Dear Parents and Caregivers

On Friday, 23 June the Semester 1 school reports will be distributed using the Compass Parent Portal. A hard copy will not be provided. 

To access the report:

Your child’s achievement for each key learning area is reported using a five point scale (Elementary, Basic, Sound, Thorough, Extensive).

The five point scale allows teachers to report on student academic achievements at any point in time using clear standards. The teachers have made a professional on-balance judgement to decide which grade best matches the standards your child has achieved, based on assessment information they have collected. An on-balance judgement does not just focus on a single piece of work.

The standards have two important components. These can be thought of in terms of what students are expected to learn and how well they have achieved.

The outcomes in the NSW syllabuses state what students at each stage are expected to learn. The five point scale describes how well students achieve.

What is the five point scale?

The five point scale summarises the standard (or quality) of achievement associated with each scale. The scale describes:

• the depth of knowledge and understanding and
• the range of skills that students working at that standard typically show.

Your child will get the achievement scale that best matches the standard of their achievement. Teachers are not limited to set numbers of each scale within their class or school.

Scales are one aspect of school reporting to parents. Other important tools include:

• teacher comments and feedback
• parent-teacher interviews
• information about student effort and application

• the work samples and
• the scale descriptors

Making Progress During a Grade

If a student receives the same scale for two consecutive reports they have made progress. 

Between the two reporting periods the student will have learned new knowledge and skills of a more advanced nature. In order to receive an ‘Sound’  on the second occasion the student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills in relation to this new and more challenging material.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

This is another opportunity for you to meet with your child’s classroom teacher and it is an important part of the half yearly reporting process.

Parent/Teacher Interviews provide an important opportunity for teachers, students and parents to acknowledge student progress and achievement and discuss some clear steps forward for future growth.

Following are some tips offered by Michael Grose – Australia’s leading parenting educator - to help make the interview a successful experience for everyone involved:

1. Prepare well

Before the meeting, list any questions that you want to raise. Writing information down in advance ensures that your point of view is expressed and that critical information is covered. You may also like to take notes during the meeting so that vital information isn’t missed.

2. Stay solution-focused

When your child’s learning challenges are discussed it can be difficult not to become defensive or sceptical however, it is important to stay open-minded. Try to view the information shared as an opportunity to discuss your child’s strengths and needs as well as any further support required.

3. Trust the teacher

Teachers view your child through a different lens than you and their conclusions and solutions can seem at odds with your own views. At these times you need to trust the professionalism of your child’s teacher who has more than likely experienced these same challenges before.

4. Ask what you can do

Show your commitment to supporting your child’s progress by asking about ways you can best support your child at home. 

Information on how to book your appointment online has been posted on Compass.

Parent Contact Details

At all times, we ask that parents keep your contact details up to date.  Phone numbers and email addresses can be amended, by you, through the Compass portal.  Please advise the office, in writing/email, of any other change in details.

Change of Routine

Please remember to inform the office or your child's class teacher if there is going to be a change in routine. If a parent is running late please contact the school office. If you have organised for someone else to collect your child, please inform the office of this as soon as possible or write a note for your child's class teacher.

2023 School Calendar

The key date of events and celebrations for 2023 can be viewed in our online school calendar. The calendar can be viewed on our school website and via the newsletter.

Key Dates

Staff Development Days

Following are the dates for the remaining staff development days this year. A reminder that children do not attend school on these days.

• Term 3 - Monday 17 July
• Term 4 - Monday & Tuesday 18 & 19 December

Teacher Professional Learning

At St Thomas Aquinas the staff has an ongoing commitment to professional learning. The staff benefits from attending in-services, in curriculum areas, that assist them in providing quality learning opportunities for the students in their class. The following staff have or will attend professional learning:

Sporting News

Netball Gala Day

Good luck to the students that are representing our school at the Catholic Education - Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) Netball Gala Day that will be held on 22 June:

Hockey Clinic

We entered a Hockey Gala Day organised by Hockey NSW. Unfortunately the day was cancelled due to insufficient entries. However,  Hockey NSW still wanted to give our students the opportunity to engage in an opportunity to learn new skills and experience the game. Our thanks to Hockey NSW for providing this opportunity.

Upcoming Events 

22 June CEDoW Netball Gala Day

2 August NSW Rugby Gala Day

2 August Netball Cup Finals

24 August CEDoW Soccer Gala Day

28 July CEDoW Western Region Athletics

15 September CEDoW Basketball Gala Day

Mr Anthony McElhone

Principal