NAPLAN

We are now nearing the completion of the NAPLAN testing fortnight. We would like to thank the teachers in Years 3 & 5 as well as Mrs Milgate and the learning support staff for their assistance in ensuring the smooth running of NAPLAN. Most of all, we would like to thank and congratulate the Years 3 & 5 students for their focus and engagement in the NAPLAN tests.

It is important to remember that these tests only give us a snapshot of where the students are on their learning journey. Teachers analyse the results to assist students to continue to grow in their skills and understanding of the curriculum. This is only one tool teachers use to measure progress. Students are also regularly assessed within the classroom activities. The data collected regularly by staff enables the teachers to help develop your child and target their individual needs, through appropriate planning and curriculum delivery, to improve the lear1ning outcomes for each child.

If you have any concerns about your child’s progress, appointments to discuss the issue with your child’s teacher can be made through the school office. Official interviews with families will be conducted in Term 2.

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)

Early next term students in Years 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 your child’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; or the Gifted Education Officers, Maree Karaka maree.karaka@mn.catholic.edu.au or Cathy Curk catherine.curk@mn.catholic.edu.au

Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL)

Do Your Best: Learn and let others learn!

During our Do Your Best focus, students are learning how to do their best through learning and letting others learn. At St Joseph’s we highly value learning and we are focused on our own desire to be active learners. We do this by fostering a great love of learning and mastering new skills. PBL lessons over this fortnight will outline ways each student can make an effort to be a creative learner. Lessons will also focus on the importance of how our behaviours impact the learning of others in the classroom too.

In the classroom we are highlighting the importance of respecting others’ right to learn by working quietly, listening, staying focused, asking for assistance and challenging ourselves. We aim to complete our set work tasks with quality and attention to detail. When working collaboratively we are learning to be great listeners, to take turns and ensure we actively contribute. This means that we respect different points of view and we are inclusive of all members in our group.

If you have an opportunity, please discuss these concepts with your children. 

Safeguarding - “It’s everyone’s responsibility”

Ride2School Day

Today is National Ride2School Day. This is a time to celebrate kids being active on their way to school. National Ride2School Day is Australia’s biggest celebration of active travel. The day has helped thousands of schools to empower and enable students to get physically active on their journey to school, giving them the opportunity to create healthy habits for their future.

We had so many students who joined in the fun today. This was highlighted at our Recess ‘bike parade’, showcasing all those that rode their bikes and scooters to school today!

Please see the link below should you wish to engage with any resources of tips to support your children to ride safely to school.

https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/tips-resources/

Nicole Charnock

Assistant Principal