Quality Teachers
The key to improved learning outcomes is the quality of the teacher. Central to teaching is engaging learners so that they are not only ‘on task’ but also ‘in task’. We all know that when we are motivated, time seems to ‘fly’ and in fact we become so engaged in the activity that we don’t even notice time. The Year 5 and 6 class teachers have ensured that all the boys are engaged in quality, innovative and creative activities right up until the last day of the year.
The curriculum in the Primary School is creative, innovative and caters for the individual needs of all students. We are very fortunate to have the calibre of teachers capable of delivering quality lessons in all Key Learning Areas. Our coding program, robotics, green screening, science laboratory lessons, instrumental program and drama combined with outstanding Sport and Co-curricular offerings, makes St Augustine’s College a school as a considerable ‘point of difference’.
Challenge
I challenge all boys to:
- Maintain excellent standards of behaviour and grooming
- Be grateful - this has a positive influence on wellbeing, so try to show and tell someone over the next 5 weeks how much you appreciate them. It could be a letter, a random act of kindness, opening the door, saying thank you. Use your imagination and make the next 5 weeks a time of appreciation and gratitude.
Character Strengths
Currently, teachers are beginning to nominate boys in their classes for the Semester 2 Danny Karas and Augustinian awards. These two awards recognise boys who consistently display character traits and dispositions which reflect the broader College values of Truth, Love, Community, Humility, Interiority and Ongoing Conversion. The Augustinian Awards are given to a Year 5 student and a Year 6 student who have demonstrated generosity with time and effort for the College community, positive relationships and support for peers, reliability and trustworthiness, respect and co-operation with staff and potential leadership. The Danny Karas Award is given to a Year 6 boy for his genuine, positive and mature expression of love and faith in the College community. Both awards are judged by class and specialist teachers and will be presented at the Primary School Celebration of Excellence ceremony at the end of the year.
It is a timely reminder to all boys of the importance of perseverance, a character trait often discussed during our Primary School morning assemblies. To do the things we may not necessarily like doing until they are successfully completed, is an attribute that will serve boys well into their future schooling and lives.
Finish Strong
It is important that the boys finish strong, complete projects, meet deadlines and follow tasks through to completion. You earn your positive reputation by trying to do the hard things well, so I encourage all boys to work conscientiously to ensure the results they receive, represent the effort they have committed to their studies throughout the year.
Uniform
Finishing strong also references haircuts and wearing the correct College uniform. Boys need to ensure their hair meets College expectations, above the collar and out of their eyes, as well as wearing the correct socks and a belt. Little things make a big difference and when we get this right it sends a powerful message to the wider community who regularly witness boys on buses and in public forums.
Hats
As the weather heats up, I remind the boys about the importance of sun protection. Wearing a hat at recess, lunch and during sport lessons is a College expectation and I ask parents to reinforce this important message.
Assessments
Assessment is the broad name for the collection and evaluation of a student’s learning. Assessment enhances student engagement and motivation, particularly when it incorporates interaction with teachers, other students and a range of resources.
Assessment:
- Enables students to demonstrate what they know and can do
- Clarifies student understanding of concepts and promotes deeper understanding
- Provides opportunities for teachers to gather evidence about student achievement in relation to outcomes
Presently teachers and students are in the process of collecting evidence of the mastery of outcomes in several Key Learning Areas for end of year reports. This information is gathered from a variety of sources including both class and standardised tests, work samples, informal and formal classroom observations, student/teacher conferences, written activities, oral presentations, individual and group work. The collection of this information is then translated into the A-E reporting scale which will be emailed to parents early December.
Primary School Academic Games
Congratulations to all the participants in the hotly contested Primary School Academic Games. The eventual winners after tallying the results of twelve group and individual events was 5K!
The overall winners of each event were presented with their certificates last term.
