Principal's News
Dear Parents and Carers,
I trust families were able to make the most of yesterday’s Public Holiday and the perfect weather for some fun together. Certainly Bunnings was buzzing yesterday, when I was there, as lots of projects around the home were clearly underway. Fishing and camping stories were being shared in the playground this morning by happy children pleased to see their schoolmates again.
N.A.P.L.A.N. This week students in Grades 3 & 5 will participate in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy testing. These tests have been traditionally administered in May, however the Government has decided that the tests should be done earlier in the year in order to report to schools and parents on the results earlier. The tests are done online and are “adaptive” meaning that they become harder or easier depending upon the child’s competence.
NAPLAN is not a pass/fail test. It simply looks at what level students are achieving in literacy and numeracy against National Standards and compared with student peers throughout Australia. NAPLAN cannot be studied for and students are not expected to do so.
The tests can cause some children extra worry. I would advise parents to downplay the importance of these tests with their children. I simply ask them to do their best as they do with all of their work at school.
If you have any concerns, please contact your child’s teacher.
D.O.B.C.E.L. The Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited has responsibility for the management and support of 64 Catholic schools of the Ballarat Diocese
" The DOBCEL Board provides opportunities for members of the diocesan education community, and others with relevant expertise, to participate in the mission of DOBCEL, to assist its governance and decision making and to inform faithful stewardship of the mission through DOBCEL Consultative Committees.
A range of vacancies exists across the DOBCEL Consultative Committees. These committees are an invaluable opportunity to ensure that the work of the Board and CEB reflects the needs of DOBCEL school communities right across the Diocese. Typically, the committees meet once each term for a duration of 90-120 Minutes. The opportunity exists to attend face-to-face or virtually. For volunteers to the organisation, compensation for expenses is available.
Opportunities exist for parents/guardians/carers with a child/children enrolled in a DOBCEL School to join one of the following;
- Catholic Faith Community & Culture Consultative Committee
- Children & Young People Safeguarding & Wellbeing Consultative Committee
- Family and Community Engagement Consultative Committee
- Learning and Teaching Consultative Committee
In the event of multiple nominations, the Board will invite Consultative Committee members on the basis of the general balance of the committee, taking into account factors such as gender, diversity, skill mix, location, school size, etc.
For more information please contact Jo Mckee jmckee@dobcel.catholic.edu.au or speak with your school principal. Expressions of interest are open until Wednesday, 26th April."