Term 1 Week 2
This Week’s Newsletter Items:
School Advisory Council
School Canteen Committee
Preps Attending Full Days
Sacrament Of Eucharist
Parent Helper Training Program
NAPLAN & Your Child (Grade 3 & Grade 5)
When Participating On Parent Committees
Agreed Complaints Process
Where Do I Park When I Need To Meet The Teacher After School?
Meet Some Of Our New Staff
2023 School Fees & Levies
Jess Davis’ New Role
Prayer In The Junior Building
Parent Teacher Conversations
A Students Perspective Of What They Expect From A Teacher
Dear Parents, Students & Friends of Resurrection,
Prior to students returning to school this year, the staff undertook several days of professional learning and planning. A part of this preparation was to seek from the teachers, what they wanted for their students, the school and community. In listening and reading their responses, one would have to be excited at the prospect of achieving the goals they have set for themselves.
In a similar way, our teachers, this past week, have asked their students what they would like to see in and expect from their teachers, using this as a gauge of their success throughout the year. The following is a short summary of what our students expect from our teachers:
I expect my teacher to be smart – to know their stuff and know what they are talking about. They also know me and the best way to teach me.
I want my teacher to be responsible – to care about their students.
They know what is happening each day and what the timetable looks like
That they are fair – teachers can help their students to problem solve
That they can be funny – funny jokes
They are cool – they talk about different things, not just learning
They can be funny and silly and make the class laugh
That they are not always serious – that they smile and don’t have their arms crossed every day.
These expectations are just a sample of those presented through the school. What’s incredible to think is that these came specifically from our Grade 3 students. We truly have a wonderful school of students who want to learn, want to be challenged, want to enjoy school and make the most of what our teachers and staff have to offer.
It’s now incumbent upon us, to achieve this!
School Advisory Council
The School Advisory Council reconvenes next Tuesday 14th February at 7.00pm in the staff’s planning room. The primary focus of the Council for this year is to assist with the formulation of the school’s vision and mission statements, building community connectivity and engagement as well as participating in the school improvement review that will take place later this year. Any parent wishing to participate is asked to please contact the office to advise us of your attendance.
School Canteen Committee
The Canteen Committee convenes on Tuesday 21st February at 7.00pm in the staffroom. We are aiming, as a start to provide a lunch order option on a Friday later this term, if not sooner.
Preps Are Now Attending Full Days
Our Preps have been amazing and adapted to school life exceptionally well. The primary focus in the first few weeks is to set up strong routines and reinforce positive social skills so that they make the most of their learning, enjoyment at playtime and that build positive friendships.
A special thanks to our Prep parents who have ensured that their child/ren are at school on time, allowing them to start their day in an unhurried and calm way.
Sacrament of Eucharist Sessions
The first preparation sessions begin this weekend with Fr Gerard looking forward to meeting with the children and parents who are participating in this year’s Sacramental program.
Fr Gerard has set aside 4 opportunities for families to attend a preparation session. The dates are as follows:
Saturday 11th February, after the 6pm Mass
Sunday 12th February, after the 10.30am Mass
Saturday 18th February, after the 6pm Mass
Sunday 19th February, after the 10.30am Mass
Please note that attendance at one of these sessions is required for your child to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion this year.
Parent Helpers Training Program
Thank you to the many parents who attended our parent helper courses this week. Those who attended have been placed on a register for teachers to contact you in seeking your assistance. At the same time, you are also encouraged to contact your child’s teacher to let them know you have undertaken the program and are keen to assist.
We intend to run another two courses in Week 4 (2 weeks away) for those parents who wished to participate but couldn’t make it.
NAPLAN & Your Child
Last year, the School Advisory Council, in response to questions and concerns regarding our My School’s web page NAPLAN data for Grade 3 and Grade 5, allowed us to highlight that unlike five similar school’s in our area, had a NAPLAN participation rate of 99% compared to as low as 90% in other schools.
Now you might think that this is a great result for our school, but what it highlights is that some students at Resurrection, are undertaking the test, despite the limited benefit it may have in providing accurate data to assist with supporting the child’s development. The end result is that the child receives a report that poorly represents their ability, does not assist the teacher in addressing the child’s learning needs nor reflects the progress, or lack of progress, that the child has truly made.
We ask that parents who are aware that such a test may not be suitable for their child, due to either a learning disability or with a language background other than English, please speak with their teacher as to the best way to proceed so that their child’s learning can be monitored, measured and provide the data and feedback necessary to support your child.
Please note that while a range of adjustments are available for students with disability or with a language background other than English, even with such adjustments, we are aware they may still not be sufficient to provide both the child, parent and teacher with accurate data to assist with supporting the child’s development.
Junior School Teachers Utilise Every Thursday, While Their Students Are Undertaking Specialist Classes, To Analyse Student Data, Plan & Undertake Further Professional Learning
When Participating On Parent Committees & Sharing Ideas
You’ll notice that the word ‘opinion’ was not used in the heading. It’s something we have to be very mindful of when meeting as a committee and sharing ideas. We all have an opinion, but it’s also important to realise that our opinions are not necessarily fact. In truth, when differences of opinion are discussed in a respectful and considered manner, this should lead to deeper inquiry which should then lead to truth.
Our community is quite diverse, with many individuals or groups having vastly different opinions on how things should be done.
It is inevitable that there will be times when you will agree with the school’s actions while others disagree and wish to discuss the matter with the school.
Such discussions are always welcome as we encourage parents to raise issues so that they may be discussed and dealt with speedily and resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Complaints, after all, are not a negative experience – so long as they are dealt with positively by everybody.
The following process for presenting and managing community complaints or concerns has been developed over time in consultation with the community.
We believe it works well, and it is the way we manage all complaints at our school.
THINGS TO ALWAYS REMEMBER
Problems are best resolved using a positive attitude. Anger and disrespectfulness are always counter-productive to solving problems.
People need time to investigate and resolve problems; a quick fix is not always possible or desirable.
Schools are large and complex – very few decisions will suit everybody.
There are always at least 2 sides to every story – with students there are often as many stories as there are children. This can, at times, also apply to adults.
Not all disagreements can be resolved – sometimes we simply have to agree to disagree.
Opinions vary widely – disagreement is a natural part of life.
Everybody is doing what they believe is right, even if it’s different to what we think.
AGREED COMPLAINTS PROCESS
The following procedures are to be used to resolve complaints or concerns at our school.
STEP 1
Try and find out the facts. Opinions or presumptions rarely assist at this stage. This may require you talking to your child’s teacher. Many concerns are quickly resolved once the parent is aware of all the facts.
STEP 2
Let the school know via letter, telephone or in person that you have a concern, providing details of the issue.
STEP 3
The school WILL investigate the concern and the most appropriate person will contact you to discuss the matter, or to organize a meeting. Almost 100% of all problems are resolved by this point.
STEP 4
If, however, the matter remains unresolved, make a formal appointment to discuss the issue with the Principal.
STEP 5
The Regional Office can be contacted to help solve problems if you believe the matter needs to be taken further. The Principal can provide contact details.
Where Do I Park If I Have To Meet with A Teacher At The End Of The Day?
Parents or carers who have made an appointment to meet or catch up with a teacher after school, are asked to park at the very back of the school carpark.
There is always a staff member on duty from 2.30pm in the car park. Signal to the staff member of your intention. In return, you’ll receive a big smile as in doing so, it prevents the car park from getting clogged up when everyone is trying to do the right thing and finds themselves stuck because of an abandoned car in the front or middle of the car park.
Meet Some Of Our New Staff
2023 Fees & Levies
To keep our own costs as affordable as they are, we do everything possible to maximise our resources and the grants that are made available to us.
However, the payment of the school fees and levies is what makes the biggest difference.
Without families contributing to the running costs of Resurrection, we simply could not achieve, nor do what we do.
The School Family Fee for 2023 is: $915.00. This fee is billed to each family regardless of the number of children enrolled and provides funds for the development of learning resources as well as the maintenance of school facilities and grounds.
The School Family Fee will be payable in three instalments over the first three terms of the school year. This billing process aims to remove expenses from Term 4 where people have other priorities including Christmas.
The Student Levy of $420 per child, reflects the individual costs associated in engaging each child in their learning experiences and activities. The Student Levy specifically covers costs associated with curriculum and excursion expenses for each child.
The only additional costs relate to the swimming and camping programs.
The cost of the Camping Program is as follows:
Year 3: $210
Year 4: $280
Year 5: $360
Year 6: $360
The cost of the Swimming Program is as follows:
Prep: $90
Year 1: $90
Year 2: $90
Please note that there will be no further request for funds throughout the year.
We take pride in the fact that we are able to achieve excellent educational outcomes for our students whilst providing an affordable Catholic education.
In keeping our costs low and affordable, it is essential that families contribute to their child’s education by ensuring that payment of the fees and levies are made each year.
For 2023, the Family Fee is to be paid in three (3) instalments with the Student Levy being paid in full by the 10th March 2023.
Instalment 1: 10th March 2023
Family Fee $305 + Student Levy
Instalment 2: 10th June 2023
Family Fee $305
Instalment 3: 10th September 2020
Family Fee $305
Please note that all school fees are due at the beginning of each billing period as per the instalment dates or as arranged with the Principal. Any alternative arrangements need to be organised with the Principal during the first term of 2023.
Again, I remind families that are in financial difficulty or require assistance to please contact the school so that we are able to assist you at this time. Fee concessions are available.
Sincerely,
Mr Des Noack
Principal
Resurrection School Community
~Jess Davis’ New Role~
Welcome to the new school year! What a wonderful start to the school year we have had with students enjoying their new teachers, classmates and learning spaces. This year my role as Deputy Principal Wellbeing will also have a focus on School Community. We are aware that after two years of lockdowns and remote and flexible learning, we need to focus on opening our school to the parenting community and re-establishing the school as a place that is welcoming.
One of the ways that we are going to do this, is to open our school library spaces each morning for you and your child/ren to read quietly. We are fortunate enough to have multiple library spaces throughout the school that we can open each morning.
The library spaces can be found in the following locations
| Year Level | Library Locations | Days Available |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | Prep shared space | Monday – Thursday |
| 1&2 | Junior Building | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday |
| 3&4 | Whole School Library (in Middle Building) | Monday – Friday |
| 5&6 | Whole School Library (in Middle Building) | Monday – Friday |
Starting next week, the Year 1-6 Library Spaces will open from 8.15 – 8.30 for Parents/Carers and their children to read quietly. Eventually you will be able to have the opportunity to also borrow a book if your child has their library bag with them. The library spaces will be supervised by a staff member who can assist also with the borrowing process once we are ready to do so.
The Prep students need a little more time to get their morning routine in place, so the Prep library space will be opening in Week Five on Monday 27th of March.
We are very excited to be able to once again provide opportunities for our parents to connect with the school onsite. If you have any other suggestions as to how we can build the sense of community here at Resurrection, I would love to hear from you. Please email me your suggestion at: jdavis@rskingspark.catholic.edu.au
Regards,
Jess Davis
Deputy Principal Wellbeing & School Community
Prayer in the Junior Space
During the first couple of weeks at school, the Grade 1 and 2 students have been learning about prayer and why it is important to us, particularly as we are children of the Resurrection. We have been unpacking our morning prayer, understanding and explaining why we pray, why it is important to pray, who we can pray for and where we can pray.
When thinking about all of these different parts to prayer, it was evident that the children knew a lot about prayer and could explain their thinking through words or drawings, working both collaboratively and independently.
We have understood that prayer is a time for us to communicate with God and that when we pray God will listen to us.
This week, the students have been deepening their understanding of prayer and our relationship with God through Prayer. The students have unpacked and discussed prayers that are familiar to them. They have also had the opportunity to write their own prayers as shown by Grade 2B above. 2B moved their lesson into nature reflecting on its beauty and ability to be with God in any Space.
Key Upcoming Dates
PARENT TEACHER LEARNING CONVERSATIONS
Dear Parents,
Parent Teacher Conversations will be held on Tuesday 14th February and Thursday 16th of February from 3:30pm until 6:30pm. These meetings are an important opportunity for you to meet with your child’s teacher face to face and share any information that will enable the school to best meet the needs of your child.
Attached to this note is all the information you require for making a booking for the Parent Teacher Information Meetings. Bookings are now open and will close on Friday 10th at 12:00pm,
Please visit https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/w46uh to make your booking.
The following is a yearly timeline for reporting and communicating with parents at Resurrection Catholic Primary School. It outlines when we have meetings/reports, their length and purpose.
| Time | Structure (length) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Early Term One 14th Feb & 16th Feb 3:30pm – 6:30pm |
Parent Teacher Conversations (10 minutes) | Parents sharing relevant information about their child – teachers will not discuss testing data or progress. |
| Late Term Two Week beginning 19th June |
Formal Written Reports – both in paper and digital form | Teachers inform parents of progress against curriculum standards and school based measures |
| Early Term Three 18th & 20th July 3:45pm – 8:15pm |
Formal Written Reports – both in paper and digital form | Teachers updating parents on progress and collaboratively setting goals to ensure growth |
| Late Term Four Week beginning 4th December |
Formal Written Reports | Teachers inform parents of progress against curriculum standards and school based measures |
Warm regards,
John Hein
Deputy Principal – Learning & Teaching
