NICS News, Term 1 Week 8

Congratulations to Timi Snell who has been selected as in the Darling Downs South West (DDSW) Under 15 Squash team. Timi has been seeded in the number 1 position. This is an outstanding achievement! I look forward to another big year of squash for Timi!

I would also like to acknowledge Stefan Kalangis who travelled to Toowoomba last week to trial for the DDSW Under 18’s Rugby League Team. Stefan was one of the youngest students to trial in this division and from all accounts, represented NICS and Norfolk Island with pride. Congratulations, Stefan!

The upcoming week 9 Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) focus area is, “Take ownership of your behaviour” 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.

As Term 1 draws to a close, and as we move towards Term 2, a reminder that the weather will start to cool down. The Emporium is fully stocked with the NICS jumpers and pants. Could I please encourage students and families to be prepared with the correct uniform ready for the change of seasons and the commencement of Term 2.

The annual Cross Country Carnival is set on the NICS calendar for Term 2 Week 3, Wednesday, 1 May. Permission notes will go out this week.

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing commences for our Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students will continue this week 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. 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 next 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 went out to the oldest child in each family on Tuesday 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 9

• NAPLAN continues
• Parent Teacher Meetings – Wednesday, 20 March 1:40pm-6:00pm

Russell Moore

Principal – Norfolk Island Central School