Message from the Principal

St Anthony’s Parish and St Anthony’s School hold the care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people as central and fundamental responsibilities of the Church. St Anthony’s is fully compliant with all policies in relation to Child Safety. These documents ensure compliance with the Victorian Government Child Safety Standards which took effect on 1 January 2017 and reflect our Parishes’ ongoing commitment to ensuring that all children are safe, happy and empowered.

NAPLAN WEEK

Dear families and friends,

 

This week our Year 3 and 5 students sat for their National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy.

NAPLAN stands for 'National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy'. Its purpose is to determine if educational outcomes have been achieved by students and is used to inform government policy and curriculum planning.  According to ACARA the main purpose of the NAPLAN tests is to measure whether literacy and numeracy skills empower knowledge that provide the critical foundation for other learning and for the productive and rewarding participation in the community. Every May, Australian school students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit standardized tests in reading, writing, numeracy, spelling and grammar.  Of course we know that NAPLAN does not measure schools', teachers' or students' performance. Our students are measured on much more than these areas of learning alone. We know that one such test cannot measure determination, passion, curiosity and creativity. NAPLAN provides data that is useful to schooling systems to measure growth and achievement over time but it fails to capture the complex work of schools and teachers. NAPLAN does not reflect the full learning and abilities of all students.

We are proud of our students. On Tuesday they began with Language Conventions and then Writing. The topic this year was Narrative and all staff could be heard celebrating as they knew their students were capable and ready to write a sizzling narrative with confidence.

I'd like to thank our teaching and support staff for the preparation of our students since Prep. We acknowledge the growth throughout the duration of years and not just in the weeks leading up to NAPLAN.

You would have received a letter through DOJO for your children from their teachers that really shows how we feel.  The opening line says:

"This test does not assess all of what makes each of you the amazing and unique person that you are!"

We are so proud of their achievements every day in all aspects of their school life. We are proud of the way they conducted themselves this week and showed great courage and we are proud of the great people that they are.

Continue to be the great support you are for your amazing children and thank you for entrusting us with your most precious little people. 

As always, go gently about your week and God bless, 

 

Patrika