Dear Parents and Carers

Last week, I attended the Principals’ Retreat in Bowral. Over the three days, we spent some time looking at Catholic Education system directions and initiatives, including that of the Science of Learning and Reading. We also spent some significant time thinking about and reflecting upon Christian anthropology, and what that means for us, as leaders in a Catholic school. My thanks to Anna Williams, who led the school so beautifully in my absence.

NAPLAN

This week, our students in Years 3 and 5 will sit the NAPLAN tests (and Year 7 and 9 students, as well, in high schools and colleges). The students have had opportunities to prepare and practise, and families have been informed of the process. My thanks to our Years 3 & 5 teachers, for their great support, and to Anna Williams and Paul Jenkins, for organising and implementing the process. The tests are an important snapshot of the students’ learning, as a whole cohort, and in that sense, it is particularly useful for identifying learning trends and areas which the whole may need to pay particular attention. It is also useful for identifying learning trends over a period of time, and progress that has been made. It is important to remember, for any individual student, that it is one test on one day, and not necessarily indicative of a particular students’ learning or progress. I wish all of our students the very best for the tests.

Year 6 Leadership Day

Our excellent Year 6 students have recently returned from camp, and this Friday, they are taking up the first of their Leadership Days. This is taking place at BFirm and provides many opportunities for the students to develop their teamwork, resilience and grit. Our leaders develop these skills and attitudes in an atmosphere of fun and support. My thanks to Luke Gubler and Katie McGregor for their hard work, organization and support.

https://bfirm.com.au/

2024 Enrolments

Although still relatively early in the year, we will be shortly entering the enrolment period, and opportunities will exist for parents and prospective students (from Kindergarten to Year 6) to visit the school for tours, see classes in action, and come to an information night. I look forward to talking with parents about the opportunities that exist for all of our students, boys and girls, from grades K – 6.

Have a wonderful week with your families.

Best wishes

Cameron Johns

Principal