Assistant Principal's Message
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)
We have had a very successful first term of PB4L at St Joseph’s. Kindergarten students have enjoyed learning about our PB4L framework with explicit PB4L lessons, and we have seen much of their learning exhibited in both the classroom and playground. This term we have had a focus on:
- Act Safely – Using safe hands and feet
- Being Respectful – Including others
- Care for all – Care for the place you are in
- Do Your Best – Learn and let others learn
Our PBL Dash Tokens have continued to be a great way to reward students when they demonstrate positive behaviour. Our current house token count for the final weeks of Term 1 sits at:
House captains will complete the final count for the term at the beginning of next week, with the winning house to be announced then. This sports colour house will then receive their reward by the end of the week. Well done to all, for their efforts with our PB4L this term!
The recipients of this fortnight's PBL Awards are
Frankie T (KG), Daisy T (KB), Audrey R (1B), Sophie D (1G), George B (2B), Lillian D (2G) Zara E (3B), Leo S (3G), Sebastian C (4B), Winston M (4B), Ruby P (5B), Joe D (5G), Hannah S (6B), Juliette S (6G)
Student Representative Council News
The SRC have had a very active Term 1. In their meeting yesterday they reflected on their activity throughout the term and identified their successes. The items that were mentioned were
- Leading the whole school in deepening their understanding and appreciation of Neurodiversity Celebration Week with a presentation at a school assembly.
- New soccer goals being ordered for the large soccer field. Hopefully these will be assembled and ready to go for the new term.
- The anticipation for chicken burgers and hot chocolate being served in the canteen during the cooler months.
The SRC were consulted with to provide ideas of different activities that could be held in the Hall during Terms 2 and 3 while the construction impacts other playground areas. They had some fantastic ideas, and we look forward to student engagement in this area.
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
Early next term students in Year 4 and 2 will complete the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT).
This test measures students’ reasoning abilities in three areas: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. The verbal battery measures how well the student is able to learn and solve problems related to words. The quantitative battery measures a student’s ability to apply numerical concepts. The nonverbal battery assesses skills in using figures and pictures to solve problems. Like any standardised test, the CogAT measures only some of your child’s skills, and the results represent ability on the day the test was given. Therefore, these scores form one point of reference to measure a student’s potential. Test scores should never be used alone to make decisions about services or supports, but they can be helpful when interpreted in conjunction with other information and metrics. In the Maitland – Newcastle Catholic Schools Diocese, CogAT results are used as one of several measures to inform classroom differentiation, supports, enrichments, and extensions.
If you have questions, please contact Bek Henshaw - Gifted Education Mentor via admin@merewether.catholic.edu.au
Congratulations Evan T - Year 6
Year 6
2nd – Engineering Challenge
2nd – Art & Poetry
3rd – Science
Week 10 Learning Update
By the end of this week, you will have received a learning update (via Compass) from your child’s class. This is an opportunity to share the wonderful learning students are actively involved in each day here at St Joseph’s. Providing such information can provoke conversations about how your child is engaging with activities, their strengths or areas they may be finding challenging as well as how particular learning connects with their personal interests and passions. When you have an opportunity, please take the time to sit down with your child, and share going through the Learning Update together.
Renata Rozenfeld
Assistant Principal