Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

During the first part of this week, children have been very busy in their class groups. To name just a few of the current topics of focus, K/1 have been writing persuasive sentences about strange creatures such as bump-a-lumps. Mostly, K/1 decided that we would not want these creatures in the swimming pool or under the dinner table because they might do something that is going to cause a problem.

Yr. 2/3/4 have been talking about chance and data, in particular the likelihood of rain – some of their predictions have been very accurate!

The children in Yr. 5/6 have been focussing on graphing and how to collect and collate information.

During this week we have also reflected on that one big take away message from camp - less haste more thought.

Some people are still in such a rush to complete an activity that they miss vital instructions and actually don’t enjoy the activity/task at hand, as they don’t have all the information needed to participate well. Again, this has reinforced the value of slow down and enjoy this moment, no need to rush to the next.

How many of our students remembered Trev’s final words of wisdom about two things – talking to Mum and Dad about your accomplishments on camp and thanking those who made the adventure possible.

Swimming – congratulations to William, Genevieve, Hamish and Xanthe, who swam at the Mackillop Swimming Carnival yesterday. The relay team achieved a new personal best time taking another 6 seconds of the time of their previous swim at the recent Canberra Goulburn swimming carnival. They finished a very credible 5^th with a time of 2.45.96. Hamish also achieved another PB in his 50m butterfly event.

QUESTACON visit – today we are hosting the team from Questacon, their goal is to make science fun for all – so we hope that after today’s science lesson some of us may have developed a new way of thinking about science.

Taronga Zoomobile – tomorrow we will be participating in the Zoomobile visit being coordinated by the Lake Cowal Conservation Centre. This visit to be held at the pre-school is aimed at helping to build our knowledge of Australian native animals.

The costs associated with both of these visits are being covered by our school.

Last minute uniform orders – Mrs Baker will be making the FINAL uniform order for the term on Monday – if you would like to purchase any winter uniform items please return your order by Monday.

Interim Reports - Staff have also been working on the Interim Reports, these were sent home on yesterday. These reports are designed to give you some feedback on how the year has begun. There is an opportunity for both parents and teachers to request an interview for further follow up. You can book an appointment time by logging on to https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/kiosk?ecode= vg7m3

Thursday April 25 – ANZAC Day – this year, Anzac Day falls during the school holiday period. Those families who are able to join us for the annual ANZAC March are requested to meet at the Chinese restaurant at 10:30am. The children should wear their winter uniform, if it is hot, we will not wear jumpers during the march. I understand that the march will commence at 10:45am so that everyone can be in place at the cenotaph for the beginning of the service at 11:00am.

We have also been invited to participate in the Dawn Service. For those interested, the service begins at 5:30am on Anzac Day.

School Cross Country – weather permitting, our school cross country will be held next Thursday (April 4) at the Grenfell Country Club – you are most welcome to join us for this event.

Please let us know if you can help out by acting as a marshal on the course.

We will travel to the golf club at 9:30am and races will begin as some as practicable after that.

Children should come to school as normal and wear their usual sports uniform.

All children will need to:

Wear their school hat
Bring a water bottle
Wear running shoes

This year, the Western Region Cross Country Carnival will be held in Murrumburrah on Friday May 3 (Friday of the first week of term 2).

Excess furniture – we currently have some older style desks that are no longer needed here at school. These may be useful at at your home, for example they could be used as art tables or a homework space. If you would like to view the excess tables, please contact Therese Clancy.

This year we will be using the online NAPLAN format.

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy – important skills that each child needs to succeed in school and life. The NAPLAN tests are designed to help us make sure students are on track with their literacy and numeracy development. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in NAPLAN tests for reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

Between May 14-24, our school will participate in NAPLAN Online. Students do not need to be computer experts to take the NAPLAN test online. Making sure students have computer skills is part of our school curriculum, and our teachers will ensure your child is familiar with the online format. To see the types of questions and interactive features of NAPLAN Online, visit the public demonstration site.

If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact your child’s teacher.

For more info:

Our school calendar is updated every week and can be accessed through our school website at: www.stjosephsgrenfell.nsw.edu.au Please let us know if you are not receiving the Schoolzine updates once you have installed the SZapp.

Additional dates include the regular P & F meetings that are traditionally held on the third Tuesday of the month during term time.

21/05/19 18/06/19 16/07/19?

20/08/19 17/09/19 15/10/19?

19/11/19 17/12/19

Sincerely,

Therese Clancy