Over the past two weeks, I have had the privilege of visiting classrooms to observe our Word Recognition programs (UFLI and Word Origins) in action. Students are engaged in their learning, they know what is expected of them each morning and actively contribute to lessons. Class teachers have done a fabulous job of implementing these programs into their classes over the first part of this year.

Although we are in the initial stages of this implementation, our NAPLAN Reading Data that has just been delivered shows that we are making improvements in Reading. One of the most important reports that we get from NAPLAN is what is known as the "Relative Gain Report". This report tracks students from Grade 3 to Grade 5 and whether they are improving as expected. The Relative Gain Report is not provided for Grade 3 students, as they have only completed one NAPLAN assessment and therefore have no baseline data. As you can see below, 43% of Grade 5 students have achieved high gains, and 57% have achieved medium gains in the NAPLAN Reading assessment. This is a fantastic achievement and an improvement on previous years. Students should be very proud of themselves. 

Attendance

Congratulations to the following students who have achieved greater than a 95% attendance rate by the middle of the year. These students were presented with a certificate at our end of term assembly. Well done to Abbey, Ella, Max, Peter, Lucas, Eowyn, Rydae, Wyatt, Arlo, Lucy, Indiana, Piper, Bella, Eli, Olivia and Caleb. 

Next term, we will be focusing on student attendance growth. We understand that it is important to keep students at home when they are sick, and that things may occur at home that require a day off for students. It is important that students are at school though if they are not sick. Next term, certificates at the end of term assembly will be given to all students who have improved upon their attendance from the end of Term 2 to the end of Term 3. This focuses on our school value of growth, ensuring that all students have an achievable goal to improve their attendance. Your child's mid-year attendance rate can be found in their mid-year report. 

This week we have been busy with 3-Way Conversations. The learning conversations that have taken place between the student, parent/carer and teacher have been incredibly valuable. Students learn best when an active partnership exists between the school and the family, so thank you to all families who have made an appointment to discuss their child's learning and mid-year report. 

Today we held a Crazy Hair Day to support Georgie to raise money for Wigs4Kids. Georgie is planning to cut her hair and will donate it to support the creation of wigs for children. Funds raised by Georgie will be also donated to Kids with Cancer (Wigs4Kids) to help relieve the financial burden from families that have a child being treated with a cancer diagnosis. Donations to Georgie can be made through the link below. This is a fantastic initiative for Georgie to be involved in, well done Georgie!