Principal Report

We have ended Term 3 with the arrival of winter, two mass viewings of the World Cup Soccer in the school hall and quad; and our huge celebration of World Refugee Day which we shared with our partner schools, Walters Road and Blacktown West Public.

Long awaited NAPLAN results will be available early next term. These are a snap shot in time and whilst they give an indication of how students are going across writing, reading, grammar, spelling and numeracy, they are only one of the sets of data that we use to assess their academic successes and needs. Over the past six years, we have seen an increasing improvement in our results and that can be attributed to the amount of interventions that we have put in place through our specialist EALS Faculty which provides one-on-one support; withdrawal and in-classroom assistance to targeted students.

We have had a pleasing increase in student enrolments, particularly in Year 10 and, as a result, have had to add another class. This, in turn, will also increase the range of subjects that we can offer to these students as they move into their senior studies of Year 11 and 12. We know that our senior students are experiencing success across both academic and well-being areas as a result of our HSC 3 X 3 pattern of study. More are completing their HSC, whether they are going straight to work, into trades and traineeships, TAFE or university, since we have moved to this pathway through the senior studies. If you, or someone you know, wants to know more about our innovative approach to the HSC that will support your student, please ring the school and speak with us.

The coming Term 3 is a busy time for our HSC students with major projects and performances, Trial Exams and the completion of coursework falling due before their final exams in Term 4. Students should take advantage of the opportunities that support their learning including Homework Centre, subject tutorials and make every moment in class count.

Our Year 8 students continue to stun us with their mastery of the Dharug language. They will be leading the NAIDOC Ceremony early next term. Thank you to the outstanding leadership of Aboriginal Education, from our leader, Ms Silva, and Aboriginal Education Officer, Cody Bernhardt along with Mr O’Brien and Ms Griffiths.

As usual, over the holidays, we are undertaking works and maintenance across learning and outdoor spaces. Concrete paths will be laid; new carpet laying will be finalised; our outdoor seating near the Administration block will be completed; updating of our audio and bell system; and a deep high pressure and heat clean of concrete to remove chewing gum will take place. We remind all students that chewing gum is prohibited on school grounds.

When students return from holidays, they will be required to create new passwords to access the Department of Education. This will be done on day 1, which will be Tuesday, 21 July. Have a great back!

Nerina Pretlove

Principal