Principals' Message
REPORT INSIGHT
Teachers are currently very busy collating information and presenting student reports.
This Semester, our Reports will provide Grades in each Key Learning Area (KLA), concise comments in English and Mathematics and an assessment of Work Habits with a final General Comment. The process involves collating evidence, recognising and celebrating developments and achievement and determining where students will be best served with a future learning focus.
Some terms that are being used and what they mean:
1. MSL - MSL stands for Multisensory Structured Language. SL stands for Structured Literacy. MSL and Structured Literacy are based on the same principles of instruction required for effective reading instruction. This is our instructional tool for teaching reading.
2. Automatic recall/automaticity – when a child has mastered instant recall of a number fact (e.g. 2×6 = 12).
3. Rich tasks – tasks used in mathematics, which allow children to enquire, research, trial different methods and provide a solution, which is efficient and can possibly transfer to other areas of learning.
4. Open-ended tasks - Usually refer to tasks in Mathematics, however, can occur in other KLA’s, which does not have a single correct answer. Open-ended tasks assess the extent of knowledge a child can communicate ( (eg, Explore a million? 1,000,000 rotations of my bike pedals would take me past Perth from Port).
5. Camera words – usually common words that may not be easy to sound out (e.g. you), which children need to instantly recognise to ensure reading fluency and easier comprehension.
6. Phonemes - Sounds that letters or combinations of letters make (tip - phone - listen).
7. Decodable - where children can recognise each sound in a word they are attempting to read or write.
8. Inquiry learning - can occur in any KLA. It is when children are provided scaffolding by the teacher to then choose how they may research and present their learning. The student may be supported through the learning by their teacher, parents and peers. Inquiry learning helps to build independence, resourcefulness and initiative.
9. Maths Grades - please be aware that the first strand in Mathematics - Number and Algebra is a heavy content strand compared to the other two and therefore has greater weighting in the overall grade. There is also some discretion in the compiling of the overall grade. Please ask your teacher if you are unsure of Grades.
2022 KINDERGARTEN INTERVIEWS CONCLUDE NEXT WEEK
Mr Leary has been busy this week with the delightful task of interviewing our final potential Kindergarten students for 2022. Nothing beats seeing the excitement of the faces of our new Kindergarten students as they come for their interviews. We have loved their excitement, optimism and joy at being able to complete tasks. These interviews will conclude next Wednesday and we look forward to seeing our 2022 Kinders at orientation time in Term 4.
Being Safe Online
As our young people are spending more time online, it’s important to remember our responsibilities and rights when it comes to digital communication. Something said in a message can be easily misconstrued when communicated without the benefit of body language and tone of voice. Likewise, words sent in a message in the heat of the moment are there forever. Kids Helpline has an excellent resource for kids of different ages to help them understand what is ok, and what isn’t when communicating online.
Hastings Dancing with the Stars
A great achievement for one of our families at St Peter’s last weekend....
Mark Matheson, father of Torie, Year 4 and Ryan, Year 2, won the Hastings Dancing with the Stars last weekend! He was the final performer for the evening and his dance was called 'Magic Mark'. All of the competitors were such great sports and did so well, raising over $180,000 for the Cancer Council. Congratulations Mark!
MISSION
200 Years of Catholic Education Art Competition Entries
Well done Olivia Gridley, Milla Pieren, Jessica Moore and Evie Hall on their fabulous entries to the 200 Years of Catholic Education Diocese of Lismore Art Competition! The girls completed these artworks in their own time and visited Mrs Cameron to film a short explanation of their inspiration to be submitted along with their entries.
 Evie Hall
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 Jessica Moore
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 Milla Pieren
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 Olivia Gridley
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 Paige Goldie
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From St Agnes’ Parish
New Parishioners
While we have welcomed many new members into the Catholic church through the RCIA program over the past few years, we have also had a number of new people come along to join our parish community for our Sunday and weekday Masses. We would very much like to make contact with anyone who is new to our parish in recent years for the purpose of building connections and getting to know each other. New parishioners are invited to click on the following link and complete a short survey to commence correspondence with us or collect a printed form from the Pastoral Office.
A Drawing Competition with Purpose!
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is inviting students to draw their big idea for water play at the proposed new aquatic facility! Competition entry forms will be coming home with your child next week and are due back to their classroom teacher by Thursday, 17th June. The winner of each age category (4-7yrs; 8-12yrs) will win a swimming prize pack to the value of $100. Terms and conditions on the entry for details. You can have your say, too, by completing an online survey at pmhc.nsw.gov.au/aquatic-facility or Head to Council’s website to submit your feedback and find out more.
Entry Forms - PMHC Aquatic Facility Colouring Competition
Year 4 Retreat Day - Tuesday 22nd June
LEARNING
Writing
What is a persuasive text?
A persuasive text is a form of non-fiction writing which aims to convince the reader of a certain point of view. Advertisements and newspaper columns are good examples of persuasive text. Persuasive writing encourages careful word choice, the development of logical arguments, and a cohesive summary of your opinion.
Students are guided through a series of simple steps in an effort to develop their persuasive writing skill. They are taught to organise their arguments into weak, strong and strongest and to support their arguments with evidence.
Teaching persuasive writing allows students to communicate their ideas with conviction, influence others, and make their voices heard in an increasingly competitive and crowded world.
Last week, Year 1 worked in small groups to compose a text to persuade the reader to eat either junk food or healthy food. Year 1 loved sharing their finished writing with Year 6 this week!
 Geoff Leary Principal |
 Karen Robson Assistant Principal Learning |
 Rebecca Cameron Assistant Principal Mission |