Dear Families,
Today we had our first experience of NAPLAN online. Our Year 5 students had a Narrative to write using their computer in a “Locked down Browser’. This means that they were not able to access the internet or any editing tools such as dictionary and grammar check. I was interested to see how the students managed their typing skills but they reported that most were happier to write online rather than print. I believe that the students will need to develop better touch typing skills and this is currently being looked into.

Be You Project
We are also currently working on strategies to support our families of various nationalities, some of whom are new to Australia. As part of the Be You project we are looking at ways of being more inclusive and welcoming to our families. At our Board Meeting last evening we discussed opportunities for our cultural groups to be more connected through a person(s) from each group nominating to be a key contact, providing information hopefully in their particular language to ensure all of our families engage more fully in the school.

If you have any thoughts on developing this further, or you would like to be a key contact representing a nationality, please contact me.  We have 22 different Nationalities represented in our families and we are very proud of the richness that each brings.  Please find an invitation in this Newsletter to part of the Be You Action Team to ensure this project is a great success. If you have an interest in Community Health and Well Being and are able to meet approximately twice per term you would be most welcome.

Car Parking
I mentioned on Assembly that I’ve had a very upset neighbour stating that on 3 occasions our parent’s cars have blocked his driveway. Please be respectful and follow the road rules at all times. I have informed our Council who will be out to fine offenders, so be warned.

Mother's Day Thank you
Thankyou to our wonderful P&F Committee and volunteers for making the Mothers Day stall such a success. The gifts were beautiful. Also thanks to Des Henthorn and the Year 6 team for organising the beautiful High Tea for our Year 6 mums. I feel that this will become a tradition at the school! Now we start thinking about Fathers Day….

God Bless.