Dear Parents,
NAPLAN (National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy) results were given to parents last week. Some outstanding achievements were made by some individuals in both Years 3 and 5. Others from our support classes tried their very best and achieved at their expected level. We recognise that the tests are not really constructed for those with learning or other disabilities.
We are delighted that the children’s results demonstrated that the curriculum we provide extends the most gifted students and supports those with special needs. We congratulate the children on their effort.
Please remember that this test is only a 40 minute snapshot of your child’s achievement. We have collated at school rich data that transverses all aspects of their school life.
A special congratulations to Ashika Raj, who scored in the top band across all areas! What a star!
School Learning Support Program
Many parents may have read or heard in the media that the NSW government (through the Dept. of Education & Training) were proposing a new model of support for children with special needs and disabilities. The model required the closure of many programs including the Early School Support Program, the Support Teacher Learning Assistance, the Language classes, the Special Reading classes, the Outreach programs for autism and behaviour and the district assistant principals supporting those programs.
These teachers would then receive 110 hours of online learning and become responsible for children with disabilities in all schools (i.e. dyslexia, language, behaviour, autism, reading and all others).
Special needs students attracting less than $6,000 per annum to support them with teachers’ aides were to lose their funding.
The model was to be cost neutral i.e. operate with no additional government funds.
The NSW Teachers’ Federation, believing that the newly proposed model would not benefit either children or teachers, protested in the Industrial Relations Commission. Justice Karanagh has asked for a pilot to take place in 2010 before any final decisions are made.
As matters progress I will keep you posted.
Teaching Practices
As you are aware, teachers at Sarah Redfern PS are dedicated to keeping current and developing their teaching skills. Over the next week and at the beginning of Term 4 teachers will be utilising some additional time to visit with experts and master teachers.
Audit
An auditor’s visit to examine our financial, administrative and OH&S practices resulted in a blemish free report. Congratulations to Janelle Mulholland, our wonderful School Administration Manager.
Enrolments
Please return any outstanding ones for 2010 especially Kindy & Preschool. Orientations will begin early next term and we wish to ensure that all the youngsters benefit from this excellent program. Places in Preschool are filling fast!
Please remind neighbours and friends!
Reminders:
• Karen Endicott, new principal at Sarah Redfern High School, will visit on Wednesday afternoon at 2.00pm to speak with all prospective parents K-6. You are all welcome!
• ICT Expo’s official opening on Tuesday, 29th September at 5.00pm. Please come along and celebrate your children’s achievements.
Evacuation:
As is necessary each semester, we will hold an evacuation practice on Friday. Plese do not be alarmed if you see the children outside the school.
Holidays:
School will finish on Friday, 2nd October and will resume for all students on Monday, 19th October. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday.
Kind regards
Cheryl McBride OAM