YEAR 5/6  CAMP

Last term 52 of our Year 5/6 students participated in an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $30per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

NAPLAN 2021

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. Students in Years 3 and 5 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. All assessments are conducted online except the Year 3 Writing assessment.

The assessment provides parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process – it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance.

The assessment window for NAPLAN Online is nine days starting on Tuesday 11th May and finishing on Friday 21st May 2021. A NAPLAN individual student report will be issued by your child’s school later in the year. St Pat's school uses the results to identify strengths and areas to improve in teaching programs, and to set goals in literacy and numeracy.

If you have any questions regarding NAPLAN testing please contact St Pat's NAPLAN coordinator; Val Sheahan (val.sheahan@cg.catholic.edu.au). For more information; see attachment

Australian Early Development Census (AEDC)

Between May and July this year, our school will be taking part in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). This is a nationwide census/survey of early childhood development held once every three years. The AEDC is an Australian Government initiative run by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and includes all children in their first year of full-time school.

The AEDC provides vital information to communities about how children are developing in the crucial early years. AEDC data is relied upon by schools, early childhood organisations, researchers and government to inform planning and improve services and supports for children and families.

The AEDC Instrument is completed by teachers about children in their first year of full-time school. The AEDC is voluntary and is not a school test. The information collected gives a picture of how children are developing before they start school in five key areas or domains. It shows what is being done well, and what can be improved. This is why it is important for all children in their first year of full-time school to be included in the AEDC.

Survey's will be carried out by the classroom teacher. Kindergarten parents/carers of students will receive more information and a consent form in the coming weeks.

STEM K-2

Our students in the K-2 space began weekly STEM lessons today. Students were given materials to design and build a boat that would float and sail on water when blown with a straw. Students were able to find out if their boat floated and modify if needed.