Dear Parents and Friends,
This very busy, full and
successful term concludes today and I would like to take this opportunity to
thank everyone for the support you have brought to St Mary’s School. Staff and
parents, together, have ensured that the students have been well engaged with
the learning process and that the outcomes achieved have been most positive.
I have thoroughly enjoyed getting
to know the students better this term through the many events and activities
that have occurred and by experiencing the classes in action in our wonderful
new learning spaces. I have come to admire the students’ delight in engagement,
determination to learn and positive disposition.
We are grateful for the
tremendous support we have enjoyed this term from the school community of
parents. There are so many invaluable ways in which parents have stepped up to
assist from the organisation of the Meet and Greet, providing hospitality on
Grandparents Day, assisting with the Cross Country and the Opening School
Masses. We look forward to working with you next term.
Staffing Update
I would like to announce to the
parents and students that Mrs Julie Hunt will be taking Study and Long Service
Leave for the entirety of Term 2. This opportunity will allow Julie time for
professional reading and reflection and time to travel as a family. It is with
great confidence and knowledge of capacity that I announce that Mr Sean White
will take on Julie’s role as Assistant Principal during her absence and Mrs
Jilly Vandeventer to teach her Year 3 class on Thursdays and Fridays. We wish
Julie every success for a wonderful term ahead.
Letter from the Executive Director
Dr Dan White has an update for
the community on the proposed North Sydney Pre K - 12 co-educational
Precinct. Please find this information
in the newsletter.
NAPLAN testing
The students in Years 3 and 5
will undertake the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy to
assess the literacy and numeracy learning of students in all Australian
schools. The results of the tests will provide information to the School about
what each student can do, and will be used to support teaching and learning
programs. Parents will receive a report indicating their child’s level of
achievement at the end of Term 3. Each student’s level of achievement will be
reported against the national minimum standard.
The tests will be conducted on
the following days:
Tuesday 15 May:
Language conventions (including spelling, grammar and punctuation) and writing
tests.
Wednesday 16 May:
Reading test
Thursday 17 May:
Numeracy test (including number, algebra, function and pattern, measurement,
chance and data and space)
Time has been given in Year 3,
and 5 classes to ensure that the students are well prepared for the style and
content of these tests. Therefore it is our recommendation that the best
preparation for the students is a good night’s sleep and a healthy and
sustaining breakfast on the mornings of the tests.
May I wish all families a happy
and safe holiday with quality time for rest and relaxation.
Best wishes and God bless,
Beverly