Dear all parents and carers,

Welcome to the last newsletter for Term 3 (I know - we can’t believe it either)!

A snapshot in time

I thought you might enjoy an insight into a moment in time at St Agnes’. I did a walk-around on Monday at around midday - the school had a settled, calming and productive buzz to it.

Our Year 3 students were impossible to distract during their Reading lesson, as Miss Casey worked with a small group on their targeted learning goals:

Year 4 was working on writing conventions and ICT skills with Mrs Georgiou, through an informative text about their exciting excursion to IMAX last week:

I then heard some well-trained vocals coming from the Library and found some of our talented singers, mid-lesson:

Years 1 and 2 were identifying features of 2D shapes with Mrs Barton and Ms Miller, while Mrs Murphy and Mrs Hampson were challenging another group to spot shapes in the real world:

Our Prep students were practising how to count on to solve addition problems with Mrs Baker - a fundamental early number skill:

Finally, our Years 5 and 6 students were well and truly into their three-day camp at Arrabri Lodge with Miss Sly, Miss van Rensburg, Mr McMahon, Mr Kost, Mrs Cummins and Mrs Gorski. Here is the ‘before’ photo; we’ll see how they return after three days of challenging (in a fun way!) activities and shared cabins…

MACSSIS

On Monday, 29 August, you will have received an email from principal@sahighett.catholic.edu.au with a link to a survey. The survey closes on Friday, 16 September 2022; if you haven’t yet had a chance, we’d very much appreciate your input. A similar survey has been completed by all staff, as well as students in Years 4 to 6. The data will provide invaluable insights into ways we can shape and maintain a safe, happy and supportive community for all. Your parent voice is key in identifying the school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Thank you.

Building project

The staff has worked tirelessly to ensure we’re ready to vacate the building as soon as we’re given the OK. We have hit ‘pause’ on the final step - moving the student desks to their new, temporary lodgings - until we receive the confirmed date of commencement from the builder. Until then, we remain poised and ready…

MSL

If you were able to join us at Assembly last week, you will have learned a little about MSL (Multisensory Structured Language) from our Year 1 students. MSL is an evidence-based approach to literacy that is explicit, systematic, multisensory and structured. Amanda Baker has led the charge and worked closely with Jake McMahon (who has also previously completed the necessary training) to implement MSL in our school. We’re blessed with skilled educators at St Agnes’!

Keep up the great work, Prep and Year 1 students!

Art Show News - a note from Jen Brown, Visual Arts teacher

Thursday, 24 November… Save the Date!

In Term 4, our school will be holding a Visual Arts Show! It will be a fabulous, family-friendly evening of creativity and fun, as well as a fabulous way to showcase both performing and visual arts to our community. Students will each have three to four of their masterpieces on show, including collaborative pieces from each class.

THEME:

We are excited to announce that, this year, our Art Show will be called: ‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go!’. This theme relates directly to our term’s Geography unit. Students will take you on an adventure around the world to visit and be mesmerised by all the colour and treasures our world has to offer, as well as acknowledging and embracing our cultural differences.

HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED:

At the start of Term 4, we'll be on the hunt for helpers to prepare and mount some of the pieces. As we move closer to the big event, there will also be opportunities to assist with set-up, as well as roles to fill on the night. Watch this space...

Extend Squad Holiday Experience

We’re excited to be hosting a school holiday program during the break. Thanks to all the parents and carers who have made this possible by expressing interest and signing up nice and early. Please visit https://www.extend.com.au/holiday-program/st-agnes-primary-school/ for more information about the program, fees and to book online. There’s some wonderful activities planned!

Our dedicated team

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff at St Agnes’ for their efforts in making this term run smoothly. It’s wonderful to be part of an effective team that pulls together to support one another. To all the staff: thanks for all you do for the students and families in our community.

Finally, to all those playing along at home: the families of St Agnes’ have pulled together and pulled off a number of key events this term. Whether turning sausages on a Friday, serving breakfast for Father’s Day, helping out with literacy in the junior classrooms, attending events to support the students, or supporting your children as they complete their weekly homework, every family contributes to the smooth running of a small school community. Thank you for your contributions this term; there will be plenty more opportunities come Term 4, so watch this space and reach out if you’d like to get involved.

Assembly

Assembly is every Wednesday from 2.40pm in the hall. Parents are very welcome to attend; it’s a great way to keep up to date with what’s happening at school. Our final two assemblies for this term are:

Wednesday, 7th September - Year 4

Wednesday, 14th September - Year 5

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday break!

Louisa Di Pietro

St Agnes' Primary School Newsletter

Issue 15 · 07 Sep 2022

In this issue