News from our 

Assistant Principal

Student Attendance

Systemic Catholic primary schools in the Archdiocese of Sydney must record daily student attendance.  All student absences must be followed by an explanation /medical certificate from parents within one week of the absence. This can be completed using our school web-based system – COMPASS.

If an explanation is not received within that time, the absence will automatically be recorded as an unexplained absence.  Children who arrive at school after 8.55 am must report to the office before going to class where a late note will be issued stating the reason for the partial absence.

Parents, you are reminded that if your child will be on leave for more than 5 consecutive school days an ‘Application for Leave form/Application for Extended Leave' – Travel form needs to be completed and signed by the school Principal at least three school days before the absence. It is a legal requirement that a Principal must grant an exemption from attendance prior to such leave being taken. The Application for Exemption form is available at the school office and on Compass under parent links.  If an exemption certificate is not provided to the parent by the school before the absence, the absence will be recorded as unexplained/unacceptable.    

Grade Bulletins     

Earlier this week Grade Bulletins were shared with you via Compass.  Grade Bullietins provide parents with information on the Curriculum areas that are covered this Term and offer suggestions for ways that you can assist your child.  You can access your child's Grade Bulletin at the link below, if you have not yet done so.  

NAPLAN 2023

Individual student NAPLAN reports for students in Years 3 and 5 have been distributed. The report shows a student’s results in the key areas of reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

This year there is a change to the way NAPLAN reports students results. NAPLAN results will be reported against proficiency standards with 4 levels of achievement to give teachers, parents and carers clearer information on how students are performing. NAPLAN results will be reported using measurement scales for each of the assessment areas of numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, and grammar and punctuation (these last 2 together are called conventions of language). 

The NAPLAN proficiency standards include 4 proficiency levels for each assessment area at each year level: 

• Exceeding: the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing. 
• Strong: the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing.
• Developing: the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
• Needs additional support: the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes expected at the time of testing. They are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily.

Each of the standards represents increasingly challenging skills and understandings as students move through the years of schooling.

Please view the Interpreting NAPLAN results brochure using the link below.

If you have any questions regarding your child's NAPLAN  report please make an interview time with your child’s teacher.   

SWAP A BOOK…CHANGE A LIFE

On 23rd August, 2023 Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School will be participating in the 2023 Great Book Swap, showing great commitment to social justice and helping to address the literacy gap in remote Australia.

Naplan reports indicate that although there has been some improvement in literacy rates in Indigenous students in urban areas of Australia, the figures for remote locations are appalling. Only 35% of Indigenous students in very remote areas are achieving at or above minimum standard in Reading in Year 5, compared to 95% of non-indigenous students in our major cities.

The Great Book Swap is a fantastic way to celebrate reading locally and raise much-needed funds. The idea is to swap a favourite book in exchange for another, for a gold coin donation. Students will have the opportunity on the 23rd of August to view the donated books and make a selection.  All funds raised will go to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

Thank you for your support, we look forward to celebrating the National Great Book Swap with your child.

Policy Update - Student Use of Digital Devices and Online Services Policy

Sydney Catholic Schools has implemented a new Student Use of Digital Devices and Online Services Policy.  While digital devices play a valuable role in student learning, some devices like mobile phones and online watches can cause distractions in class and hinder social development when used during breaks. 

The policy establishes guidelines on device usage, specifically identifying restricted times and device types during the school day. In case of genuine emergencies or the need for your child to contact you, the school office can connect you. Since our schools already have similar device rules in effect, we anticipate that this policy will have minimal impact on our students. 

At OLF, our approach to mobile phones and smartwatches at school has not changed.  All student smart devices (mobile phones and smart watches) MUST BE HANDED INTO THE OFFICE EACH MORNING.  If a student is found with a device during the day it will be taken away and stored in the office until the end of the day

ICAS

Our Lady of Fatima will be offering students the opportunity to participate in the world-renowned ICAS Assessments this year.  These are optional assessments across a variety of subjects.

Our school has signed up for the ICAS Assessments parent payment system (PPS) for English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee and Digital Technologies. Through this system, parents can pay for ICAS directly online while tests will still be held on-site during school time. 

Please access the following document which contains more information about ICAS Assessments and instructions on how to register your child.  Cut off date for registration is strictly the 31st of July, 2023.

Uniform Expectations

A reminder that students are to wear the correct school uniform at all times. Many of the students have returned to school wearing incorrect sports shoes, wrong socks, and inappropriate jewellery and accessories. The students will be reminded of the correct uniform. If necessary after that a letter will be sent home for you to be made aware and support us in this area. It is important to our community that the students wear their uniform with pride to school each day.

Carline Procedures

Parents and carers are reminded of the following procedures to assist in ensuring the school carline service operates safely and efficiently:

• Car signs need to clearly displayed and legible 
• Students need to be able to enter and leave the car unassisted - Please do not leave your vehicle
• Students are not to walk  between cars and are to use the pedestrian crossing
• Please refrain from opening car boots, particularly with large cars - school bags should be transported in the vehicle
• There need to be two cars stationary before and after the pedestrian crossing when students enter or disembark from the car
• Please drive slowly and be attentive at all times with the large number of students using this service.

Please inform the school office prior to 2.30 pm of any changes to your child’s afternoon dismissal procedure.

Notre Dame Professional Experience Students

We welcome the practicum students from Notre Dame University this term and wish them every success with their professional teaching experience. The practicum teachers will be working collaboratively with teachers designing a variety of teaching and learning activities aligned with the Curriculum and National Professional Teaching Standards to engage the students in authentic learning experiences.

Lousie Gordon | Assistant Principal