St Francis Catholic School - Hughenden eNewsletter

From the Principal

Week 2 is well underway, and our calendar is buzzing with activity. This past week, our students completed PAT Testing in reading and mathematics, an assessment developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). PAT (Progressive Achievement Tests) are designed to measure students' knowledge, skills, and understanding in these core areas. By utilising these assessments, we’re able to gather valuable insights into where each student is on their learning journey and identify areas for targeted support.

The PAT assessments provide detailed reports that allow our staff to understand each student’s current level in both reading and mathematics. This data helps teachers pinpoint specific strengths and areas for improvement, enabling us to tailor our instruction to meet individual needs. Teachers can monitor progress over time and make informed decisions on how to best support each student. The data from these assessments is a crucial part of our school’s approach to creating a data-wise culture, as outlined in our Annual School Improvement Plan.

This data-driven approach allows us to respond effectively to the diverse range of learners in our school. By identifying patterns and trends, we can adjust our teaching strategies and resources to ensure that all students, regardless of their starting point, are progressing toward their full potential. This commitment to using data to inform teaching and learning underscores our dedication to student success and supports our goal of providing a high-quality, personalized educational experience for each child.

Next week, I will be in Townsville for this term’s Principal Conferences from Monday through Thursday. I’ll have the opportunity to network with fellow Principals and TCEO staff from across the diocese. These sessions will focus on Leading School Improvement, building sustainable workforces, and attending a law conference dedicated to student safety. I look forward to bringing back valuable insights from these discussions to enhance our school community.

In exciting news, our FACE group is hosting the much-anticipated annual Cocktail Evening this Saturday. Our dedicated team of volunteers has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure it will be a memorable night for everyone. We’re eager to see the school community come together, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate!

Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to make this a productive and enjoyable term.

Sharn Greenaway

Principal

School TV Topic of the Week-Bullying

In this edition of SchoolTV - Bullying

Bullying is an ongoing or repeated misuse of power in relationships, with the intention to cause deliberate psychological harm. Bullying behaviours can be verbal, physical or social. It can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious or hidden. Bullying in any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.

Despite the efforts made to reduce bullying behaviours, the research tells us that one in four students still report being bullied every few weeks. However, not all negative behaviour should be considered bullying. The key difference is that bullying does not stop on its own. It’s important young people learn how to identify behaviours that are rude, behaviours that are mean, and behaviours that are related to bullying.

Often the reasons for bullying can be complex. Some young people do it to get approval from others, some do it to regain control, whilst others may do it because it makes them feel safe. Supporting young people as they work through their emotions will help them unpack the motivation and reason behind the behaviour.

In this edition of SchoolTV, caregivers can better understand why some young people engage in bullying behaviours and what to do to support a child experiencing it.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Bullying edition of SchoolTV
https://sfsh.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/bullying

Assembly

Join us from 8:30am in the library for assembly! Prep/1 are on spotlight this week.

Student Of The Week

P/1: Mason McClymont

2/3/4: Sophie McNamara

5/6: Alex Gray

No Birthdays this week.

Prep/1 Happenings

This week, our students have been busy exploring a variety of mathematical concepts! In Year 1, we focused on understanding equal groupings, using hands-on materials to bring the concept to life. Meanwhile, our Prep students have been diving into addition stories, which they enthusiastically wrote out on our interactive whiteboard table!

Miss Brown,

P/1 Teacher

In 2/3/4, students have been practising their skills in procedural writing during English lessons. They are learning how to carefully structure their writing by considering the goal, the equipment or materials needed, and the method or steps to achieve their goal. Students are focusing on writing clear and detailed instructions to ensure their readers can successfully follow along. Here are some of the fantastic procedural texts we have created so far!

Miss Allison,

Year 2/3/4 Teacher

This week in Year 5/6, students have been exploring the differences between needs and wants in HASS, exploring the essential resources that support our lives, natural, human, and capital. Students showcased their understanding by creating persuasive posters, where they argued why their personal "want" should be considered a "need." Their posters were filled with creative designs, thoughtful reasoning, and impressive persuasive techniques!

Miss Rowe,

Year 5/6 Teacher

Specialist Lessons- Miss Eriksen

In our arts lessons this term, we are focusing on the subject area of Music. We have been exploring beats (tempo) and how they help us keep in time. The students have also learnt about the different types of notes we have in our rhythms. They have been practising playing these using the clapping sticks. The students in Year 5 and 6 have been learning how we can use these to help us play notes and rhythms on the glockenspiel.

Miss Eriksen,

Specialist Teacher/Inclusive Practices Teacher

Library News

We are preparing for our bookfair in Term 4! This years theme is Bookaneer!

Tuckshop Notices

No Tuckshop this week!
We will no longer be serving Homebake treats in Tuckshop.
Tuckshop requires more helpers. If you can volunteer your time on a Friday from 9am-11:30am that would be greatly appreciated. The staff serve second break so parents are only required to cook & serve first break and then cook and package second break meals.