Learning Enhancement
Semester One has come and almost gone. When we get to this time of year, we always wonder where the weeks went. With the end of the semester comes academic reporting. You will notice some minor changes in how this looks.
The biggest change is that Mathematics is now reported as one aggregated ‘score,’ as mandated by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) in alignment with Victorian Mathematics Curriculum 2.0. You will have received an explanation of this via PAM.
Other changes to the report are organisational. The Humanities reporting, for example, is no longer beneath the Personal and Social Skills standards. It is reported on as a Core academic subject. Science will be reported on in Semester 2.
With the Magnify Sandhurst initiative, there are changes to the way we teach and deliver English and Mathematics. As we know, students learn in different ways, in different stages, over time. It may look as if your child’s assessment results are ‘stagnant’ even though they have made growth over the semester. This might be because they are consolidating their learning, or the skills expected may be shown inconsistently, or because not all achievement standards were taught in Semester One. As always, if you have questions or concerns, your child’s classroom teacher is available for conversations. Parent/teacher interview time is another opportunity to have these discussions.
The Victorian Curriculum has Learning Areas (subjects) and Capabilities – Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Capabilities, Intercultural Capabilities and Personal and Social Capabilities, which must be reported on. These capabilities are developed over time, and it is not our expectation that primary level students show their skills or understanding in these areas, consistently. One area of Critical and Creative Thinking at Foundation – 2, for example, is They describe personal responses to ideas and possibilities and identify how these influenced their thinking. Explicit attention to and application of thinking skills enables students to develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of their responses to ideas that are new. It is unrealistic to expect that type of thinking, consistently, in a range of contexts. These skills develop over time and help with learning and motivation. You may have heard the term ‘metacognition.’ At its simplest, it is thinking about thinking.
When reading the report, look for and celebrate your child’s strengths. Also chat about the things they might need to work on. We look forward to meeting with you during the parent-teacher interviews next term.
Take care during the holidays. Wishing you and your family rest, relaxation and happy times together.
Jen McKillop, Jess Moodie & Eloise Liddell.
Library News
OVERDUE LIBRARY BOOKS
Please remind your child to return any overdue library books. Currently, we have a total of 109 books that are overdue, and some students are eager to borrow these titles. Your cooperation helps ensure everyone has access to the books they are excited to read.
BOOKWEEK 2025
This year, Book Week runs from Monday, 18th August to Friday, 22nd August. The theme for this year is "Book an Adventure". Dress Up Day will be held on Friday, 22nd August. More details will be shared next term. Stay tuned for exciting activities and updates!
Nicole Keenan