From The Principal Week 8
Dear Families,
It was wonderful to see so many parents and grandparents visiting the school yesterday afternoon. Our children showed obvious pride in their school and their learning, and our family members looked so pleased to see all that was taking place. The weather turned on a treat, but it couldn’t stop the smiles.
Thanks to everyone for turning up, to the children for sharing their learning journey, and to the teachers for doing all they do to lead that journey.
Time Machine?
Imagine if, at the end of the year, you were “given” a whole extra week of school?
A child who is 7 minutes late to class each day (dropped off 5 minutes late, 1 minute walk to the classroom, 1 minute to unpack) will have missed more than 23 hours of schooling in the year!
When late, children miss important announcements, social interactions and vital learning time. It also disrupts the entire class, as the teacher needs to stop what they are doing to welcome the child and repeat directions.
We know that unexpected delays can happen. A road accident, a sick pet, or even a broken dishwasher can all cause us to be late. Please though, try to do the best by your child, and the others in the class, by having children at school BEFORE 8.45am each day.
Our “warning bell” starts ringing at 8.43am, which allows students and teachers to move to classrooms, ready to begin at 8.45. On a practical note, the busiest time on in the school drive way each morning is at 8.43 – 8.50am.
Uniform Free Day
Next week, on Thursday evening, I will be sleeping outside without a mattress or roof to raise funds for those who really need our help. On Wednesday (21 June) we are inviting each child to come to school in casual clothes, and to bring some cash, to support my participation in the Vinnie CEO Sleepout.
If you would prefer to contribute online (and receive a receipt for tax purposes), please go to https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/mattegan-richards/act
If you have already contributed and wish to again, that’s great, but there is no expectation for your child to bring in any extra.
Semester One Reports
Teachers are preparing Semester One reports this week which will be made available on Compass on Monday 26th June.
Please note the following is used in all Catholic Education Canberra Goulburn schools.
For Kindergarten students:
- Achievement in each subject is reported using a four-point scale (Above Expectations, Meeting Expectations, Working Towards Expectations, Experiencing Difficulty).
For Year 1 to Year 6 students:
- Academic grades for each subject using a five-point scale from A-E will be reported using the ACT Common Grade Scale.
For all students:
- Strand Achievement will be reported in English, Mathematics, Human Society and its Environment, PDHPE and Creative Arts using a five-point scale (Consistently, High, At Standard, Partial, Limited).
- Engagement with Learning statements, which are taken directly from the Australian Curriculum, will provide specific information about your child’s Critical and Creative Thinking, and Personal and Social Responsibility, using a three-point scale (Consistently, Usually, Developing, Needs Improvement).
- Individual student comments will NOT be used in the Semester 1 Reports.
Dialogue is an important feature of reporting. The Semester Report in this format encourages parent engagement and conversation about student learning. We want the report to be the entry point for three-way conferences where we can engage in genuine conversation about your child’s strengths, challenges, effort and areas for growth.
These conferences will take place early next term, to allow each student, with the support of the school and family, to set goals and processes in place for the rest of the year.
Community Council Meeting
Our final Community Council Meeting for the term was held last night (Tuesday 13th June). It had been delayed one week because of the clash with Confirmation. The following items were discussed:
- School Finances
- OSHC report
- 2023 Fete
- CECG School Board and Community Council Review
- CE Finance transformation
- St Vinnies CEO Sleepout
- Focus on Learning Time (minimising interruptions).
If you would like to discuss any of the items, please speak with one of our Council members, or email council.scaconder@cg.catholic.edu.au
Term Three Stating Date – Tuesday 18th July
Monday 17th July is a pupil free day in all Catholic Primary Schools in Canberra. Teachers will be working together to enhance our planning and teaching strategies. All students will commence Term Three on Tuesday 18th July.
It was once said…
Ten Lessons to Instil in My Kids…
If you’re thankful, show it.
If you love someone, tell them.
If you’re wrong, fess up.
If you’re confused, ask questions.
If you learn something, teach others.
If you’re stuck, ask for help.
If you made a mistake, apologise.
If you trip, get back up.
If someone needs help, help them.
If you see wrong, take a stance. unknown
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal