Things To 

Know

UNDERSTANDING ASSESSMENT - A PARENT'S GUIDE TO SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION AND LEARNING JOURNEY

As a parent, you're undoubtedly invested in your child's education and their progress in school. One crucial aspect of that progress is assessment – the process through which teachers gather information about what students know, understand, and can do. At Ripponlea Primary School (RPS), assessment is not just about grades; it's a comprehensive approach to understanding and supporting each child's learning journey.

At RPS, teachers employ a variety of assessment tools to track and monitor your child's progress. These tools range from standardised tests like PAT Reading and PAT Mathematics to more personalised, paper-based or online assessments. But what exactly do these assessments entail, and how do they inform your child's report?

Let's break it down.

Formative Assessment: Building Blocks of Learning

Formative assessment is like a guiding light for both teachers and students. It's all about identifying where your child is in their learning journey and where they need to go next. Teachers at RPS use a plethora of formative tools, including observations and pre-tests, to gauge your child's skills, abilities, and knowledge.

Imagine your child is diving into a new unit of study in mathematics. Before delving into the concepts, their teacher might administer a pre-test to assess what they already know and where their strengths and gaps lie. This helps tailor the instruction to meet your child's specific needs. Throughout the unit, teachers observe and gather evidence of your child's progress, providing timely feedback and support along the way.

Setting Personal Goals: Empowering Students

At RPS, each student has their own set of personal goals based on the unit of study and their individual learning needs. These goals are like stepping stones, guiding your child towards academic success and growth. For instance, if the focus is on mathematics, your child's goals might revolve around mastering specific concepts or improving problem-solving skills.

These goals aren't just handed down from above; they're co-created with your child, empowering them to take ownership of their learning. By actively involving students in the goal-setting process, teachers at RPS foster a sense of agency and responsibility, motivating students to strive for achievement and improvement. 

Summative Assessment: Putting It All Together

Summative assessment, on the other hand, is like the grand finale of a performance. It's the culmination of your child's learning journey, where their progress is measured against set criteria. At RPS, summative assessments include post-tests that evaluate your child's understanding and mastery of the concepts covered in a unit.

Let's revisit the example of the mathematics unit. After weeks of exploration and learning, your child takes a post-test to demonstrate their newfound knowledge and skills. This assessment provides valuable insights into your child's growth over time and informs the creation of their report.

Understanding Your Child's Report: The Big Picture

When you receive your child's report, it's more than just a list of grades; it's a snapshot of their learning journey. Through a combination of formative and summative assessments, teachers at RPS paint a holistic picture of your child's progress, highlighting their achievements, skill development and areas for growth.

So, how can you support your child based on their report? Start by celebrating their successes and encouraging their efforts. Take note of areas where they may need extra support and communicate openly with their teacher to devise an improvement plan. 

Remember, learning is a journey, and with your support, your child can reach new heights.

Assessment at Ripponlea Primary School is not just a means of evaluating performance; it's a tool for understanding, guiding, and empowering students on their educational journey. By working together – parents, teachers, and students – we can ensure that every child reaches their full potential.

CURRICULUM DAY - SAVE THE DATE TUESDAY 11 JUNE 

We're excited to announce that our next curriculum day will be following the public holiday of the Monarch's birthday. 

Please save the date for this special day of professional development and planning, which will be on Tuesday 11th June for all staff. 

Please note that students do not attend on this day. Families might consider an extended long weekend, and TheirCare will be available for bookings if needed.

 YEAR 3/4 INTENSIVE SWIMMING PROGRAM

We are excited to announce the commencement of the Year 3/4 Swimming Program at Caulfield Grammar on Monday 3rd June. As you know, swimming skills are essential for our students' development and safety, and we are committed to providing them with the necessary instruction and practice.

Due to the tight scheduling of events and activities, we regret to inform you that this year's program will be condensed to a five-day duration. While we understand this may not be ideal, please rest assured that we have worked diligently to ensure that the program is as comprehensive and effective as possible within this timeframe.

During the program, students will walk down to the pools and participate in the Swim and Survive program. This program is designed to equip them with essential swimming and water safety skills, laying a strong foundation for their continued development in the water.

We appreciate your understanding and support as we strive to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Year 3/4 Swimming Program, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE GOOD WORD

We understand that word-of-mouth recommendations play a significant role in shaping decisions, especially when it comes to choosing a school for children. Your positive experiences and insights about our school can be incredibly valuable to other families who are seeking the best educational environment for their children.

If you know a neighbour or friend who has a young child starting school next year, we encourage you to share your experiences and recommend our school to them. Your firsthand knowledge can help alleviate any concerns they may have and showcase the exceptional opportunities our school provides.

For families outside our school zone or those interested in learning more about what we offer, we invite them to organise a school tour. Our tours provide a comprehensive overview of our facilities, learning programs, and values. It's a great opportunity to see our classrooms in action, meet our dedicated staff, and ask any questions they may have.

You can find the upcoming tour dates and registration information on our school's website. We strive to make the enrollment process smooth and welcoming for all families, and we look forward to welcoming new members into our school family.

PREMIERS' READING CHALLENGE