Assistant Principal's
News
Ms Fiona Scullion
Assistant Principal
Dear Parents
Semester One Academic Reports
All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will be receiving their Semester One academic reports at the end of Week 8.
Student reports provide valuable insights into student academic progress, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement. It is also important to remember that these grades are not the sole measure of our children’s abilities and potential.
It's important to consider the following ideas:
- Every child possesses unique talents and strengths that may not be fully reflected at all times. While some excel in academics, others thrive in areas such as art, music, sports, leadership or problem-solving skills. It is essential to acknowledge and appreciate these talents, nurturing them alongside academic growth.
- Academic grades often focus on cognitive skills, but children’s emotional intelligence and character development are equally vital. Traits like empathy, resilience, perseverance and teamwork contribute to their overall growth and success in life. Encouraging and nurturing these qualities will help to shape their future as well-rounded individuals.
- Assessing a student’s academic ability does not just mean relying on results from standardised tests. Every child has a unique learning style and approaches tasks in different ways. Some students excel in hands-on learning, while others thrive in collaborative settings. Recognising and supporting diverse learning styles can enhance a child’s overall learning experience.
- While report grades provide a benchmark of academic progress, it is important to acknowledge that learning is a continuous journey. Celebrating personal growth, improvement and effort helps foster a growth mindset and encourages students to embrace challenges and take risks with their learning.
Students at St Francis Xavier will receive grades using the Common Grade Scale. The Common Grade Scale describes performance at each of five grade levels.
| Extensive | The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations. |
| Thorough | The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations. |
| Sound | The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills. |
| Basic | The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills. |
| Elementary | The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills. |
The reporting format will be slightly different this year. Each student will receive a combined written comment for Religious Education, English, Mathematics and general.
We are a part of a school community that appreciates and values the multifaceted nature of every child and their ability. We know that our children are more than just grades - they are curious, imaginative, creative and capable individuals with an immense potential to make a positive impact on the world.
Parents will have the opportunity to book for Parent Teacher Meetings with their child’s teacher in Week 9. Information will be shared once the portal is open for bookings.
God bless,
Fiona