by Rosina Fotia, Principal

Welcome to Term 2, I trust that everyone has had a restful Easter period and enjoyed the beautiful autumn weather over the term break. This term promises to be very busy and includes events such as: NAPLAN, Work Experience, Open Night, Examination periods, Self-Evaluation, Attitudes to School Survey and Reports.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome two new staff members to the College team. Ms Asma Mukta joins our Mathematics and Science faculty and Mr Veenesh Lobin joins the Arts faculty.

Learning Focus:

This month the College will continue to keep its focus on Literacy and Numeracy across the whole school. The key emphasis for Professional Learning during this term will be embedding Writing to Learning and Substantive Talk as well as continuing our work related to moderating student work and developing a range of vocabulary strategies for use in the classroom. Term 2 also sees the NAPLAN testing completed across the country. The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. All students in these year levels are expected to participate in tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. This year, students will once again complete these assessments online.

Building Works:

Building works and upgrades continue to be a priority in the school. The detailed design process for the $5,000,000 refurbishment of C-Wing is almost complete and it is anticipated that works will begin in August of this year. In addition, schematic design for the refurbishment of the Performing Arts and Maths/Science Wings is well underway. At this stage, it is anticipated that staged works will begin on these wings early in 2022. In both instances, the College priority will be to ensure that there is no disruption to the teaching and learning program for staff and students.

NAPLAN

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The assessment provides parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process - it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance. NAPLAN also provides schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working and whether young Australians are meeting important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy. This year’s NAPLAN testing will occur online between May 10 and May 21.

Students Attitudes to School Survey

Early in May your child will be asked to complete the 2021 Students Attitudes to School Survey. We value student voice as a means to improving student engagement, wellbeing and quality instruction and are conducting a survey to find out what your child thinks of school. This annual student survey offered by the Department of Education and Training assists the College in gaining an understanding of their perceptions and experience of school. Students will be asked about their thoughts and feelings in relation to their school, their learning, peer relationships, bullying and life in general. Responses to the survey are anonymous and data generated from the survey is analysed by the College Leadership Team and presented to College Council.

Encouraging School Attendance

Encouraging regular school attendance is one of the most powerful ways you can prepare your child for success—both in school and in life. When you make school attendance a priority, you help your child get better learning outcomes, develop healthy life habits, avoid dangerous behavior and have a better chance of graduating from high school and transitioning to further study, traineeships or full time employment. When students are absent for fewer days, their results and reading skills often improve—even among those students who are struggling in school. Students who attend school regularly also feel more connected to their community, develop important social skills and friendships.

If you are having difficulty getting your child to school and would like some support, please do not hesitate to contact the relevant sub-school Learning Leader on 9735 1133.

Road Safety

In light of the incident which occurred last week, it is a timely reminder to ensure that all students are aware of their responsibilities as pedestrians. All pedestrians should try to be more attentive to their surroundings and follow the rules; as pedestrians, our eyes and ears are the best tools for keeping us safe.

• Don’t jaywalk
• Use footpaths wherever possible and if not, walk facing the traffic signal to know your surroundings
• Watch for the signs and signals
• Use pedestrian crossings to cross the road
• Before crossing the road look both ways to make sure there aren’t any vehicles
• While on road do not text, play or listen to music.
• And please, always take care.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The program is an internationally recognised program which encourages young people to explore their full potential and develop skills for life. This program develops: confidence, resilience, determination, leadership, planning, problem solving, communication, creativity, adaptability, capacity building and leadership. Qualities that the College and community has identified as pivotal to success in adulthood. Congratulations to the following students who have received their certificates and acknowledgement from the Duke of Edinburgh Program

• Tayla Anderson : Silver Award
• Evie De Graauw: Level 4
• Laura Dangaard: Bronze Award