Yulmburral
Welcome back everyone to a new term, new semester and a new opportunity for learning and growth. I’m excited with the opportunities that exist for all students, staff and parents. The semester one reporting period has concluded and I have visited each class to remind students that reports are a wonderful and positive opportunity to celebrate successes and to identify areas for improvement and extra attention. Students have been reminded that there is a big difference between being critical (ie negative) and critiquing (looking at strengths and weaknesses). Our tremendous teachers have been courageous and professional in producing reports that provide meaningful feedback for every parent and child to read and reflect upon. As always, I invite anyone who has a concern arising from their child(ren)’s report to make an appointment with the classroom teacher(s) at any time. In respect to formal parent – teacher interviews, these will be once again brought forward to Week 5 & 6 in response to parent feedback (2017) to having interviews earlier in the term.
Whilst making reference to parent feedback, may I remind all that the annual Satisfaction Survey is currently open for all parents and caregivers to complete. School Leadership values all feedback as it identifies areas of strength and areas for improvement. Before school play and earlier parent – teacher interviews are just two simple examples of changes in practice that emanated from survey feedback. I encourage all to do the survey, though it is not mandatory. All feedback is anonymous and the survey is managed by an independent external provider. Survey closes Friday Week 2.
The Term 3 Planner is available on the Parent Portal. Please note that it is a ‘Live’ document and is subject to change. Schools are busy, fluid workplaces, so as planned and prepared as we are, change can ( and often do ) occur.
This week is NAIDOC Week in our community. We celebrated NAIDOC at the end of last term and our previous Newsletters have examples of us participating and learning about NAIDOC at the school level. This week a number of classes have extended that engagement by participating in Community Activities. Our Preps, Yr 5 & Yr 6 represented the school in the Mossman NAIDOC Week March and civic celebrations. Our Yr 5 students performed a Torres Strait Islander song which was enthusiastically received by all present. I applaud all our students on the manner in which they represented the school at this event.
On Friday – Week 2, we will have many students from Years 4, 5 and 6 representing St Augustine’s at the Inter-school Athletics Carnival at Mossman High School. I wish “Good luck” to each competitor and my congratulations on being selected to represent the school. This representation is a privilege and does come with responsibility. I have high expectations and belief that each student will continue to be a positive example of what it means to be a “St Augustine’s student”.
Week 3 is Catholic Education Week ( CEW ). This is the week in the year where we focus on celebrating the tremendous success and achievements that occur each day in Catholic schools across Queensland. St Augustine’s School plays its part in the success of Catholic Education. I may be biased ( guilty ) however, I would suggest for our little school we well and truly punch above our weight in providing a positive, engaging and rewarding school experience. In celebrating this success we give thanks to God. On Wednesday 1st August at 11:30am we will be hosting the Western Deanery CEW Mass. This will be a significant occasion with School Director, Mr Bill Dixon and other special guests from far and wide being present for this event. All parents and friends are invited to attend this Eucharistic celebration. The new school choir has been very busy practicing new hymns to lead the school community. I am looking forward to our school showcasing itself to our guests on this day. We have much in which to be proud!
The day before the CEW Mass the school is hosting a Grandparents Day. More information is in Mr Mullane’s APRE report.
So, it can be seen that even in the next few weeks there will be special events occurring in the life of the school. In between there is much learning that will occur, and that’s before the end of Term 3 Dance concert and the Swimming Program in the last 3 weeks of this term. More on these events in future Newsletters.
God’s blessings to all
Paul
