Dear Parents and Caregivers

On Friday 28 June the Semester 1 reports for all students will be distributed using the Compass Parent Portal.

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 lets teachers report 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.

Yours in partnership

Mr Anthony McElhone

Principal

Living the Year of Prayer in Preparation for Jubilee 2025

In this year of Prayer, we are reminded that there are a number of prayers that we can pray together as a community. Our students are familiar with these types of prayers and at times during their Religious Education units, they are encouraged to compose their own prayers.

Prayer of Intercession: “O Father, in Your mercy, hear Your children’s pleas. As we prepare for the Jubilee of 2025, renew our faith, increase the virtues of hope and charity in us, and help us be witnesses of Your love in the world.”

Prayer of Praise: “We praise You, Lord, for Your infinite goodness. In the upcoming Jubilee, open our eyes to the beauty of Your creation so that our hearts may rejoice in the wonder and greatness of Your works.”

Prayer of Thanksgiving: “We thank You, O God, for every blessing and for all the gifts we have received. As we prepare for the Jubilee, teach us to recognize Your hand in every moment of our lives and to welcome each day as a gift of Your mercy and love.”

Prayer of Petition: “Lord, source of all wisdom, guide us during this Year of Prayer as we prepare to celebrate the upcoming Jubilee. Open our hearts and enlighten our minds so that we may understand and fully experience the gifts of mercy and forgiveness.”

Corpus Christi Feast Day

Last Friday we celebrated our parish feast day with a combined Mass and morning tea with St Michael’s. Thank you to Mr Pauperis and the Liturgy Group from both schools, who lead Mass through song.

Mass and Lunch to Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Father Sean’s Ordination.

This year, Fr. Sean celebrates his 40th Anniversary of priestly ordination, on Sunday 4th August (feast of St, John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests). Tickets are available at the parish office and a website is now set up for online purchasing. Tickets can be purchased here.

RSVP: 19th July Cost is $55 per head. Children 12 years and under $20 per head.

Children’s Liturgy

All children are warmly invited to attend Children’s Liturgy each Sunday at our 9:30am Mass. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to unpack the Scriptures and interact with other children from the parish. All welcome!

Important dates

Please note down the following dates in your diary. We would love to celebrate these important events with you. Our Liturgy Group are looking forward to leading us in song.

• • Confirmation: Saturday 6th July at 11am for any students who have made their First Holy Communion.
  • Stage 2 Mass:  Sunday 8th September at 5pm. All families welcome!
  • Early and Stage 1 Mass:  Sunday 3rd November at 5pm. All families welcome!
  • First Holy Communion: Sunday 24th November at 11am. For all students who have made their First Reconciliation.

Renee McFayden

Religious Education Co-ordinator

Netball NSW Schools Cup

The Netball NSW Schools Cup has been postponed to a date in Term 3.

Hindmarsh / Noble Cup Rugby League Gala Day

Congratulations to the students who represented STA at the recent rugby league gala day.  Thank you to Mr Schmidt, Mr O'Brien, Mr Dykes and Mr Corder for coaching the teams and thank you also to Mrs Cleary & Mrs Merchant for supervising the students.

Upcoming events

Year 6

The Year 6 students travelled to Canberra on a very cold, windy day last Wednesday.  They visited the National Electoral Education Centre, the War Memorial and Parliament House where they were able to sit in the viewing areas of the House of Representatives and the Senate.  They asked some great questions along the way.

It was a very long day for the students and staff but an informative and fun day was had by all.

Providing consent and payment via Compass

There are a lot of sport events and excursion that are happening at this time.  If your child is attending an event and it requires payment / consent could you please complete the details via Compass as soon as possible.  This assists the staff who have to follow up if the permission has not been completed.  Thank you very much.

Contacting staff

• If you need to email a staff member, could you please use the email address:  info@stabdow.catholic.edu.au and your email will be directed to the relevant staff member for you.
• If you would like to make an appointment with a staff member (including the Principal and Assistant Principal) could you please contact the office to organise a convenient time.