Dear Families, 

Welcome back to Term 2.  We have a busy and exciting term ahead of us.

On Sunday 25 April, Australians across the country paused to remember all Australians and New Zealanders who have died in war and served our country.  We remember this past history of war, and hope that in the future, all people will work together to resolve conflicts peacefully. The spirit of the ANZAC’s with the qualities of courage, perseverance and mateship continues to have meaning for our sense of national identity.  In 1915, Australian and New Zealand men, some not a lot older than our Grade 6 boys, together with British, Indian and French soldiers were sent to fight in a part of Turkey known as the Gallipoli Peninsula. It was because of the way those Australians and New Zealanders fought, and the way they faced the hardships and dangers that confronted them, that the initials became a word… ANZAC which today is respected both in Australia and New Zealand. Their actions forged what has become known as the ANZAC spirit and that spirit has been the driving force behind all Australian servicemen and women ever since. In France, later on in World War 2, Korea, Malaysia, Borneo and Vietnam, all of which happened long before many of us were born. It is also present in the actions of our service people today as they undertake their duties.

We paused last Friday at our own special ANZAC assembly to remember the courage and sacrifice of our ANZACs and to acknowledge all current and former members of our defence forces – the brave men and women who represent our country on a daily basis.

We are very proud of Sophie, Ayesha, Shyne, Taleyah, Jayla J, Zavier, Khynan and Mollie-Rose who did a fantastic job at hosting and leading tributes at our ANZAC assembly.  

NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM IN LITERACY AND NUMERACY (NAPLAN)

This year the National Assessment Program - Literacy And Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing for Years 3 and 5 students will be held across a two week period, commencing Tuesday 11 May and concluding on Friday 21 May.  NAPLAN is a set of tests undertaken by all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 - across Australia.

The testing days focus on Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy. The aim of NAPLAN assessments is to highlight the educational developments that students make over the course of their time at both Primary and Secondary School.

NAPLAN demonstrates how individual student’s Numeracy and Literacy skills are progressing, against national standards for all Australian children.  The results of this testing provides information which is used to improve student achievement.

Later in the year you will receive your child’s personal NAPLAN report. This report will describe your child’s particular skills in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy. The report will also show how your child performed in relation to national minimum standards. These describe the minimum acceptable standards for students across Australia.  It is important to note that the individual student reports prepared by the classroom teacher, give a more comprehensive and accurate picture of what your child is able to do and where they are having difficulties.

Swimming and Water Safety Program

Our Swimming and Water Safety program commences on Monday 24 May for two weeks and concludes on Friday 4 June for students in Grades 3 – 5.  The sessions will be conducted at Oceana Pool and full daily attendance is required, as each child is assessed and individual programs are developed to support Departmental requirements.  The benefits of participation are many and with your support and encouragement, your child will develop swimming and water safety skills and have great fun during the program.

Notices for participation in all our swimming events for the year will be sent out today and it is important that these notices are returned as students will be unable to attend other swimming events such as our end of year excursion to New Norfolk Pool unless these forms are returned.

Carolyn Brown, Principal