NICS News, Term 1 Week 7

The upcoming week 8 Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) focus area is, “be inclusive of all.” These key messages will be repeated throughout the week. PBL Awards resumed last week at assembly. It was wonderful to see so many recipients, especially in our Secondary section of the school. Keep up the great work and we look forward to presenting more awards this Wednesday! Secondary parents will now be notified if their student is receiving an award. As always, parents are more than welcome to attend our Wednesday assemblies.

At the assembly on Wednesday, 13 March, ribbons from the Beach Carnival will be presented to all age groups. As always, there is an open invitation for families to attend. The assembly will commence at approximately 1:45pm under the covered court.

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing commences for our Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students from next Wednesday, 13 March, and will be completed by Monday, 25 March. NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Australia participate in the annual NAPLAN tests. This year, Norfolk Island Central School students will be sitting four tests (Reading, Writing, Conventions of Language, and Numeracy) through the online mode. The only exception is Year 3 students who will complete the writing test on paper. Results from the tests will provide important information about your child's progress in literacy and numeracy. A copy of the test schedule is attached. Any student who is absent on the day of a test will complete missed tests during the scheduled catch-up days as long as they return to school by Friday, 22 March. All eligible Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students at NICS must sit for the tests unless they are exempt or withdrawn by parents/guardians. Parents/Guardians wishing to apply for an exemption must complete the Application for Test Exemption form or the Notice of parent withdrawal Form. These forms can be obtained from the school administration office and must be returned to the school office,

If you require any further information about NAPLAN testing, please contact our Deputy Principal, Ms Julia Cullen, by email jcull12@eq.edu.au or telephone 23000.

As you may have read in the latest communication from the school, the Parent Teacher Meetings will be held on Wednesday, 20 March from 1:40pm – 6:00pm. The early start time will allow staff to provide feedback to more families regarding the progress of their student this term. Given Parental/ Care Giver permission, students will have the option to leave school on Wednesday, 20 March at 1:10pm. Permission notes will go out this week. Students who remain behind at school will be supervised on the courts by staff until 2:50pm.

Secondary meetings will occur in the double room in the Administration Block while primary interviews will occur in the teacher’s classroom.

Bookings will open for families Thursday, 7 March from 8am and can be accessed via the following link:

https://eq.sobs.com.au/pt3/parent.php?schoolid=70937

Bookings will cease on Tuesday, 19 March at 12pm. If you have any questions, please contact the office.

Things coming up in Term 1 – Week 8

• NAPLAN Commences Wednesday, 13 March.
• Parent Teacher bookings using SOBS.

Russell Moore

Principal – Norfolk Island Central School