NAPLAN Year 3, 5, 7, 9 

Over the past two weeks students in Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 have taken part in NAPLAN. It has been great to see the focus amongst students when completing these tests.  They have faced the challenge of sitting online tests in formal exam settings well and it is great preparation for future formal assessment they need to sit as they journey into Secondary and in particular Senior Schooling. We are now just finishing off catch up tests with students who were absent from year level testing times.  We look forward to receiving the data these tests provide to help us determine how well our students are developing their literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for other learning. 

Reporting 

Over the past few weeks, we have conducted Student-Led Conferences in all sectors for our students, parents and teachers to discuss learning goals and progress so far this year.  These are the first of two formal opportunities for these conferences.  The next round of formal Student-Led Conferences will be in Term 3.  Parents are welcome to arrange appointments to meet with their child’s teacher at any stage throughout the year and we encourage you to do so especially if you have any pressing concerns or updates for the teacher.  These are best coordinated directly with the teacher or through the College Office.    

At the end of each semester, we issue formal written report cards which report on the students’ progress against the year long achievement standard. This year report cards will only be issued digitally via the Parent Portal App, paper copies will not be printed and distributed by the College.  It is our aim in 2024 to continue gathering feedback about our report cards and make improvements to ensure these are meeting the needs of the parents they are written for.  So, if at any time you have thoughts and ideas with regards to Student-led conferences or Report Cards please email these to me or your appropriate Sector Assistant Principal.   

Biblical Garden 

In the area behind The Chapel, we have the beginnings of our Biblical Garden.  Last year we created the space and this year we have begun to plant the garden out.  

What is a Biblical Garden?  Why do we have one? 

The intent of this garden is to create a space where students and staff can visit, sit, stroll and enjoy, a place of reflection and peace.  It is our aim to grow plants and trees predominantly found in the stories of the Bible, that reflect locations of Bible stories or that are significant to our local area.  

Why is shaped like a cross? 

The garden is set out in the shape of the Celtic cross.  The Celtic cross links to the Irish heritage of our founders the Sisters of Mercy, Catherine McAuley and the Christian Brothers, Edmund Rice.  It is also the shape of the cross on our College Crest.  Like many symbols, the Celtic Cross has different meanings and symbolism attached to it.  Simple connections we make are the 4 arms of the cross representing the four directions: North, South, East and West, they also represent the four elements: fire, water, air and earth.  The ring that crosses around the arms represents continuity, strengthening and support, a sense of belonging and encompassing. We also see the circle on the cross on emblems representing Edmund Rice Education. The symbolism of this cross is rich in faith and reflects hope, thought of by some as a compass guiding us through our spiritual journey. 

This Week…. 

This week we began to plant out the desert section of our Biblical Garden.  The desert landscape appears in many biblical stories and is especially significant in this time of Lent when Jesus went into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights.  Yesterday 8B and Mr Fraser helped, planting over 250 plants into this section.  The garden is quite large when you start digging around in the space. Another load of succulents will be added tomorrow by Year 11 SOR students in their praxis time. We will finish off this section with rocks and mulch.  

We appreciate the support of Craig Brennan, father of Daniel Year 4 and my husband, who propagated and donated to the College all the plants for this section of the garden.   

We are excited to see how this space will evolve over time and through the seasons.   

If you would like to look at the garden, I encourage you to do so before or after school with your children, they should be able to help direct you if you ask them to take you towards The Chapel. 

How can you help? 

As we go through the phases of construction and planting, we will put a call out for assistance.  It may be in the shape of resources and manpower, and I am excited that already many classes are offering to assist and want to be involved.  If you have a particular talent, you think could help us in this space, please reach out we would welcome your involvement.   

Sacraments @ St Joseph’s Parish 

Our Catholic parish, St Joseph's, coordinates the Sacramental Programs for children in our community.  If your child is baptised, they can join the Reconciliation Program in Year 2 (Sacrament received in November), then the following year (Year 3) they can join the Confirmation and Communion Program (Sacrament received in May).  This flow of sacraments may differ from other parishes and from the past.  If you child has missed the opportunity in Year 2 or 3, they may just add into the next year's program. 

The program consists of families working through a child's workbook/s to learn more about the history, ritual and significance of each Sacrament.  This time of preparation is followed by liturgical celebration in which the sacrament takes place or is received.  Reconciliation and First Communion are conducted by our parish priest, Fr Jim Cronin and Confirmation is conducted by our bishop, Bishop Ken Howell.  Registrations are now being taken for Confirmation and Communion so that families can commence the preparation workbooks. 

If you would like your child to be included in these programs, please contact our parish by phone 46624011 or email dalbyparish@twb.catholic.edu.au. The parish will then communicate directly with families regarding the programs before they commence. To register please contact the Parish, or if you would like to discuss the programs further or your child's readiness to take part in these both myself or the parish can assist with these queries.   

Parent Portal – absentee 

A great way to let the College know that your child is absent or will be absent in the future is via Parent Portal.  These can be put in on the day or before the day if it is a preplanned absence.  This will then be accepted by administration staff and added to the Sentral system. 

HOW TO  

• Sentral for Parents App 
• Choose the Absences Icon 
• In top right hand corner choose the plus sign 

• Select which child/ren 
• Select a reason from the list eg if sick choose medical 
• Choose appropriate start and end date for the absence 
• Add a comment if needed or desired 
• Then click SEND 

It will show on the absences list as PENDING until it is accepted by Administration staff 

If at any time you have queries or concerns about the attendance data showing in your child’s Sentral profile there are a number of avenues for parents: 

• Contact core teacher if Prep – Year 6 
• Contact lesson teacher if Year 7-12 
• If due to extra-curricular contact the teacher in charge of this activity 
• Contact Assistant Principal of your child’s Sector  
• Email dalby@twb.catholic.edu.au  

This issue will then be explored and rectified or explained. 

Mrs Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education