With only two more weeks until the end of the school term we are completely absorbed in the execution and enhancement of all school programs. Of significant interest is the Year 5 & 6 School Camp to be held at Waratah Bay on the 1st April to 4th April 2025. We are delighted to have been able to expand this experience to four days and provide an array of magnificent adventure activities including surfing tuition.

Unfortunately, School Camps are getting less and less common in schools as Principals endeavour to meet changes to the changed employment arrangements for teachers. This necessitates the Principal and Assistant Principal and others attending who do not receive such entitlements. The extra costs involved are not provided to our school from the Department of Education. Please be advised that the Principal and Assistant Principal will be attending as they will also for our planned Year 3 & 4 Camp later in the year.

School Annual Report 2024

This was presented to our School Council on Monday night and reflects a positive statement of goals, actions and achievements. Following a review of the document by the Department of Education Quality Assurance Unit, it can be made available to the School Community. A significant part of the document is based upon the Department of Education School Performance Data Report and is very positive for 2024. The data provided details results against state results and more poignantly, results of similar schools with higher socio-economic status. Please note:

English: Foundation – Year 6 (based on teacher judgements)

Percentage of students at or above age expected standards in English:

Chatham Primary School	95.9%
Similar Schools	94.5%
State	86.4%

Mathematics: Foundation – Year 6 (based on teacher judgements)

Percentage of students at or above age expected standards in Mathematics.

Chatham Primary School	94.8%
Similar Schools	94.8%
State	85.9%

NAPLAN Year 3

Percentage of students strong or exceeding in Reading:

Chatham Primary School	94.8%
Similar Schools	94.8%
State	85.9%

Percentage of students strong or exceeding in Mathematics:

Chatham Primary School	86.8.8%
Similar Schools	80.5%
State	65.5%

NAPLAN Year 5

Percentage of students strong or exceeding in Reading:

Chatham Primary School	88.4%
Similar Schools	88.3%
State	73.0%

Percentage of students strong or exceeding in Mathematics:

Chatham Primary School	86.0%
Similar Schools	82.7%
State	67.3%

Student Wellbeing (based on digital Department of Education survey results)

Students’ sense of connectedness to school, teachers and peers

Chatham Primary School	78.5%
Similar Schools	77.6%
State	76.8%

Management of bullying

The level of positive responses to how the school manages bullying:

Chatham Primary School	80.3%
Similar Schools	74.8%
State	75.5%

Student Absences Foundation to Year 6

Number of student absences per days, per year:

Chatham Primary School	17.3 days
Similar Schools	18.5 days
State	21.8 days

These are superb results, and I convey our appreciation to the drive, focus and commitment of our staff to make it so. I look forward to placing this Annual Report on our School website in due course.

Foundation Information Evening – Wednesday 19th March 2025

Over the last few weeks, we have had a number of small groups seeking to tour our school on a Wednesday morning. Together with such experiences we provided a highly expansive Information Evening for parents of prospective Foundation students for 2026 on Wednesday 19th March 2025. Again, I convey our appreciation for the staff who made a commitment to present such important information to our prospective parents for 2026. Our next story time session for pre-school students is scheduled for 9.30am on Friday 28th March 2025.

School Council 2025

I am delighted to advise that the first meeting of the new School Council was conducted on Monday evening, 17th March 2025. School Council meetings are conducted nine times per year at Chatham Primary School. We congratulate the following people on their roles for 2025:

Whilst there are two roles, we expect confirmed at the next meeting we look forward to progressing our new School Council at this exciting time.

President	Caroline Kennon	Parent Member
Vice President	TBC
Treasurer	Ashley Nasiakos	Parent Member
Minute Secretary	Georgina Kirwan	Department of Education
Buildings and Grounds Committee Convenor	Ashley Davies	Parent Member
Communications Committee Convenor	Eric Chin	Parent Member
Education Committee Convenor	Georgina Kirwan	Department of Education
Finance Committee Convenor	Ashley Nasiakos	Parent Member
Fundraising Committee Convenor	TBC
	Sophie Rigg	Parent Member
	Renae Hanvin	Parent Member
	Andrea McLeod	Department of Education
	Joanne Haddock	Parent Member
	Anna Bailey	Parent Member
	Lisa Almond	Parent Member
	Ashley Davies	Co-opt Parent Member
	Rob Martinelli	Co-opt Parent Member
Executive Officer	Christopher Cotching	Department of Education

Again, we will continue to keep you informed of School Council matters in the coming weeks. Our next School Council meeting is scheduled for Monday 19th May 2025.

Crossing Supervisor – Ms Helen Reilly

After being in contact with Helen this week I am sorry to advise that Helen has experienced a minor stroke. As a result, she is recuperating and will not be at the School Crossing in Weybridge Street for the remainder of the School term. We wish her well and hope that a speedy recovery is forthcoming.

Harmony Day and Student Leadership – Friday 21st March 2025

Together with Ms McDonald and Ms Kirwan we are planning Harmony Day with our Junior School Councillors for Friday 21st March. This will involve students dressing up in colours reflective of their heritage and culture and/or wearing the universal colour of orange. Our students have heritages from over 20 and each year we endeavour to involve students in different countries from this group. Our students from Foundation to Year 6 will be involved in one of twelve groups that explores the history, culture, pastimes and activities of each country involved.

Christopher Cotching

Principal

Creative Music