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During 2024 our educational focus will be to improve Literacy and Numeracy skills — staff, students and families working together so all our students achieve at least 12 months growth. Other goals for the year are:
Build a community that continues to learn - Implement system Literacy and Numeracy initiatives which will increase student assessment data.
Enhance and maintain the wellbeing of all - Continued increase of attendance rates and implementation of school-wide Well Being Policy.
Build a community that is connected - Increased promotion of the school Vision and Mission statements throughout the community and to continue to increase family attendance at school events.
Friday was a great example of how special our school commuity is! It was fantastic to welcome so many wonderful women to share morning tea and then even more families join us for Mass. The morning was extra special for our students who celebrated their First Reconciliation. Many thanks to Mrs Golding for preparing the celebrations. We look forward to the upcoming Sacrament of First Eucharist.
As the mornings keep getting colder it's great to see students transitioning to their winter uniforms. Please note all students are required to be in Winter Uniform from next week. Its a good time to check that names are on all items of clothing. Our Hat rule remains in place.
We are pleased with attendance rates for the first two weeks of this term, with nearly all year levels being above 90%. Weekly attendance awards are presented at Monday assembly. If families are concerned about attendance, please contact the office to arrange a time to meet and discuss this.
Teachers continued their learning this week, as we participated in a Maths session with a consultant from CG. We appreciated Mr Higgin's time, as he observed our CMC lessons, provided suggestions for improvement and modelled some fluency activities for staff to share with students. These will be implemented over the coming weeks.
Many thanks to those families who linked in for the Digital Webinar on Wednesday night. Digital use has a huge impact on student wellbeing - sleep, learning capacity, relationships. The session will be offered again next Wednesday here at school and we encourage families to join us.
Please support our School Community Council and students, and add your name to the roster for the Athletics Carnival roster. The SCC are working hard, with us, to improve our school for all. The more people on the roster, the more we get to see our children in events.
We look forward to seeing you all at the Primary Mass and Assembly next week!
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!" ~ Psalm 107:1
Pentecost, the beginning and birthday of the Church, is an annual feast that closes out the Easter Season 50 days after the resurrection is celebrated. This celebration has its origins in the Acts of the Apostles, in Acts 2:1-12, where the early disciples experienced the filling of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus.
The Spirit is sent to remind us of all that Jesus said and taught. The Holy Spirit makes everything possible. These meanings highlight why meditating on the feast of Pentecost is an important thing to do. With the whole Church throughout the ages, we may rightfully pray, “Come, Holy Spirit. Come!”
All families are welcomed to attend Pentecost Liturgy on Sunday 19th May, starting at 6:00pm at the Anglican Church. Supper will follow and a plate to share would be welcomed.
Stay Safe on the Road: Tips for Students and Parents
Y1/2 Dinawan students have been practising their Road Safety skills and want to share some tips with you!
For Students:
- Pedestrian Safety: Always use footpaths when walking to school. Remember to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street, and make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you. Children under 10 should hold hands with an adult when crossing the road.
- Biking & Scooter Safety: Wear a helmet that fits properly and ride on the right side of the road with traffic. Obey traffic signals and signs, and always use hand signals when turning.
- School Bus Safety: Stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus and never play in the street. Listen to the bus driver's instructions and remain seated while the bus is in motion.
- Seatbelt Safety: Always wear your seatbelt when riding in a car, regardless of where you're seated. If you're still in a booster seat, make sure it's properly fitted for your age, height, and weight. No student under the age of 12 should be in the front seat.
- Avoid Distractions: Whether walking, biking, or riding in a car, avoid distractions like using headphones or looking at your phone. Stay focused on your surroundings to stay safe.
For Parents:
- Lead by Example: Practice safe driving habits and follow all traffic rules. Remember, your children are watching and learning from your behavior on the road.
- Check Car Seats: Ensure your child's car seat or booster seat is correctly installed and appropriate for their size. Regularly check that seatbelts are properly fastened.
- Speed Limits: Adhere to speed limits, especially in school zones where children may be present. Slow down and stay vigilant.
- Visibility: Dress your child in bright or reflective clothing when walking or biking, particularly in low light conditions. This enhances their visibility to drivers.
- Communication: Keep an open line of communication with your child about road safety. Encourage them to ask questions and express concerns, and address any issues together as a family.
Let's work together to prioritise safety on the roads and ensure that every journey to and from school is a safe one.
Stay safe,
Kindest Regards Mrs. Carter
Over the past few week’s years students in Year 3/4/5/6 have been learning together about the sacraments of the Catholic Church, in particular the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Last Friday some of our students received their first reconciliation and we all enjoyed celebrating together. Congratulations!
Dear Familes
I am thrilled to share some exciting updates about the upcoming curriculum for our Year 5-6 students. As we move through the remainder of this term, we're delving into the world of literacy, encompassing various aspects of understanding and creating texts.
Here's what's in store for your child:
- Exploring Texts:This term, we'll embark on an enriching journey through literature, focusing on understanding texts, analysing their components, and honing critical reading skills. As part of this exploration, we'll be immersing ourselves in Michael Morpurgo's captivating novel, "Kensuke's Kingdom," which promises to inspire imagination and ignite a love for reading.
- Creating Texts:In addition to understanding texts, students will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity by crafting their own compositions. From short stories to descriptive essays, they'll engage in various writing exercises aimed at nurturing their expressive abilities and honing their communication skills.
- Homework Activities:Homework will serve as a vital extension of classroom learning, reinforcing concepts covered during the day. Alongside traditional assignments, such as handwriting activities, students will embark on an exciting inquiry project titled "A Commemorative Tribute."
- A Commemorative Tribute:This special project invites students to write about someone in their family whom they deeply admire or wish to honour. Whether it's a beloved grandparent, a remarkable sibling, or a cherished family friend, students will have the creative freedom to express their appreciation using any medium they prefer. From Canva presentations to PowerPoint slideshows, from designing a personalised book to crafting a multimedia masterpiece, the options are limitless. We're also here to assist with photocopying photos or newspaper clippings to enrich their tributes.
These engaging activities will not only enhance your child's academic skills but also foster a sense of creativity, empathy, and appreciation for the written word.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to reach out. I am excited to embark on this journey of exploration and creativity with your child!
Warm regards,
Marilyn Shaw
In our recent science sessions, students delved deep into the world of Biology, exploring the growth and development of living things. Our journey commenced from the microscopic cells to the expansive ecosystems that envelop us. In an engaging hands-on activity, Dinawan students immersed themselves in understanding the life cycle of chickens. Witnessing each stage firsthand, they relished every moment of this fascinating experience. Thanks to the Teachers who ensured the eggs were maintained during the weekends and over the holidays. One egg successfully hatched and we enjoyed watching Twinkle Toes grow and change during the week.
