Dear Families,

This week we begin to farewell our Year 6 students. On Friday, Year 6 students and their families will attend their Graduation and Mass followed by the Year 6 Graduation Disco. This rite of passage for students is an important one, as they move from the relatively small confines of primary school to the often much larger high schools. This can be both an exciting and daunting time for students as they begin to have greater choice over their learning pathways and greater freedom at home. I know the teachers and students have been busily preparing for this day, preparing yearbook pages, writing speeches, practising walking into the church and having last photos taken with friends. I wish all of our Year 6 students the very best as they leave here and begin the next chapter of their school life. I also congratulate Year 6 on their final assembly.

Our preparation for the coming of Christ continues with our Advent prayer celebrations. Thank you to Kinder Blue for leading the school in lighting the second candle of Advent for Peace. With the coming of Jesus, came the promise of Peace on Earth. 5 Blue will lead the prayer celebration for week 3 of Advent, where we will light the candle for Joy. This candle is the rose or pink candle. This marks the middle of Advent and also a time when we look at both the darkness and light that we anticipate as well as the sadness and the joy that life can bring. It is at this time that we begin to think about the fact that God will join us as fully human in the form of Jesus Christ, in all of our suffering as well as all of our joy. We remember this week how he walked among us, as one of us.

This week, many of you will meet with your child’s teacher/s to talk about their progress this year. I has been a joy to see how many children are flourishing this year and to see their learning really take off. Occasionally, we see some students who, for a variety of reasons, have not progressed as we would expect. Remember that learning is not linear and that some students can gain a little less than expected learning one year, may have well over a year’s growth the next. If you feel that your child has not experienced the expected level of academic growth, please use this time to have a conversation with your child’s teacher to discuss possible reasons why this may have happened and how we can help to support them next year.  

Reports will be available on Friday afternoon from 4pm. These reports are written for parents and it is important to consider carefully how you share this information with your child. As you read these reports, remember that a C-grade means that your child is performing as expected for their age and year level. Below is an outline of grades to support you in understanding your child’s report.

Year 1- Year 6 Achievement Scale 

A - Outstanding        
The student has extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations. 

B - High         
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills in most situations.

C - At Standard        
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.

D - Partial      
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.

E - Limited    
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills.

When a student receives a ‘C’ grade it means they have demonstrated the quality of learning described in the Achievement Standard, based on the content studied in the reporting period. If a student receives a ‘C’ in both semester 1 and 2 reports it indicates that the student has made progress, and learned new knowledge and skills based on the new and more challenging material studied.

Take care and God bless