Principal Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to week 7 and a long weekend for most. 

ASSESSMENT & REPORTING 

Today we shared the first set of Learning Tasks through student portfolios. This is the first chance for children to proudly show you, what they have been learning in class. It is a snapshot of what they have achieved so far over the first 5 weeks. In Compass you will be able to see a grade for their work. It is a snapshot in time and is only a small part of the story that makes up their Semester 1 report. Learning Tasks are always shared in week 6 of each Term.  Sometimes the grade on the task is higher than their final report, sometimes lower. Semester 1 reports will be shared at the end of June. 

We also have 'progress reports' on the horizon. This is a snapshot of the class-based skills they are displaying. These are shared in Term 1, Week 10. 

Following on from their portfolio and their progress reports you will be invited to a 3-way conference. This is between child, teacher, and a child's parents/carers. These are scheduled for Term 2, Week 2. 

Late last year teachers sent a survey to gather information about your child. This replaced the getting-to-know-you interviews. Early access to this information has helped the transition of children between teachers. 

NAPLAN 

We have NAPLAN next week for our children in grades 3 and 5. This is a chance for students to show every two years their level of progression against benchmarks across Australia. All grade 3, 5, 7, and 9 students participate, unless there is an academic case for withdrawal. At Rolling Hills, we do not overly prepare students for the assessment, however, we do want them to feel stress-free and comfortable. We will complete one or two practices as we approach next week. We want them to be able to access the software that is online with confidence. All assessments are online with the exception of grade 3 writing. 

As a parent you can share with your child that it is just a snapshot, it is just a moment in time. It shares information on their numeracy and literacy levels. It does not share how good a friend they are, how polite and well-mannered they are, or assess the many other skills children thrive in during their school life. It is not something for them to worry about. You can help by making sure they eat and sleep well next week. That would be appreciated. 

EXTENSION & SUPPORT

Once NAPLAN is completed we will start our 'Spotlight' sessions. These sessions help support and engage the students who are tracking a little bit ahead of where we expect them to be. Some students love being in the spotlight, some do not. When they do not, it is because what we ask them to do can feel harder than their regular day to day lessons. We will share with you if your child has been selected to participate, and we will share what they are learning from time to time. If your child misses out, do not worry, we change the groups regularly. 

Some students face a different challenge, they need support with their reading. In school, we support students in a number of ways. We have tutoring through the Tutor Learning Initiative. This provides time for class teachers to work in small groups with a child in their class who needs reading support. This happens in Prep, Grade 1, and Grade 2 classes and will be when we offer a short French lesson. A letter will be shared with the parents/carers of students identified. 

In addition, students in Prep, Grade 1, and Grade 2 classes may also be selected to join reading intervention (MiniLit) with Ms. Plunkett. 

Our students in Grades 3/4 and 5/6 will be supported by Mrs. Smith who will participate in MacqLit. We will write to you if your child has been offered support. 

We also offer Maths support Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday to grade 3/4& 5/6 students before school at 8:15am in the Library. This year I am pleased to share we will also support Prep and Grade 1 students on Friday during the school day. 

BREAKFAST CLUB

On Wednesday, mornings we have a Breakfast Club for all students. Food Bank is helping with food supplies this year. I would like to thank Gillian Westendorp (parent) and Ms. Plunkett for their support each Wednesday. Thank you also to the other volunteers who attend each week.

School tours are happening again for 2026 Prep enrolments. They will be held each Tuesday at 9:30 am. Please encourage family and friends to book an appointment through our office team.

VOLUNTEERS

Athletics Day is around the corner. New child-safe rules have been introduced between last year's event and this year. 

Only 'Volunteers' who have registered to help, shared a volunteer working with children card with the school, completed an induction at school, and signed in on the day at the reserve, will be allowed onto the field or in the vicinity of children. Volunteers will wear ID so we know they are 'safe' to be on the field. 

Detailed plans for the parent zone will be shared nearer the time. Parents and carers will be welcome to stroll around the outside of the field to view the events and to use the canteen. If you access the field, you will be asked to leave and directed to a different spot. In advance, I will say thanks for the support with these changes. 

If you wish to volunteer, please email charlotte.twentyman@education.vic.gov.au and follow her instructions in the returned email. 

KEY CURRICULUM DAY DATES

Our four curriculum days this year are:

• Tuesday 28th January - already happened
• Friday 7th March - no students 
• Wednesday 11th June - no students 
• Wednesday 10th December - no students

Why the Weird Wednesdays?

Our teachers plan each week on a specific day. Our students participate in specialist days on that day. With so many public holidays on Monday and Tuesday, we have had to spread the load across the year so that planning is not missed, and more importantly, students do not miss lots of specialist classes. For some students....this is their highlight of the week and they hate to miss it.

PRODUCTION

It is a school production year. We have partnered with Ruccis to deliver our production. We are looking forward to a great night of circus acts that your children will be performing for you at George Wood Theatre. The date is Thursday 26th June.  Circus training will commence in Term 2 on Mondays and Thursdays across the levels. A timetable will be shared soon.

If you would like to explore Ruccis and their activities for your children, please see Ruccis | Circus School 

SCHOOL COUNCIL

Sharon Goulden (Grade 1 parent) and Leigh Marriott (Grade 2 parent) have self-nominated for the school council, as well as Mrs. Creed (DET employee). The AGM will be on Tuesday 19th March at 7:00 pm. 

Enjoy the sunshine over the long weekend....did I mention that already? 

Craig