Newsletter 3 Term 4, 2020 – Message from Admin Team, Book Parade Photos, Halloween Recess, School Photo Ordering, Cyber Safety Beacon App, Coastal Clean Up

Message from the Executive Administration Team

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Last week’s events confirmed our strong school culture, underpinned by shared values and celebrated through community engagement at WPS. Many thanks to the wonderful parents and grandparents who attended the Book Week Parade, P&C Colour Run and assisted their children to create amazing ‘Curious Creatures’ costumes, seek sponsorship for the Lap-a-thon and show gratitude to their teachers on World Teachers’ Day.

Engagement and Relationships

World Teachers’ Day was a wonderful recognition for our dedicated staff and indeed all teachers who have worked tirelessly throughout this challenging year to ensure continuity of curriculum while maintaining high levels of engagement through additional curricular experiences and aligned whole school pedagogies and activities. A huge thank you to the P&C executive and class representatives who organised the most amazing morning tea for staff on Friday and to Mark Dillon at Mooba for the mammoth effort in coordinating coffee for all our staff.

#thankteachers #brightfuture

Teaching and Learning

In Term 4 we traditionally present data on the progress toward achieving the targets outlined in the school Business Plan to staff and the School Board.

Due to NAPLAN assessments not being conducted in 2020, the academic targets reportable are significantly reduced. However, last week’s presentation to the Board highlighted some significant gains in performance Target 4: Achieve above the national mean in Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) assessments in priority learning areas.

Background:

• Students in Years 2- 6 sit the online PAT test in Mathematics and Reading

• Students in Years 3-6 sit the online PAT test in Science

• Testing schedule is once a year in Term 2

• Students can sit different tests according to ability to ensure progress can be measured accurately

• Not all Australian schools use ACER PAT assessments to measure student progress

Learning Environment:

We pride ourselves on maintaining a safe learning environment. I remind parents who use the Kiss and Drive on Simper St and Alexander St to stay with their vehicles, move forward when space becomes available and refrain from making U turns after exiting the Kiss and Drive on Simper St.

School hats – caps are not permitted to be worn in the playground between the beginning of September and end of May. Please ensure your child has a broad-brimmed hat for school that is clearly labelled with their name.

Dates for the Diary:

9 – 13 November    Year 6 Surfing, Rooms 17 & 18

16 – 20 November  Year 6 Surfing, Rooms 14 & 15

19 November          Senior Choir Massed Choir Sing Festival excursion, 10:30 -1:30pm

20 November          Junior Music Talent Quest (Year 3 and 4) 1:30pm in under covered area

23 Nov – 4 Dec       Year 1-3 Swimming Lessons

24 November          Year 1 2021 Parent Information and School Tour 9:15 -10:15am

26 November          Year 5 Astronomy Night camp 6:30pm to 8:30am

27 November         Senior Music Talent Quest (Years 5 and 6) 1:30pm in under-cover area

Collaborate, Connect, Communicate. 

Yours in learning,

Executive Admin Team

Donna, Alan, Milani, Tamara