Dear families,
It’s hard to believe we are now into the second half of term 2! Our hard working teachers are busily preparing semester one reports. This is a complex and time consuming process of analysing student data (as well as collecting up to date data that demonstrates progress from term 1) moderating student work samples and ensuring accuracy of reporting of progress against the achievement standards of the Australian Curriculum. Families will by now know that reports will be delivered via SEQTA Engage from this semester onwards. If you haven’t already created an account, please do so before the end of term! Reports will be available to families at the end of term 2.
Last week, we celebrated and acknowledged Reconciliation Week. National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The theme of this year’s Reconciliation Week is ‘Now more than ever.’ At our official launch, we gathered in circles and Kaurna elder Karl Telfer led us in a ceremony to acknowledge the development of our school’s Acknowledgement of Country and the launch of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) We concluded the launch with a smoking ceremony.
On Monday and Tuesday our year 4 students attended camp at Aldinga scrub. Our camps program is a very important part of school life at St Francis and all students are expected to attend. Camps are an excellent way of learning beyond the classroom, developing resilience and social skills, and enhancing independence. My sincere thanks to our 8 intrepid staff who attended and led the students during the camp activities-I think everyone would’ve slept well on Tuesday evening! Our year 5 students will have their camp in term 3 and we are all looking forward to it.
This Friday, while students enjoy a pupil free day, our staff will be engaging in professional learning. Our focus is “The Writing Revolution.” The Writing Revolution provides teachers with an evidence-based and proven instructional methodology for teaching writing. The methodology rests on explicit, carefully sequenced instruction, building from sentences to compositions. This methodology enhances our already strong Literacy program and is very closely aligned with the overall ‘Science of Learning’ body of work. I want to again acknowledge our outstanding educators, who give so much of themselves in continual improvement in order to provide your children with the best and most evidence informed learning opportunities.
While it may not appear as if too much is happening with the restoration of the building precinct, plenty has been happening behind the scenes and we are hopeful of further space and access being available very soon – hopefully by June 17. I continue to be grateful for your patience and forbearance in managing the final stages of the process. Families may have seen some new signage at the Henley Beach entrance to the parish and school precinct. Very soon, we will have a highly visible digital display space to promote the many blessings of our school and parish!
Have a great long weekend everyone and we will see you all next Tuesday.
Social