NAPLAN and our focus value of Respect

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an important annual assessment for Australian students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9. The assessments are designed to evaluate students’ proficiency in essential literacy and numeracy skills and include four key test areas: reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and numeracy.

I have once again been blown away by the level of respect and resilience that our students have demonstrated during the assessments this week.  The Penguin “Can Do” attitude that our students have demonstrated is something they should be extremely proud of.  One of our Yr.3 students found me after his writing assessment and said, “Mr Beard, that was really hard…..but I still did it and I feel really good now.”  NAPLAN Assessments will continue next week.

Showing Respect Towards Each Other

At PDS, we believe that respect is a cornerstone of a positive and supportive learning environment. Respecting ourselves, each other and the environment continues to be at the heart of our work this term.  This week we have challenged our students to really think about ways that we can show respect for our gardens and bush spaces so that they remain in great condition for us to all enjoy.  Can we ask that you remind your child/children to ensure they are not walking on the garden beds at the front of our school to ensure they remain healthy for many years to come.

Reporting and Communication Term 1. (Including Seesaw)

We value strong communication between school and home, and Seesaw is a great platform for keeping parents updated on their child’s learning journey. Whilst we appreciate that the recent technical outage has made communicating challenging, we are excited to share that Seesaw is back up and running.  If you haven’t been able to reconnect, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

As part of our Reporting and Communicating requirements you can expect a mid-term update from your teacher either by phone, Seesaw or email in the next week.  Many of you would have already received this.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or queries.

Our Kinder families will also receive “an Evidence of Learning” before the end of term. 

P-6 students will receive their Primary Progress Report on Friday of week 10.

Thank you for staying in touch and keeping informed.

Shout Outs

There are so many people that go above and beyond in our school, but I would just like to give an extra little shout out to the following students, staff and parents.

• To our secondary students who supported the recent Riana Primary Athletics Carnival.  This included our House Captains and some ex-Riana students.  I know the Riana staff and students really appreciated your support.

• Lachie P (Yr. 5/6)– for filling in for a school who needed an extra team member at the recent Primary Athletics Carnival.  A great example of PDS sportsmanship.

• Brodie Deverell (Aboriginal Education Worker) – for kicking off our Aboriginal Education sessions with Secondary students over the last fortnight.  We are really looking forward to the program Brodie is offering.

• To our parents and community members who joined us for our Primary Assembly on Thursday afternoon.  We trust you enjoyed the presentations and celebrations.

• To Damon K, Tash T and Timmy A for all your support in getting organised for assembly this week.  I certainly value your ongoing help and assistance.

Yours in partnership

Adrian Beard

(Primary Assistant Principal/Friday Principal)