As you’re probably aware, the
students from Years Two – Eight have been resitting the NAPLAN test during this
week. This is a very valuable practice
for us (it is also undertaken in most state schools throughout Queensland) as
it provides us with data that is up-to-date and relevant. It also demonstrates the improvement made by
students – and there have been some very dramatic improvements – and, for the
Year Two students, it exposes them to the particular structures of the NAPLAN
testing regime so that their anxiety is lessened when it comes to the ‘real
thing’. Congratulations to all students
who demonstrated commitment and a willingness to undertake these tests. Your child’s teacher will be only too happy
to share their results with you.
All teachers and teacher aides
will be attending the Emerald Education Conference on Monday, 16th
October, a pupil-free day for students.
On this day, we will engage with some keynote speakers (Julie Cross is
one) as well as attend workshops relating to a variety of educational
subjects. This will be a wonderful day
of professional development for our staff and one where we will undoubtedly
learn a range of interesting and exciting new initiatives which we can
implement in our classrooms.
In recent and coming weeks, we have had or will have teachers undertake
professional development in Writing, Information and Communication Technology, Explicit
Instruction and Mindfulness and Wellbeing.
All of these opportunities, whilst they might take teachers out of our
classrooms for a short time are well worthwhile in terms of building our capacity
as educators.
Live as if you were to die tomorrow.
Learn as if you were to live forever.
Mahatma Gandhi