Dean of Primary - Term 3 Edition #1
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I hope that the holidays were a great opportunity to rest and refresh after a busy semester. This term promises to be equally rewarding, with a new round of co-curricular activities and some significant events, such as Year 6 Camp, Walkathon, Sports Day, Father’s Day and Grandparents’ Morning (Year 5). I encourage all families to support these events and enjoy the connection to the College and other families.
Reports
I trust that you found your son’s Semester 1 Report Card informative and an accurate reflection of his academic and social progress this year. Many of the boys should be very proud of their academic results and engagement ratings. We commend all students who worked hard and achieved their potential throughout Terms 1 and 2. All boys are encouraged to concentrate on the areas that were identified for improvement, to begin the new semester with purpose and focus.
Student Led Conferences
This week, we conducted the Student Led Conferences to support Semester 1 reporting. This format was unfamiliar for most families, so it was pleasing to receive so much positive feedback from parents. The feedback included that parents enjoyed:
- Hearing their son speak about his learning, instead of hearing from teachers
- Reviewing data that might previously have only been visible to teachers
- Jointly setting some goals for Semester 2 with their sons
These conferences certainly provide a different angle to the learning conversation and the additional data can really help get a clear picture of the boys’ capabilities. The data was a little less complete this year because NAPLAN results for this year are not available yet and the tests were cancelled in 2020. Several parents also said that having an extended conversation with their son about school was great and created a starting point for future discussions about assessment, homework and subjects in Secondary. If you would like to offer some feedback with regards to the Student Led Conference please feel free to email me.
Important Date to Note for Year 6 Families
On Friday, 2 September, the College will be running the Orientation Day for Year 5 and Year 7 (2023). Current Year 6 students will be required to attend the day as part of their transition and preparation for Year 7. More details about the day, including uniform and time will be sent out in coming weeks. All Year 6 boys should be available to attend the Orientation Day with the incoming Year 7s for 2023.
Term 3 Uniforms
Boys should still be wearing a tie and blazer, in addition to the normal school uniform during Term 3. A further reminder that boys also need to wear full uniform to school on Tuesdays for the remainder of the year, not PE uniform as was the case in Semester 1. All boys should have “Term Time” haircuts for the next eight weeks. Some boys have been asked to address haircuts that are not appropriate. We thank all parents for your support with all of these important matters.
Travel on Public Transport
At assembly this week, all boys were reminded to display good manners on public transport. We ask all boys to be mindful of the volume and content of their conversations. We also ask them to be mindful of their bags and instruments, so that they do not block standing areas on buses and trains. The third request is that they offer adults who are standing up a seat. While these requests are not “Law,” it is good manners and a College expectation that boys follow these requests. If your son is 12 years or older, he must also wear a mask on public transport. Children under 12 do not need to wear a mask, but it is highly recommended given the nasty bugs that are around.
Parent Education Sessions
Last week, it was great to have nearly ninety parents come along to the parent education presentation facilitated by Katie Jorden and Elisha Cassels who presented on the topic of “All Things Reading”. I thank the parents who attended, and also Katie and Elisha for the very informative and professional presentation.
Important Dates to Note for Term 3
Some significant upcoming events to note include:
Wednesday 10 August. The College Sports Day will be held at Runcorn playing fields. (Ekka Wednesday)
Monday 15-17 August. Year 6 Camp
Tuesday 16 August Year 5 Grandparents Morning (9:00-10:15am)
Friday 19 August Walkathon
Walkathon Cards have been also distributed to the boys to gather sponsorship for their “House Charity” (see list in the upcoming events section, including QR Code for donations)
Homework Club and Tutoring
This week the Year 12 Academic Committee commenced Wednesday afternoon Homework Club and Tutoring, specifically for Primary boys. These Sessions will continue each Wednesday, 3:15-4:15pm in 5 Silver/White. Any Year 5 or Year 6 boys who would like help with their homework or schoolwork can attend. The senior boys were amazing with the group this week and I thank them on your behalf for this fantastic initiative and support.
Boys need to bring along homework or specific work they would like help with. They should be prepared to work well and behave respectfully and they need to know a transport arrangement for the 4:15pm finish.
In this Edition of the Primary Newsletter you can also read about Curriculum Updates, Music, Upcoming Events, Date Claimers and Students of the Week.
Thank you for all of the support you give to the staff and boys. Enjoy the upcoming term.
Kind Regards
Cameron Wigan
Dean of Primary
