Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
This week we participated in the National Simultaneous Storytime with children from the preschool. The children had a terrific time reading Alpacas with Maracas by Matt Cosgrove. Well done to Skye, Amelia, Bas and Fergus who did a terrific job of leading the event.
Registration renewal process – we have also been hosting the registration renewal team during this week. Initial feedback has been very positive and it is always fabulous to hear that visiting principals are looking to take home ideas and tips that they have seen in action at our school, for use in their own communities. We are now awaiting the final reports. Once these are available, we will share feedback with you.
Although not related to the renewal process that we have been undertaking, there will be another opportunity to show case our school to other leaders within the Archdiocese during Term 3, when the Western Region principal’s meeting takes place here in Grenfell in August.
NAPLAN- there have been continuing discussions concerning the challenges of the first day of the NAPLAN assessment program last week.
We will be participating in the re-sit of the Yr. 5 writing and reading papers on Tuesday May 28. While it is not ideal to have to re-sit an assessment, this will be the best way to ensure that our students have the best opportunity to have their best efforts recognised in this year’s program.
When additional information is sent to us from ACARA, we will pass this on.
Technology - We are aware that some of the older students have been using a messaging platform known as Friends. As the families have purchased devices, parents have the opportunity to place blocks on their child’s access to these kinds of apps, and we encourage you to block this App as it can be the cause of disruptions to learning time, not to mention being the cause of late nights at home.
Earlier this week, I received a link to a clip that is well worth taking a look at – as it can and is often the case that we rely too heavily on devices, and not enough on human interactions.
Watch the clip and consider watching it again with your children.
Henry Lawson Festival- As you will be aware, we have been preparing for the various different events that take place during the upcoming Henry Lawson Festival.
At present, we are preparing for the play day to be held on Thursday June 6. Over the coming days, costumes will be finalised and information will be sent home to you.
We are also preparing an item for the Concert to on Friday evening. Additional information will be coming shortly.
We are also preparing a float for the festival parade. The theme for this year is an ode to winter. Our float will reflect an aspect of this theme.
Semester Reports - Our staff have also been undertaking the process of preparing semester reports for the first half of this year. These will be sent home at the end of week nine. Parent teacher conferences will take place during week ten.
Uniform – thank you to those families who have clear labels on uniforms items, this makes it easy for us to return jumpers etc.
Changes to routine - Thank you to those families who are keeping us informed when children are absent from school, or there are changes to the regular routine. Please be aware that we are required to keep the rolls up to date and that thorough explanation for absences enable us to do so.
Sincerely,
