Dear Families

Next week is an important week for our Year 3 and 5 students as they sit the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests. These tests are a point in time test delivered under controlled conditions. The test format and test conditions are designed to provide a valid comparison of where your child’s literacy and numeracy knowledge sits in relation to their same age peers across the nation. The reports generated from the test provide useful but not comprehensive information about your child’s ability. At school we also administer a range of standardised (usually age normed) assessment. This alongside your child’s demonstration of what they know and can do in the unit based assessment tasks used for end of semester A-E reports, form an overall picture of their skills, aptitudes and abilities. The NAPLAN tests are important, however only a snapshot of your child’s ability. It is important they are regarded in context of the entirety of information that makes up your child’s learning profile. In order for the students to perform at their best on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week, please ensure they have a good night’s sleep, a nutritious breakfast and gentle encouragement to their best.

On behalf of our school community I extend a thank you to Councillor Nicole Johnston for the ‘Go Slow for Sam’ sign on Park Rd. This visible reminder along with our ‘fence people’, is an additional reminder to slow down and be mindful of our driver behaviours to protect our children. The Active School Travel program, also a Brisbane City Council initiative, encourages all students who are able, to walk or ride to school. One thing I love about our community is the extensive green spaces surrounding the school, the wide streets, bikeways and road crossings supported by ample traffic lights and pedestrian overpasses. This is a strength of our neighbourhood. Whilst the STOP DROP and GO can be very busy, for a school of close to 800 students, demonstrates the vast majority of our families take the slow option of walking or riding to school. This is wonderful.

In a couple of weeks’ time, we will come together as an entire community for the Yeronga Biennial Fete. I am very much looking forward to the welcome to country and performance by our Kalari Kids dance group. Several of our first nation’s families have been working tirelessly behind the scenes with the children. This will be a most spiritually uplifting and significant opening to the Fete and the 150^th celebration of our school. All students are preparing performance items including our instrumental music students. I encourage each and every one to set aside the date, bring your neighbours, and family. It is sure to be a wonderful event.

Finally, I would love to see you at our school assemblies. Please know you are always welcome to join us. They are held each alternate fortnight on a Thursday afternoon. If you are not sure when your child’s attends assembly, please check with your child’s teacher.

Have a great week.

Eunice Webb

Principal