The year has certainly gained momentum and from my observations the students seem to have settled into their routines very well.
I am pleased to see and hear excitement from students, staff and parents around two new initiatives introduced this year, a specialist Music program and the teaching of Italian through gesture.
As I wrote in last newsletter, our assemblies have moved to 2.30pm Monday. Judging by the first week, it has assisted us to meet our aim of having a very settled start to the week for our students. They are not rushing to the Sports Centre for a large gathering during one of the most optimal learning times in the week.
We will continue working at making the assemblies tight so that students are back to their classrooms in time for dismissal at the 3.15pm bell. We ask your assistance in not taking your children from assembly, but allow them to return to the classroom so that teachers can ensure all students are accounted for and ensure all notes and announcements are given to all.
Sports Captains were finalised last week and I would like to congratulate the following students:
Loyola (Red) Olivia & Nylang
Penola (Yellow) Jack & Chandelle
Padua (Green) Sasha & Andre
Fatima (Blue) Molly & Ben
There were many deserving students who applied but not selected and although that creates disappointment, I thank them for taking the risk in applying and encourage them to continue to look for further opportunities to display their leadership.
I wish to inform you of our intention to hold two student free days this term, Tuesday March 5 & Tuesday March 26. Tuesday 5 March the Foundation - Year 2 teachers will be off site and participating in a tour of schools successfully implementing Play Based Learning. This has been one of our successful programs and we would like to ensure it remains strong and well connected to all areas of the curriculum. Our Years 3-6 teachers will be participating in a day facilitated by our own learning leaders to clearly define learning progression for all students in all curriculum areas. This is something identified in our Annual Action Plan for improvement.
Tuesday 26 March, the Year 3-6 teachers will be participating in day one of three professional learning days focussing on effective Numeracy pedagogy and our Foundation - Year 2 team will work with Learning Leaders on learning progression. I know closing the school brings with it difficulties for some families and it is not done lightly but we deem both of these days to be of great importance.
I would also alert parents to a change we will be making to the finish times at the end of term and the end of the year. To bring consistency of practice we will be dismissing students at 1.00pm, this would normally be the beginning of lunchtime so it fits with our new routines. I hope it helps with remembering the finishing times.
Finally I would like to inform parents of students who will be celebrating a Sacrament in 2019 of a change to the St Andrew’s Parish Policy. The preparation of children to celebrate sacraments will no longer be automatic but will require families to request their child be prepared and that each family will be expected to enter a time of preparation with their child by making a commitment to some regular celebration of the Eucharist throughout the sacramental year.
More information will follow soon in a letter from Fr Albert and forms will be distributed for families to register their commitment.
I will be attending the Year 6 camp from Monday to Wednesday and am looking forward to the weather and a chance for a surf and a visit to the Penguins.
Michael Gavaghan