Cranbourne South Primary School

Principal News

What does NAPLAN NOT test?

NAPLAN does not assess all of what makes our students exceptional and unique.

The adults who score these tests, do not know that some students love to sing, are good at drawing or can teach others how to use a computer program.  They have not seen the way that some students can dance with grace or speak confidently in a large group.  They do not know that friends at CSPS count on other friends to be there for them when they are sad.  They do not know that our students participate in sports, help their family or play with little brothers, sisters or cousins.  They do not know that CSPS students are caring, thoughtful and that every day they do their best.  Because these attributes cannot be tested.

The scores students get from these tests will tell us how they did on that day, but they will not tell us everything.  They cannot tell us that they brighten up their teacher’s day.  They cannot tell us how proud we are to have them as students at CSPS.  

We are so impressed how the students have come to school with a POSITIVE attitude, ready to PERSIST through each task, take PRIDE in their efforts and show PASSION in doing a great job.

Always remember there is no way to ‘test’ all the wonderful things that makes you, YOU!

Monique Corcoran and Sally Herbert

NAPLAN preparation

CSPS has a Whole School commitment to NAPLAN preparation.

This week, the Year 3 & 5 students sit four NAPLAN tests. 

 

NAPLAN provides a snapshot of the F-10 Victorian Curriculum which provides an 'additional' data source of student progress.

 

The students prepare for NAPLAN in numerous ways - this is called 'multiple exposures'.  A number of activities are planned and implemented that are just part of normal teaching and learning. Examples of such are:

  • Writing activities such as Big Writes and Cold Writes that further develop Language Conventions knowledge and understandings.
  • Reading activities that build stamina and the ability to read for meaning and comprehension.
  • Numeracy activities that extend students mathematical  vocabulary and problem solving.
  • Cooperative Learning activities that encourage collaboration and team work.

Practising and preparing for NAPLAN is a common practice in schools.  There are times where the actual NAPLAN test or parts of are used for students to gain a clearer perspective of what is being asked or how information/questions are presented.

 

As published in the iNewsletter throughout Term 2, we support Year 2, 4 and 6 teachers in providing opportunities for NAPLAN exposure to prepare them for the following year implementation.  This has been as a result of parent feedback over the years relating to stronger transition processes between year levels and when moving to Secondary school.  

 

Through our experience, we know that such varied and gradual exposure, and practice opportunities, increase student emotional and academic preparation in the NAPLAN official years.

Social Media reminder 

Facebook is a fabulous way to keep in touch with others.    

If you have a question of a small nature eg. about a special lunch day or excursion drop off time,  check COMPASS, the school website and iNewsletter.  If not, communicating on social media could be useful.

 

If you have a question of a larger nature eg. teaching and learning approaches and frameworks, a school or DET process or an individual or complex case, the Administrators of the CSPS affiliated Facebook page will direct you to the office to arrange a time to speak with the relevant staff member.

We are here to help

If you have a question or need further clarification on a wondering, the best place to start is to contact the school.  The office staff will guide you in the most appropriate direction.

1. Speak with your child's classroom teacher. 

2. Speak to the subschool leader.

  • Junior School leader - Melanie Williams
  • Middle School leader - Chris Youl
  • Senior School leader - Colette Joannidis

3.  Speak with a member of the Leadership team, including:

  • Leading Teacher - Karen Halket
  • Learning Specialist - Delvina Waiti

4.  Arrange a time to speak with a member of the Principal class;

  • Assistant Principal - Sally Herbert
  • Principal - Monique Corcoran

2018 Annual Report and AGM

CSPS 2018 Annual Report has now been published on the school website.  All schools must provide their annual report to be published on the State Register.

The Annual Report officially gets presented at the CSPS Annual General Meeting which is held Wednesday 19th June at 6.30pm.

The Annual Report includes:

  • a description and analysis of student learning outcomes in state-wide tests and examinations for the current year (or for the last two years if the school has been established that long)
  • a description and analysis student attendance rates for the year
  • a report of the school's financial activities

Child Safe Standard 4

School staff selection, supervision and management practices

Schools are required to use policies and procedures for recruitment, supervision, training and managing performance that support a child safe school environment.

CSPS already has a number of recruitment and screening practices that reduce the risk of child abuse. Schools are expected to:

  • ensure that position descriptions for all new positions advertised  include the standard ‘Child Safe Environments’ clause.
  • implement practices to ensure that the principal is satisfied an external applicant is suitable for child-connected work prior to the person commencing employment.
  • identify the actions the school proposes to take, to promote and embed the Child Safety Code of Conduct and articulate the timeframe for implementation.

School Policies highlights

 

The Policies highlighted for this iNewsletter are Camps Policy and Excursion Policy  CSPS engages in a number of engaging extra curricula opportunities such as Excursions and Camps of which we refer to policy requirements.  Any questions, please contact the office to speak with a member of the School Improvement Team.

Do you know where to access DET policies - SPAG

Do you know how to access CSPS localised policies - Link

COMPASS:  School calendar

 

Please ensure you check the COMPASS calendar and the EVENTS tab on the school website to stay up to date with what is happening within the CSPS community.

The calendar linked via the Flexibuzz app is no longer kept up to date.  Please do not rely on this to stay informed.

If you have any questions regarding CSPS events do not hesitate to give the Office a call.