindset, encouraging curiosity, and fostering problem-solving skills. We aim to help students see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and to approach problems with confidence and persistence.
English Dispositions
For English, we are emphasising creativity, critical thinking, and effective communication. Our goal is to nurture a love for reading and writing, encourage thoughtful analysis, and support students in expressing their ideas clearly and confidently.
This year, we are placing a strong emphasis on students' approaches to learning by incorporating the Personal and Social Capabilities and Critical and Creative Thinking Capabilities. This new focus will replace the traditional 'Teacher General Comment' section in our reports. We have developed clear indicators from Reception to Year 6 that allow you to see the journey as your child progresses each year. As the capabilities are the same in each year level, there are similarities across the statements, across the year levels.
By highlighting these capabilities, we aim to provide insights into how students collaborate with others, manage their emotions, and think creatively and critically. This approach supports a holistic understanding of your child's learning journey and personal growth. We believe these changes will provide valuable insights into your child's learning and development.
Book Week 2025
It's time to start planning your Book Week Costume!
The 2025 Children's Book Week theme is Book an Adventure! This theme invites us to explore the limitless possibilities that reading offers. Books have the power to transport us to distant lands, introduce us to fascinating characters, and spark our imaginations. Through reading, children can embark on adventures that enhance their creativity, critical thinking, and empathy.
In Term 3, we will celebrate Book Week and encourage our students to dive into stories that inspire curiosity and wonder. Reading is not just a pastime; it's a gateway to understanding the world and ourselves.
We have booked a live performance for Book Week called 'Treasure Hunt'. This will be on Friday 8th August for the whole school.
The cost for your child to attend this live performance will be $5.00 and this is available to pay via Qkr!. This is a subsidised amount for this incursion for families, as the school is paying the remaining amount per child to attend. Please ensure you have paid the $5.00 amount for your child.
The importance of After School Supervision
Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is a top priority at Modbury School P-6. It is crucial that students remain under the supervision of their parents or guardians if they choose to play in the school yard after school hours, which we encourage. This supervision helps prevent accidents and ensures that children are safe while enjoying their time outdoors.
Additionally, for those students walking home, it is important they leave the school premises promptly and walk in groups, if possible, to enhance their safety.
Students waiting to be picked up must stay under the supervision of the yard duty teacher near the Reflection Garden. This designated area ensures that students are safe and accounted for, rather than playing unsupervised in the school yard.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our school community safe and secure.
ThankED
Do you know an amazing staff member who’s making a real difference? Every day, those working in public education shape futures by inspiring children and young people to reach their full potential.
ThankED gives you the chance to celebrate and thank public educators, as well as those people who work in support of them.
You can say thanks any time, to anyone working in public education who has made a difference to you – visit www.education.sa.gov.au/ThankED.
If you have any questions regarding your child, please feel free to come and see us.
Warm regards,
Sara, Jade and Sheila.
Leadership Team