NAPLAN
As you would be aware NAPLAN, the national assessment of Literacy and Numeracy is currently occurring for our Year 3 and 5 students. The teachers have helped over the past weeks to ensure children had some practice for the test and we introduced the PAT M and R testing for Year 2’s last year. So, I am hoping that there is less anxiety about the test and that children and parents know that it is a snapshot on a particular day in a particular year. Like all things we just encourage our children to ‘have a go’ and do their best. The Year 5 test is all on-line whilst the Year 3 Writing was traditional paper test.

UV
The UV rating in the past few days have been quite low so children are able to play outside without hats, although we encourage them to continue with hats. The UV can vary up until August so please encourage your child to have a hat in their bag for when needed.

On another note about weather, in a recent rain event we were able to inspect the work undertaken on Windsor Grove over the holidays. We noted improvements in the run off and drainage. A special thanks to Guinevere Flavel (mother of Sophie and Elizabeth) who was very helpful in obtaining the support for this work by Port Adelaide/ Enfield council.

Mother’s Day
My deep thanks to our P and F and volunteers for making the Mothers Day stall so successful this year. Also thanks to our Social Workers, Tsedye and Kathy for their support in the Year 6 ‘high tea’ for mums event. I think this is a tradition well worth continuing as we acknowledge our mums of Year 6 children who have been so supportive of the school for many years.

Children’s University
On Monday we had a presentation from Adelaide University on the opportunity for our school to be part of this initiative. In essence it gives children the chance to document their ‘out of school learning’ (in sporting clubs, family visits to venues, music tuition outside of school etc). Children receive a passport and keep a record of events and if thet have had 30 hours of learning before end of October, they get to graduate at ‘Elder Hall’ in a ceremony in November.

We are starting this year and hope to have about 20 involved. Notes were sent to Year 3’s and 4’s and there is a parent information session here on Monday, May 31st at 3:30pm to hear more and answer questions. The opportunity is open to all, or if you wish other siblings to join in, we just needed to ‘start small’.

Your Graduating child could look like this!