Principal's Page
Our NAPLAN results have come back. We are seeing good growth and with a particular focus on explicit teaching. This means teachers demonstrate the skill, model and work with the students together and then move to independent work. We are seeing students retain more learning. It needs to come in small bite size chunks, to ensure it is manageable. Retrieval practice is really important hence why we’re focusing on providing books and readers for parents at younger year levels to practice their reading with their children. At the middle and upper year levels, there are always opportunities to involve students in learning. Reading with your child is still a critical component of this, but bringing mathematics to life while cooking travelling, using timetables or asking your child to form an opinion about an issue will help students retrieve their learning and move it into their long-term memory.
We have seven students joining us from China in the coming weeks. These students are seeking a rich cultural experience in Australia with a focus on building connections and developing their skills with the English language. These students are really focused on their academic studies which is a great model for our students. Whilst we have many differences, as always it is striking how many things are the same, with a passion for soccer, music, Lego and Chocolate! It’s a reminder that kids around the world are all kids. We have more in common than we are different.
At Holy Family we are really proud about how we embrace people to make them feel like they belong. It’s been wonderful to get some of that feedback from the new families that have come through, one parent said the students just feel so relaxed around the teachers. This is really important for belonging but more importantly it’s important for child safety, so that our students always know they have a voice and can be heard. Professional boundaries are always important, ensuring our students know they can talk to staff is critical to provide the environment with students thrive.
Our school fees are coming up to their due dates and I thank all the families that are making regular contributions or have already paid in full. I will be sending out reminder notes to families who still have an outstanding balance to finalise their payments. We take great pride in having the most affordable school fees within the Catholic system. If any family needs assistance I am always willing to talk and make arrangements.
As noted, thanks to Bowen for their generous donation that allow us to update the sandpits and mulchers of the playground. We have had a few groups offer sponsorships recently, which really helps us maintain low fees, but also maximise opportunities.
Later this term, we will run a free Auskick program afterschool on Mondays. We are also finalising some free netball coaching. This is above our Dance, Chess, Art and Kitchen Garden Academy. I am really proud of the opportunities that your children get to show their skills!
Finally, this term, your children have started a new Music program taught by the teachers, with lessons written by a leading Australian professional musician. We can not wait to show you some of the skills the students gain. If you have a Prep or Year One, ask them about, Beat, Tempo or Dynamics....then get to finding the beat!
In this special year of St Francis, let me conclude with this prayer, written so long ago...but fitting for times like these:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.