News
Principal's Report
Dear Community,
As I finish typing this report around 35 of our students are completing the last of the NAPLAN tests, with Numeracy on the menu this morning.
Our kids have been exceptional in the way they have approached each test with a sense of what I could only describe as ‘begrudging enthusiasm’
In more simple language that could be described as
‘ I know I have to do this. I know some parts of it are going to be challenging. I know some parts I will be hard. I know it’s important. I know I have to do my best.’
Part of NAPLAN is an endurance test for the children. The Year 7 reading test is 65 minutes long. To ask anyone to concentrate for that long is a challenge, let alone a 12 or 13 year old child.
I have been impressed with our school’s preparation and how the children have left the test feeling accomplished.
When the results come (Usually sometime towards the end of Term 3) they form part of a bigger picture of data for each child that includes assessments that we conduct as part of units of work, other standardised tests.
How do we us all this data?
To understand exactly what a student currently knows. To understand what they do not know. And most importantly, to understand what we can do as teachers to fix that.
School Photos
Our School photo day is next Friday the 28th of May.
Students are required to wear their formal school uniform, for the day.
For your reference this is:
Boys:
Navy/Gold Polo Top with Emblem
Navy School Shorts or Trousers (No Cargo or Track Pants)
Black School Shoes or Boots (No Sports Shoes) Or Black or Brown Sandals
Navy and Gold Polar Fleece Jumper with Emblem (will be removed for photo)
Girls:
Summer Dress, Skorts, Navy School Shorts or Navy School Pants
Navy Gold Polo Top with Emblem
White or Navy Socks that cover ankle
Black school shoes or boots Or Black/Brown Sandals
Navy Blue leggings or tights
Navy/Gold Polar fleece jumper with emblem (will be removed for photo)
Student Free Days
At its most recent meeting the School Board approved Student Free Days for:
Thursday the 10th of June, and Friday the 11th of June.
The extra student Free Day this term will replace the Student Free day in Term 3.
The reasoning behind this decision is to facilitate a staff professional development/retreat opportunity on the 10th and 11th of June in Penola. Staff will use the Thursday to travel to Penola, to hold their annual retreat.
St Mary Mackillop established the first Catholic School in Penola in 1866, becoming the first Catholic School in our state. Staff visiting Penola will visit the Mary Mackillop Centre, receive presentations from two current Catholic Priests, and visit St Mary Mackillop School in Penola to tour the grounds and meet with the staff.
A staff retreat is mandated by the Catholic Education Office and forms an important part of our staff spiritual and wellbeing program.
Kind Regards,
Scott March