Thank you to parents who participated in the May Zoom P&C meeting. It's great that this format is encouraging greater parent participation and all from the comfort of home. Discussion was lively so please see the P&C report in the newsletter to gain some context.
Working Bee
Most importantly note the date for our next Working Bee on Sunday 30th May, 9am-3pm. Kindy and Year 1 parents were particularly keen to get a chance to socialise so try to come along, make some new friends, contribute to your school and ENJOY the BBQ. Enthusiasm only required. As per COVID guidelines, registration will be required. We will organise a sign-on process via the Service NSW app on entry to the school, and maintain social distancing throughout the day.
Please RSVP if you can make it so we can get an idea of numbers for the day
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PP5SP5F Reports and Feedback
With reporting time in full swing and reports due home on the 15th June, it is timely for everyone to read the following article about giving productive feedback. The school is currently working on a target of giving feedback that is positive, develops our students as independent thinkers and engages and challenges them to work towards their next goal. It's called the Goldilocks' Principle - not too hard, not too easy but just right. The article below gives suggestions on giving feedback that sticks.
"It can be tempting to allow children to continue to behave badly or to perform chores, homework or sports practice poorly when they argue or resist feedback. Feedback is a wonderful parenting tool that requires attention to detail, sensitivity and a willingness to respect the dignity of the child or young person who is receiving it. It’s also most effective when given sparingly, rather than like a nervous tic, which keeps kids anchored to parents for approval." How to give kids feedback for improvement - Parenting Ideas
NAPLAN
We've now completed NAPLAN online. Adjustments were made for some children as required by their additional needs and in accord with their Independent Learning Plans (ILPs). The whole week proceeded without too many issues thanks to our excellent IT network and our students' familiarity with digital devices. Children to whom I spoke were quite happy and excited about it all, an attitude that is a credit to their teachers and parents.
Checkin
During 2020 when NAPLAN did not operate, the department developed a Checkin assessment for Year 3 and 5. This was a much briefer online assessment simply focused on Reading and Mathematics. This assessment has a rapid feedback time of less than a week with clear indications of children who are achieving beyond, at or below stage outcomes. There are ready links to both curriculum outcomes and additional activities for teachers. These checkins have been made available this year to Year 4 and 6 in Term 2 and Year 3 and 5 in Term 3. These results will support students who may need an additional boost to their learning due to lost time in 2020 and is the COVID learning funding of which you may have heard. Students who need assistance due to additional needs already have ongoing support through their ILP's and targeted learning programs. The COVID funding is short term and is being used to assist students who may be underperforming and need an additional boost in targeted areas. Parents will be informed if their child is being included and are welcome to contact the school for further information.
Indigenous Education
We are about to embark on developing a "Reconciliation Action Plan" otherwise known as a RAP for our school. The RAP provides a framework to support practical actions towards reconciliation. Input will be sought from the students as well as from the wider school community. The idea of the RAP is that it will support the school in building respectful relationships and creating meaningful opportunities for learning about and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Initially we hope to be able to implement regular drop in morning teas for our Aboriginal families to involve them in the process.
Performances
We're all looking forward to the first of our performances this term from Year 4 Matilda and 6 Trolls. We've programmed four performances for each grade to ensure that we observe safe COVID practices. Please don't feel the need to attend every one! We’re encouraging young (pre school age children) and non working parents or grandparents to attend the matinees. Tickets will be available online but to manage numbers everyone will require a ticket and seat. Students are expected to attend all of their grades performances. All dates were published in the last newsletter.
Instrumental Music Programs
Instrumental music has operated at Randwick for more than twenty five years when the P&C supported the formation of the first band program. Brightstars has indicated that they are unable to manage this program beyond Term 2. This change has impacted the string program most immediately with the cancellation of Ensembles. Tim Walsh has been able to continue the Band program in its entirety. I have been very appreciative of the skills of parents, Megan Madden and Tracy Ong, who have taken on the role of coordinating an EOI which will go out this week and hence ensure that a new provider can be in place for Term 3. The EOI will go out shortly via the school's various communication channels. We would appreciate you directing this to any of your contacts with the capacity to manage a very large but valuable program for our school and students. We are currently most in need of a contract lawyer to draw up an appropriate contract for this program.
2021 Athletics Carnival
E S Marks Field Monday 16th August for students 8 years old and over.
Building Works
As you may have noticed our old Victorian building (1909) and Admin building (1886) is gaining a face lift with roofing, guttering and insulation works. This is expected to be completed by the beginning of Term 3. This work was essential due to the significant leaking being experienced. It will also mean we are able to have painting and carpeting refurbished when walls and floors are no longer damp.
In addition we are assessing refurbishment of all the Kindergarten bathrooms which date from the early 70's.
We appreciate teachers and students flexibility in moving around as each section of the roof is completed. Year 1's have been quite excited to experience life in the beehive and we appreciate Year 5 and 6 sharing their beautiful space.
Our school has been funded for the Cooler Classrooms Program which will result in all classrooms not currently with air conditioning being set up up before summer. We really appreciate being part of this program.
Enrolment for Kindergarten 2022
If you are considering enrolling your child in Kindergarten at Randwick in 2022 and you believe your child may have additional needs or require support, please contact the school office immediately at randwick-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au.
Applications for this additional support must be prepared (including any medical documentation) and submitted to the Department of Education for consideration by 25th June 2021 to commence in 2022.
Your Pre-school or Daycare is the best place to seek advice concerning your child's development compared to others, but if you unsure we are happy to provide advice.
Applications for additional support can be around Language Development, Behaviour, Socialisation, Physical or Health Needs or a combination of these.
Applications do not guarantee support, but it is the first vital step.
Regards
Susan Allen
Principal
