Week 6, Term 4 2024 - 5th November 2024
APC's Reflection
Understanding Your Child's Report Card: A Guide to 'Commendable', 'Satisfactory', and 'Needs Improvement'
The end of another school year is approaching and our teachers are busy providing engaging learning opportunities, supporting students to finalise assessments and writing reports to convey the growth and development of their students.
As parents, receiving your child's report card can be a mix of emotions. While seeing "commendable" marks is always a cause for celebration, understanding the terms "satisfactory" and "needs improvement" can sometimes be confusing. Let's break down what these terms mean and how they reflect your child's progress.
Commendable: This is the highest achievement level, indicating that your child consistently exceeds expectations in their effort and attitude to work, behaviour, and participation. They demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter and are actively engaged in the learning process.
Satisfactory: While this term might seem slightly negative, it actually represents a positive achievement. It indicates that your child is meeting the expected standards for their grade level. Their effort and attitude to work is appropriate, their behaviour is generally good, and they are participating in class activities.
Needs Improvement: This term suggests that there are areas where your child could benefit from additional support or practice. It might indicate that they are struggling with certain concepts, need to improve their behaviour, or could be more engaged in class activities.
Why 'Satisfactory' is a Positive Term:
It's important to remember that "satisfactory" is not a negative term. It simply means that your child is performing at an expected level. This is a great achievement, especially when considering the wide range of students in a classroom.
How to Support Your Child's Progress:
If your child's report card includes "satisfactory" or "needs improvement" marks, here are some ways you can support their progress:
- Communicate with teachers: Schedule a meeting to discuss your child's performance and identify areas where they might need extra help.
- Create a conducive learning environment: Ensure your child has a quiet, distraction-free space to do their homework.
- Encourage positive habits: Promote good study habits, time management skills, and a love for learning.
- Celebrate achievements: Acknowledge your child's successes, no matter how small. This can boost their confidence and motivation.
Remember, every child learns at their own pace. By understanding the meaning behind these grading terms and providing the necessary support, you can help your child reach their full potential.
Belinda Battaia
Assistant Principal: Curriculum
From our Principal | Mr Wes Rose
School Fair – Parent Helpers Needed
As the festive season approaches, the St Mary’s Christmas Fair is scheduled for Saturday, 16th November 2024 starting at 5pm. As well as being a lovely annual event for the community, this is a major fundraiser for our school and Parish.
Your year level’s fair coordinator will have reached out to you to request parent helpers. Many hands make light work, so even if you can help out for a short amount of time, please get in touch with them.
School News
- This Wednesday, Mrs van Lint will attend the Regional APRE meeting.
- This Thursday, we welcome the leadership teams from the Regional Primary and Secondary schools for a thanksgiving Mass at 5:30pm at St Mary’s Church. Afterwards, we will farewell long-serving staff who are concluding their time at the end of 2024.
- This Friday, I will attend the Regional Principals Meeting at Emmanuel Catholic Primary School.
Class Teachers 2025
We are currently working towards finalising our teacher workforce for 2025. Once we have completed this, we will communicate which teachers will be assigned to particular grades. I thank parents and staff for their patience with this.
Quote of the Week
“Contentment is the art of finding joy in simplicity.”
-unknown
St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Our school will be participating in the St Vincent de Paul Society QLD Christmas Appeal again this year. The Vinnies Christmas Appeal supports people and families who are struggling by providing them with money, food, clothing, hampers, and presents for Christmas.
Your support will not only provide much needed relief to so many who are currently burdened by a daily struggle of survival, comfort and dignity, but will also gift joy and hope this holiday season.
We would be very grateful if you would consider donating items from the list below, according to your child’s year level;
We appreciate you supporting this initiative and in doing so making a difference to people’s lives this Christmas. All items can be sent into classrooms and will be presented to a St Vincent de Paul representative on Friday 29th November at assembly.
Belinda van Lint
Assistant Principal: Religious Education (Acting)
St Mary's Christmas Book Fair
Our Christmas Book Fair will continue tomorrow and Thursday in the school library. Join the St Mary's Christmas spirit and do some early Christmas shopping for the kids. We have a range of books, diaries, pens craft kits, etc on sale.
Please contact the school office if you are available to volunteer on any morning.
St Mary's Christmas Fair
Major Raffle
Thank you to those families who have already returned their sold raffle tickets. We have some wonderful prizes up for grabs again this year and have now included a 'bonus' prize. Tickets were distributed to all families last week and cost $5 each or $30 per book.
Christmas Fair Rides
Unlimited Ride Wristbands for the Christmas Fair are now available for purchase online only, closing midnight Tuesday, 12th November. Families who buy in advance will receive a written receipt on the Friday before the Fair, which can be presented at the Pre-Sale Line on Saturday.
*Pre-purchase is open to everyone, not just St Mary’s attendees.*
Thank You!
We feel very blessed to have such generous, compassionate supporters of the St Mary's Christmas Fair. Your generosity means the world to us and the St Mary's community.
Tanya Davies
St Mary's Fair Coordinator
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Congratulations to those children who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time at St Mary's Church last week.
Thank you to Fr Matthias and Fr Anthony for their time and guidance. Thank you parents and children for your commitment to your faith.
St Mary's Christmas Concert
Christmas Under the Stars!
On Thursday 5th December from 6-7pm in the basketball court we will host our Christmas Concert. Our students have been busily learning several Christmas dances under the expert tutelage of our Performing Arts Teacher, Mrs Wood.
Letters were sent home with students today with details of costume requirements. These letters can also be found by clicking on the appropriate link below.
Year 6V News
6V Reflections from their visit to Good Shepherd Lodge
6V’s visit to Good Shepherd Lodge on Wednesday was a lovely experience for all. The reflections from the students speak for themselves…..
Dear Good Shepherd Lodge,
Being here today was so fun. We got to sing and give cards to you. I don't know about everyone else but seeing your smiling faces made my day today. Usually I get a bit nervous singing properly in front of people but once I saw your kind, warm hearted and loving faces my butterflies flew away. Next time someone asks me what has been my favourite time at St Mary’s, I’m 100% going to say seeing the elderly people at Good Shepherd Lodge. Thank you so much for making this one of the most memorable moments of my life. I loved the experience, thank you.
Addi C
On Wednesday year six went to the nursing home. It was so fun. We did crazy dancing and sang our school song, Ubuntu and lots of Christmas songs. YMCA was my favourite part. We got Zooper Doopers and morning tea. I would rather go there than do school work. It made me feel happy and the old people had massive smiles on their faces.
Harper J
On Wednesday we went to the nursing home of Good Shepherd. We sang songs to the residents, gave them cards and chatted to them. It was a really great time. It was an enjoyable experience, making the residents happy and it made me feel good about myself. I really hope the residents liked our visit.
Josh S
When I went to the nursing home, I had an amazing time and I’m sure the residents did too. I really enjoyed singing and dancing for them. I loved the time I got to spend with them and I wish I could go again. The residents had an amazing time with us and I think we made their day.
Oliver M
Swap It!
Student of the Week
Week 5, Term 4 Student Award Winners
| Prep P | Oskar | Wow! Oskar - you are becoming a super writer! Watching you work so hard and grow in confidence with your writing this term has been wonderful. Keep up the great work! |
| Prep P | Julian | For wonderful work in our maths lessons this week. You are working hard with counting, sharing and thinking about equal and unequal groups. Keep up the super work Julian! |
| Prep R | Tariq | For working hard to complete writing tasks and form letters independently. You have been showing persistence and a positive attitude during these lessons. Keep up the great work. |
| Prep R | Sari | For working hard during maths sessions. You are showing independence and becoming more confident with your number work. Keep up the amazing work! |
| 1B | Kobi | For presenting your beautiful book, written and illustrated by your Aunty, with great enthusiasm. Your knowledge about Australian fairies is extraordinary! Well done! |
| 1S | Charlie | For the fantastic work you have been doing in computers over the last few weeks. It is wonderful to see your confidence grow and the work you are producing. Keep it up Charlie! |
| 1S | Tobias | For the responsibility and patience you showed during our small group work. It is pleasure to see how you interact with your classmates. You set a wonderful example! |
| 2A | Lindsey | For being so brave and resilient after your surgery last week. We loved your visit to the Swimming Carnival to cheer on your fellow class members. You are amazing Lindsey! |
| 2A | Edie | For being an enthusiastic and eager participant during class discussions. You are always willing to share your thoughts and we all love your stories. Keep being you Edie! |
| 2L | Adelaide | Adelaide your teacher has been impressed with your efforts to do your very best in all areas of your schoolwork!! Your weekly testing results, your handwriting, spelling, reading and your maths have all shown growth over the semester. Well done! |
| 2L | Banjo | Banjo you are a champion! Your enthusiasm, determination and team spirit at the swimming carnival were a highlight!! Well done! |
| 3C | Mackenzie | Mackenzie, your teacher is constantly impressed by your eagerness and willingness to complete all set tasks. You are always smiling and the first to lend a helping hand. Keep being you! |
| 3C | Evie | For always being a kind and caring friend to your classmates. Thank you for always listening and showing respect to everyone. |
| 3P | Holly | For being a responsible class member of 3P by always being prepared, completing work on time, and helping others when needed. Your dedication and positive attitude make our classroom a better place! Thank you Holly! |
| 3P | Ramani | For always being a kind and caring friend to your classmates. Thank you for always listening and showing respect to everyone Ramani! |
| 4C | Hugo | For your effort to share your knowledge about the Early Church in Australia through your historical narrative. It was great to see you recall so much information and discuss the feelings your character would have experienced. |
| 4C | Alexandra | For your dedication to solving problems this week in RTI. It was great to see the way you considered your open ended investigations. |
| 4R | Joel | For always being ready to learn and putting in your best effort. You are attentive, respectful and you set a great example for others in the classroom. Thank you, Joel for your positive attitude! |
| 4R | Makinlee | For the work you have been doing to improve your reading and weekly spelling results. Keep up the great work Makinlee! |
| 5C | Ewan | For your amazing research work into product production. Ewan you have thoroughly explained how a product is made, what the product is made of, how it is packaged and categorised all the resources involved. Keep up the great work! |
| 5C | Harlen | For you amazing Limericks! Harlen I am so impressed at your ability to construct highly entertaining poetry. Keep up the great work! |
| 5C | Nina | Nina you bring so much joy and light to our classroom. Thankyou for simply being your amazing self and caring about our classroom and all those in it. |
| 5M | Mila | For the diligence and determination to excel you show in all aspects of your education. You understand the key to success Mila! |
| 5M | Hudson | For working so hard to catch up on the assessments you missed while you were away sick. You should be very proud Hudson. |
| 6T | Venice | For the effort you showed in your Mum Shirl slideshow. It was thoroughly researched and highly informative about her contributions to social justice in Australia. Well done, Venice! |
| 6T | Milla | For the thoughtfulness you showed in creating your card for the residents at Good Shepherd Lodge. It was a heartfelt message that will surely brighten their day. Well done, Milla! |
| 6V | Oliver | For the care, compassion and genuine interest you displayed towards the residents at Good Shepherd Lodge this week. |
| 6V | Riley | For leading the entertainment during our visit to Good Shepherd Lodge on Wednesday with great enthusiasm. You had the residents singing, clapping and tapping along and they certainly your efforts. |
| Sport | Hudson | You are such a great encourager and helper Hudson. The way you confidently reminded your friends that making mistakes is okay was fantastic to hear during our PE lesson this week. Your teacher also loves how you are always the first to put your hand up to setup or pack up equipment. Keep up the great work. |
| Sport | Charlie M | You always try your best in PE and this week was the perfect example of this. Your teacher was really impressed with your fielding efforts in cricket yesterday. Seeing you race across the oval and dive to catch the ball was amazing… and you did it more than once. Keep up the hard work Charlie. |
| Drama | Class 6V | Commendable effort from the entire class for showcasing remarkable focus, teamwork and artistic flair in designing and performing an original alphabetical routine. |
Community News
