From the Principal

Six months in

We've reached a milestone - the end of our first semester! Our Year 7s are now well settled in to the school, and we are very pleased with the strong culture of learning and engagement that we are building, as you will see reflected in this newsletter. 

Student learning - NAPLAN results

This term we received our preliminary NAPLAN results, demonstrating some promising outcomes early on for our students, with the majority of our cohort in the top two proficiency levels. 

In Numeracy, 51% of our students were in the 'Strong to Exceeding' proficiency levels, with 28% in 'Developing' and 21% 'Needs Additional Support'.  In Reading, 53% of our cohort was in the 'Strong to Exceeding' proficiency, with 27% in 'Developing' and 20% 'Needs Additional Support'. 

Students identified as needing additional support are provided with intervention classes in addition to their regular classes, with our students in the Literacy intervention groups in particular making very strong progress this term. 

We use this data, along with other, in-school assessments, to ensure that our curriculum continues to stretch and challenge our learners, whilst providing the appropriate support to help all students grow. 

End of Semester Reports

Our End-of-Semester Reports are now published. These reports provide the usual update on students' learning behaviours and progress, as well as their acheivement against the Victorian Curriculum standards. Each subject's report includes the outcomes of at least one summative assessment task, but the achievement level is a reflection of all of the work and learning that students have demonstrated in class this semester. 

I encourage you to use these reports as an opportunity to have a discussion with your child around their strengths and areas for improvement, and to reach out to subject teachers if you have specific questions about any area. 

Student engagement

It's been wonderful to see the way in which our students have thrown themselves in to school life this term, with plenty of co-curricular opportunities in Interschool Sport, leadership and in the Library.  Our students have also demonstrated strong engagement in their learning and in their classrooms. Our focus in our foundation year is on setting and maintaining high expectations for both learning and behaviour,  and building a calm and orderly learning environment through strong use of routines. 

The recent results of the whole-school Student Attitudes to School survey reflect that this is coming along well. In this annual, statewide survey, all students are asked a range of questions around their experiences at school. Our students recorded the following results which indicate we have made a great start in this area:

• Classroom behaviour
  • 93% of students agreed that “My teacher expects students to pay attention”

  • 87% agreed that “My teacher sets clear rules for classroom behaviour”

     

• High expectations
  • 91% agreed that “My teacher expects me to do my best” and 86% agreed that “my teachers encourage all students to do their best”
  • 74% agreed that “my teachers believe that all students can be high achievers”
  • 81% agreed that “my teacher expects nothing less than our full effort”
  • 86% agreed that “I try very hard/my best at school”

Every day counts

As we move through the winter months, it's timely to remind all families of the importance of strong attendance at school. Whilst it is understandable that students may sometimes experience bouts of illness and need to stay home, it is important that attendance at all other times is maximised. This includes trying to avoid any term-time holidays, non-essential days off or daytime appointments whenever possible. Strong attendance at school is a critical indicator of academic success and social and emotional engagement and wellbeing. 

Please reach out to your child's Mentor Teacher or Year Level Coordinator if you have concerns about their attendance. 

Coming up in Term 3

We are looking forward to the following events in Term 3:

• Introduction of our Instrumental Music and Band program (see the information in this newsletter)
• French and Media/Art excursion to ACMI and Ian Potter Gallery
• More interschool team sports 
• Implementation of student leadership positions
• Expansion of lunchtime clubs

We will also introduce two Year Level Coordinators, who will support our Head of Sub-School, Julia Brain, to oversee and manage the Year 7s. These coordinators will be an additional point of call for parents and carers if you have any questions or concerns about your child's progress or wellbeing.  

• Sarah Boyle (7A,7B,7C)
• Heath Simpson (7D,7E,7F)

I will be taking a short period of Long Service Leave, for Week 1 of Term 3 (July 13-17). Stephen Baker, Assistant Principal, will be the acting Principal in my absence.

I hope that all families have a very safe and restful holiday break. We are looking forward to seeing you all back in Term 3. 

Ciar Foster,

Principal