Early Years News
It’s reporting time!
As everyone’s ‘favourite’ time of year rolls around, it is pertinent to take a moment to consider Report Cards. Reports can be an anxious time for children – and adults!
Firstly, why do we have them? Every school is mandated to report on student achievement twice yearly in a written format, using a 5-point scale. For those schools in the Toowoomba Diocese, this looks like an A-E rating for every subject your child undertakes at school. The purpose is to keep parents informed about their child’s academic progress, their attitude towards learning through the learning dispositions, and how they apply themselves in the classroom. This allows for a collaborative effort between the child, their family and College staff to support a child’s learning journey. The inside page of your report card provides valuable information to assist you in interpreting what those individual letters and ratings mean – please take the time to read this so that you know you are interpreting the messages conveyed in the report accurately! For example, you will find that a ‘C’ grade achievement means:
|
C |
Evidence in the student’s work typically demonstrates that the student has the targeted knowledge and: · expected conceptual understanding · expected application of skills · they are able to transfer the above to familiar situations |
When we take the time to read and understand this, we can see that a C is something to be celebrated! It indicates that the student is ‘on track’, and that they have worked hard to meet the standard expected for their year level!
Other tips for unpacking your report card with your child include:
Progress and Growth – Rather than focusing on the ‘letters’, highlight areas where there has been noticeable improvement. Your child is assessed not only on knowledge and skills, but on how they have responded to the learning opportunities and challenges they have faced in the context of the classroom and the College.
How to discuss with your child – Approach the conversation with an open and supportive attitude. Encourage your child to share their thoughts and feelings about the report, and to identify what they need to do next to further their learning journey. Broaden the focus to include the learning dispositions and learning pit – how do they feel about embracing challenge? Are they comfortable to use the learning dispositions to take on managed risks with their learning?
Celebrate – celebrate achievements, even small ones. Remember that the goal of discussing the report is not just to look at grades, but to foster a positive attitude and growth mindset towards learning and life. Encouraging your child to reflect on their progress, set goals, embrace challenge, and take ownership of their learning will contribute to satisfaction and long term success.
NATIVITY PLAY UPDATE
Performance details are:
“Superstar” Early Years Nativity Play
Day: Thursday 30 November
Time: 9:30am (note: earlier performance time this year)
Venue: MPC
Who: All classes P-4
All family and friends are welcome to join us for the performance.
A reminder of costume requirements is included here:
Year level roles and costume requirements are listed below:
|
Year level |
Role |
Costume Requirements |
|
Prep |
Barnyard animals |
Any barnyard animal of choice – cows, sheep, donkeys, pigs. Can be made up of coloured clothing with headband or more explicit costume. |
|
Yr 1 |
Shepherds |
Traditional shepherd from biblical times – gowns, dressing gowns, long smock style robes in muted, neutral colours. Please do not feel pressured to purchase specific costumes as these can be easily gathered from everyday home materials, including sheets, pillowcases, robes etc. |
|
Yr 2 |
Angels and Messengers |
Students are free to choose whether they would like to dress as an angel or a messenger. Halo headbands will be provided at school. ANGEL: all white (dress or pants and shirt) with silver halo headband from school OR MESSENGER: black school shorts, white shirt and black tie with sunnies and silver halo headband from school. |
|
Yr 3 |
Wise Men |
Crowns are provided at school. Traditional clothing from biblical times – gowns, dressing gowns, long smock style robes in muted, neutral colours. You may like to add a cape or strip of material in red, green or blue to distinguish themselves from general townsfolk. Please do not feel pressured to purchase specific costumes as these can be easily gathered from everyday home materials, including sheets, pillowcases, robes etc. |
|
Yr 4 |
Various |
Notification via email |
Please note that the intention is for costuming to remain as simple as possible for families to access. There is no need to purchase specific costume items for the musical with most pieces able to be gathered at home.
The students are super excited to share this with you! We look forward to seeing you there!
Mrs Katrina Walton
Assistant Principal Early Years