A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Young Leaders Day 

I had the pleasure of joining our School Leaders and their parents at the Young Leaders Day held in Sydney last Tuesday. Students from across NSW were excited to hear from the range of special guest speakers: Bronte Campbell (Olympic Swimmer), Josh Pyke (Singer/songwriter/author), Anthony Carroll (Lifeguard & actor from Bondi Rescue) and Lachie Smart (Youngest pilot to circumnavigate the world). Each speaker gave tips for leadership success and encouraged the students to strive to achieve their goals. Thanks to the parents who supported this event and I am confident it will become one of our St Joey’s well anticipated traditions.

School Policies

My next policy sharing section is the Living Well Learning Well Policy. This policy is based upon the LWLW framework which I have distributed to parents in previous newsletters and at PT & F and School Advisory Council meetings. It clearly states how we support students in their learning, faith development and wellbeing through having an unconditional positive high regard for all students. The policy stresses the importance of highly skilled adults working in teams, providing a safe, productive and inclusive community. It highlights the importance of families working in partnership with the school community in which there is a shared privilege and responsibility for each child’s faith formation, learning and wellbeing. There is a shared goal that all children are safe, valued, respected and cared for and esteemed and supported as learners.

The LWLW Policy and the LWLW Framework are easy to read and relevant to every student, staff member and family in our school community. They underpin all that we do as a school and encompass how we cater for the individual needs of each student. They can be accessed through these links above or through the Policy section of our school website.

NAPLAN

It is hard to believe the time to prepare for NAPLAN is almost upon us. For those parents not familiar with this assessment here is a brief outline. This National Online Assessment is for Year 3 and Year 5 students only and is held early in Term 2 each year. It assesses student skills in Reading, Writing, Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar & punctuation) and Mathematics. NAPLAN is just one aspect of our school’s assessment and reporting process – it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance. It is important to remember that NAPLAN is not about passing or failing, but about assessing learning progress. You can support your child by reassuring them that NAPLAN is just one part of their school program, and by reminding them on the day to simply do their best. 

On Thursday 24th March students will be involved in a practice test to ensure the students are familiar with the format of the assessment, that all our devices work and the platform functions for all schools simultaneously. The actual assessment begins next term from 10th - 20th May. Parents may access further information from nap.edu.au

I hope to see you at our next PT & F meeting this Wednesday 16th March at 7.00pm via zoom.

Have a wonderful week

Stay safe and well

Pauline Long

Principal