Dear Parents and Carers

NAPLAN

This week, on Thursday, our students in Years 3 & 5 will undertake a NAPLAN practice test, in preparation for NAPLAN itself, which takes place in early May. The students will sit one practice test, which will be an ‘omnibus test’, that is, it will contain a little bit of all the tests: Maths, reading, writing, grammar and spelling. Aside from giving the students an experience of the test genre (multiple choice and largely online), it will also test the school’s readiness, in terms of its technology and capacity. The children’s results from this practice day bear no relation to their actual result in May.

Enrolment – 2023

It seems we have only just started the year, and already the enrolment period for next year is looming on the school calendar. The official enrolment period for all Catholic schools begins in the second week of May. This week, we welcome Michael Lee, Principal at St Mary Mackillop College, to our school. On Friday, Mr Lee will visit the Year 6 students and talk with them about life at Mary Mackillop. Michael is a very engaging speaker and our students will enjoy his visit. Next term, St Clare’s College and Merici College will also visit the school.

School Photos

A reminder for all of our parents that next Monday, we are having our School Photos. Class and individual photos will be taken. Students are required to wear their full summer uniform. I am aware that many students have been away over the last few weeks, due to health concerns of one kind or another. Please be assured that if your son or daughter is absent on Monday, the photographers will be returning to the school to take further individual photos. Please contact the school if you have any questions.

Easter Liturgies

The first week of the holidays is Holy Week, culminating in Good Friday and Easter Sunday on the middle weekend of the holidays. Sts Peter and Paul will be celebrating the Easter story next week, with all grades assigned a segment of the event of Easter Week. In normal times, these elements of the Easter story will be told in dramatic form in front of the whole school and parents, but as we still have restrictions in place, they are being told and filmed or shared with the school via video or another method. The students will have the opportunity to experience a recount of the events in Jesus’ life that led to his crucifixion and resurrection. The use of story and drama are powerful ways to engage students (and people of all ages) with meaning and purpose. My thanks to Steph Burns, our Religious Education Coordinator and all teachers, for their hard work and support.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal