Term 2 Week 9 Newsletter - 28.06.24

Principal News

As we near the end of Term 2, it is hard to believe we are almost halfway through the year! The students have worked hard this term to achieve their learning goals and it has been great to have students visiting the Leadership Team to share learning that they are proud of. I encourage you to ask your child to share something they are really proud of in their learning this term with you.

Some of the highlights have been:

• Kinder are experimenting with writing sentences and have loved sharing this.
• Year 1 have had great fun learning about position and using BeeBots this week. 
• Year 2 have been creating amazing Dragon mixed media artworks.
• Year 3 successfully persuaded me eat insects! They convinced me to try ‘Cricket Chips’ through their thorough research and arguments.
• Year 4 have been experimenting with writing from the perspective of a character, such as Ned Kelly. 
• Year 5 are starting to learn about Slam Poetry and we are looking forward to when they write their own Slam Poems next term.
• Year 6 have been studying a text about the war and have written amazing responses to the text with fantastic symbolism and imagery.

Reports

On Monday morning, Semester One reports will go live in Compass. You will be able to access your child's report by clicking on your child’s name/profile and then clicking the reports tab.

The Semester One report outlines your child’s achievement and growth in relation to what they have been taught across all Key Learning Areas up until this point of the year. Students' knowledge and understanding is graded against a common grade scale. Students in Kindergarten will be graded against a three point scale: 

• working towards
• working at
• working beyond. 

Students in Years 1-6 will be graded against a five point scale: 

• Elementary
• Basic
• Sound
• Thorough
• Extensive.

Last year, the report structure was changed for K-2 in light of the new English and Mathematics Syllabus. This semester, the Years 3-6 report will change to align with the new English and Mathematics Syllabus. The  video, 'Understanding the student report' outlines the changes to the student reports. Please take the time to read this alongside your child’s reports. 

This semester also sees the introduction of a Learner Profile. The purpose of the Learner Profile is to provide parents with a holistic picture of their child. This includes their learning behaviours and social skills at school. Your child’s teacher has identified three strengths and one to two areas for growth in this area for your child. 

If you would like to discuss your child's report with their teacher, please contact them via email to book an appointment.

Celebrating Year 6 Writing

This term, Year 6 have been learning about symbolism, imagery and character through the mentor text 'Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief'.  They have created a number of amazing writing pieces applying what they have learnt from the mentor text and about symbolism. The samples above are just a few of the amazing pieces of writing the students have produced. 

Disco

A big thank you to the staff Social Team for organising a fantastic disco last night. The students had an absolute blast!

Parent Community Group Meeting

Last night during the disco, the Parent Community Group (previously the Parent Forum) meeting discussed:

• The data from our Tell Them From Me survey
• Gave feedback on our Parent and Student Code of Conduct documents
• Discussed some ideas for the Christmas Tableau which will be held of Friday 13th December
• Discussed the feedback from the Parent Homework survey and where to next with homework.

We thank the families who were able to attend for their feedback and support.

Homework Survey Feedback

As shared at the Parent community Meeting last night, the key themes from the feedback were:

• K-2 Parent feedback indicated that the Multilit decodable books were not engaging for some students. It is important to understand that they are not meant to be an engaging story. These books enable your child to practise applying the sounds and skills they are learning in class. They are a critical component of learning to read. 
• Parents of students in 3-6 clearly stated that the spelling homework on SeeSaw was too repetitive and that worksheets would be preferable.
• A number of families indicated that due to after school activities, they had limited time for homework or find it difficult for students to engage after a busy day. 

Last night, parents added further feedback that:

• They would prefer homework to not be on digital platforms
• Would like some more structured homework in Years 5 & 6 to prepare students for demands of high school homework
• They would like us to investigate physical readers. for students in K-2.

The staff will discuss this feedback and current research around homework and make a plan for an updated Homework Policy for the beginning of Term 3.

Celebrating Mrs McHugh

Mrs Alysha McHugh and her husband are expecting their second child in the coming weeks. Mrs McHugh has worked in Year 3 this year supporting learning and I am sure Year 3 will miss her when she finishes up on Thursday. As a school community, we wish Mrs McHugh and her family all the best for the upcoming birth of baby number 2. 

As we farewell Mrs McHugh, we welcome Mr Alistair Moloney to the team. Mr Moloney will cover Mrs McHugh for the remainder of the year. 

Is My Child Bullying Others?

A student facing personal and social challenges may exhibit behaviours that disregard school rules and codes of conduct or threaten their peers' wellbeing and safety. How you respond upon discovering that your child may have engaged in bullying behaviour is equally crucial as addressing the bullying behaviour itself. Help your child to be the best expression of their unique self through their words and actions.

What are the signs that your child could be bullying others?

Your child may show/be:

• Aggressive Behaviour: This could include using verbal or physical aggression such as hitting, pushing, name-calling and teasing to deal with conflict including with siblings.
• Lack of Empathy: They show a lack of empathy towards others' feelings or dismiss the pain they may have caused to someone else. They may put down other children or siblings in conversations and have difficulties understanding the feelings of others.
• Dominating or Controlling: Your child could dominate or control others, seeking power and control over their peers or younger children. This could include using threatening or demeaning language when talking about others. They may be unable to play games without being a ‘sore loser’ or a disrespectful winner.
• Blaming Others: Your child could often blame others for their actions and refuse to take responsibility for their behaviour. They may talk about or display behaviours that involve “getting even” with others.
• Unexplained possession of other students' belongings: If your child has items that don't belong to them without a reasonable explanation, it could be a sign of bullying behaviour.
• Increased secrecy about their activities: Your child might become secretive about their interactions with peers, avoiding discussing their day or social experiences.

Helping your child to stop bullying others requires a proactive and supportive approach. It'simportant to approach this situation with care and understanding. If you suspect that your child may be bullying others, have open and honest conversations with them about their behaviour and its consequences.

Teach empathy and appropriate ways to interact with others. Engage with your child's school to address the issue collaboratively and consider seeking professional help if necessary. The goal is to help your child recognise the harmful effects of bullying, develop empathy, and adopt positive social behaviours.

Addressing bullying behaviour requires patience, understanding, and consistent effort. Be supportive of your child's efforts to change, and celebrate their progress as they learn to interact with others in a more positive and respectful manner.

If the behaviour persists or if you are concerned about your child's ability to change on their own, seek advice from your GP. They may recommend a pediatric review to help understand your child’s behaviour.

Read more at  Helping your child stop bullying A guide for parents by the Australian Government.

Mission News

2024 Sacramental Program

Our first Sacrament for 2024 will be Confirmation on the 14th August 2024. Preparations have begun in the Year 3 classroom on Monday afternoons and we look forward to continuing this next term in preparation for the sacrament. 

The children took home forms on Monday afternoon. If it didn't make it home, please contact me kristy.hague@lism.catholic.edu.au and I will send one home next week. 

Year 2 Learning

Congratulations to Year 2 on their fantastic writing about the parable of the Good Samaritan on display for all to see!

Year 6 Learning

Year 6 have been learning about prayer and to finish out the term, in groups, the students have put together some amazing prayer experiences. Well done, Year 6.

Making Jesus Real Awards 

KP

Casper K  -  For your kind and thoughtful interactions with everyone around you.  Your smile lights up our class Casper.

1L 

Regan Q  -  For being sensitive to the needs and welfare of others and taking initiative to help his class mates when the need arises.

2P

Maddison C  -  For being a kind and empathetic friend who is supportive and understanding.  You are setting a great example in Making Jesus Real.

3L

Oliver B  -  For his thoughtful, gentle and caring nature towards his peers.  Ollie, the way you interact with your friends is very much appreciated by everyone

4L

Ivy W  -  For the way that you treat others with kindness and empathy.  You always look to lend a helping hand when it's needed.  Keep shining your light Ivy!

4P

Mia B  -  For the bright and happy way you come into the classroom and start each day.  You are a delight to have as part of our class Mia!

5L

Harper S  -  For your outstanding kindness and thoughtful actions.  Your efforts have made a difference in brightening lives and spreading happiness.

5P

Milani H  -  For always greeting teachers and students with a welcoming smile.  Keep shining your light, Milani!

6P

Luna N  -  For starting each day with a smile.  You brighten our classroom with your light and you are very much appreciated.

Learning & Teaching

Kindergarten and their Yr 6 Buddies

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Year 1 Creative Arts - learning about blending colours and using textures

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Year 2 Creative Arts - learning about blending colours and using textures

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Year 3 Measurement fun

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Year 4 are learning about angles using clock faces

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Year 5 are learning about angles and fractions

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OLHC Achievement Awards 

KP

Morgan F  -  For your amazing efforts in reading and writing your Tricky Words.  Keep it up Morgan!

Chloe Mc  -  For your amazing growth in InitiaLit.   You are working hard to read and write all of your sounds Chloe.  Keep it up.

Pamela D  -  For your ability to combine and separate numbers in Maths.  Keep it up Pamela!

Thea B  -  For your amazing effort in reading.  You are a superstar at sounding out your works Thea!

1L

Milla D  -  For having a can do attitude and building confidence at attempt all challenges.  Keep it up Milla!

Theo P  -  For being a consistent, dedicated learner in all areas, you are a superstar learner Theo, Well done!

Rocky P  -  For confidently composing texts for a variety of purposes with the inclusion of learned text features.

Charlotte W  -  For resilience as a learner to complete all tasks despite physical challenges.  We are so proud of you Charlotte!

2P

Patrick P  -  For your captivating contributions and active participation in classroom discussions, as well as your growing dedication to independent tasks.

Sylvia S  -  For your consistent effort and positive attitude when writing imaginative stories.  Keep up the hard work and growth mindset.  Well done!

3L

Teilani B  -  For her amazing application of applying spelling strategies in her writing.  You should be very proud of the way you are working so hard in class, Teilani.

Jack C  -  For his positive attitude towards all his learning tasks and his contributions to group discussions that helps the learning of his peers too.

4L

Heidi W  -  For using effecient strategies to solve problems involving capacity.  It's great to see your flexible thinking Heidi!

Harvey C  -  For great use of evidence in your paragraph about your opinion on Ned Kelly.  Keep up the great work Harvey!

4P

Bradley B  -  For your focus and consistent positive attitude towards mathematics lessons.  Keep up the great effort, Bradley!

Isla L  -  For  consistently striving to do your best writing by checking in with examples, proofreading and editing your work.  Congratulations, Isla!

5L

Ryan B  -  For your perseverance and can-do attitude in Mathematics, particularly in constructing 3D nets!

Noah M  -  Congratulations on your progress in writing! Your commitment to incorporating feedback has significantly enhanced the quality of your work.

5P

Brody C  -  For showing growth with his spelling strategies by using the etymology of words to spell unfamiliar words.  Keep up the great work, Brody!

Tilly P  -  For applying feedback to build a strong argument on why the government should save Macquarie Island.  Awesome work, Tilly!

6P

Marni V  -  For the amazing way you complete your learning activities and how you never give up, even when you are faced with challenges.  You are a star, Marni!

Rhys Mc  -  For being focused in class and persevering when faced with challenges in your learning.  Keep up the sensational effort, Rhys!

Sports News

Athletics Carnival

Well done to all the students who participated in our school's Athletics Carnival on Friday the 14th of June. As a school, we witnessed some of the best racing, team games, and relays across all age groups. The students displayed wonderful school spirit and sportsmanship, and I’m sure their efforts made it an enjoyable spectacle for all the families that came to watch. Thank you to all the staff who assisted in the organisation of the day. 

Congratulations to our Age Champions for the event.

Age Champions

Congratulations to MacKillop House, who were the House Champions at the Athletics Carnival. 

If your child was successful with the following placements in the events below, then they will be invited to attend the Richmond Zone Athletics Carnival on Thursday the 1st of August at Woodlawn College. A Compass event will be organised towards the end of this term.

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State of Origin Casual Day

It was wonderful to see the students get involved and dress up in either blue and maroon to support their chosen state on Wednesday the 26th of June. 

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Richmond Zone Gala Day

On Friday 30th of August, our Year 5 and 6 students will be provided with the opportunity to participate in the Richmond Zone Gala Day. This day will allow students the opportunity to participate in sports such as soccer, netball and multi-sports. I’m still awaiting further information regarding this day, but there will be a Compass Event sent out early next term.

NRL Gala Day

On Tuesday the 6th of August students in Years 3 to 6 who have been nominated will participate in a NRL Gala Day at St John's College Woodlawn, Lismore. There are 4 teams that will be attending this day. We have a Year 3/4 team (tackle), a Year 5/6 team (tackle) and two girls team (tag). More information will be sent via the Compass Event App.

We are seeking two parent coaches for the event. If you are interested please email Mrs McCarthy directly -  hayleemccarthy@lism.catholic.edu.au

OLHC Mini Olympics

The Paris Olympics will take place on Friday, 26 July 2024 to Sunday, 11 Aug 2024. To recognise and celebrate the Olympics we are going to hold our very own OLHC Mini Olympics. As a staff, we are still fine-tuning some details, but more information will be communicated at the end of  Week 10.

This fortnight, Cooper and Harper interviewed Bryce and Lily about their favourite sport.

School News

Invitation for Parent Helpers

Over the next two terms, Mrs Transton and Mrs Rodda will be doing Dance for Creative Arts with the students. Kinder, Year 1 and Year 2 will be in Term 3 and our students in Years 3-6 in Term 4. 

In order to enrich the experience, we would like to invite parents or family members with special dance talents to come and share their craft with our students. For example, you may be an Irish Dance wiz, or have Ballet or Jazz skills. If this is you and you would like to be involved, please contact Mrs Transton and Mrs Rodda via email.  Thank you!

amy.rodda@lism.catholic.edu.au

lisa.transton@lism.catholic.edu.au

Community News