Embracing Opportunities and Celebrating Growth
June 5, 2020
As we began the year we shared our commitment to achieve at least One Years’ Growth for all students. This commitment has not changed. During my address to families at the beginning of 2020, I briefly described many of the curriculum and wellbeing initiatives being launched. These included the introduction of Words Their Way; a spelling programme, Seesaw; an online learning portfolio, and MAP NWEA (Measures of Academic Progress), an assessment tool that measures student performance and achievement, tracking growth over time. We are pleased to share that despite the challenges that the past few months have presented, our incredible staff have not only developed their understanding of these programmes and platforms but looked to ensure that these were accessible during the Off-Campus programmes. As a result, student achievement and growth has been incredibly positive.
With the absence of NAPLAN this year, we now rely on other measures to ensure that our students are tracking the way that they should be. According to our latest MAP results, we are thrilled to know how our students have performed during this time. The information that we have gathered pinpoints specific next steps, allowing teachers to confidently make decisions about what to focus on moving into the second half of the year. This tool has provided incredibly insightful information for our school, reinforcing the success of both Off-Campus and Face-to-Face programmes, the engagement of students and the support of families and teachers over the past few months. We are very excited about what this has revealed about our students as they have returned to campus. This information will be shared with you through your child’s report and during Student Led Conferences set to take place at the beginning of Term III.
Some Important Adjustments….
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we navigate the current challenges. The changes to the timing of the carline this week have ensured the safe and efficient functioning of the space. We would truly love to have our parents and visitors back onsite but know that this is not possible at this time. Having conversations with you in person, inviting you to attend assemblies and visiting your child’s classroom to connect you to their learning are all really important aspects of our partnerships with you. We hope that our Seesaw platform, Zoom meetings, phone calls and email contact, are providing you with reassurance and clarity at this time. Our risk practices continue to rely on the advice of New South Wales Health and the Australian and NSW Government.
We will continue to keep you updated as advice is received.
