UNIFORM REMINDERS

Thank you to families for ensuring students have started the year with correct uniform requirements. Apart from specific times when students are allowed variations for medical or other reasons discussed with the school, wearing correct uniforms consistently and with pride is part of our requirements. We drew attention to the shoe requirements recently to ensure families clearly understood the policy as in our Family Information Handbook (under the PARENTS AND FAMILIES tab on our website). Teachers are acknowledging students who are wearing our uniform with pride and maintaining expectations. They are also finding that at this time of the year, there are still some areas that need a little attention; mostly hair and jewellery. These are clearly defined and we ask that you please check what your child is leaving home with and make changes where needed: 

• Jewellery is not permitted to be worn with the exception of simple studs or sleepers, medical bracelets, signet rings or small cross on necklace.

• Hair should be neat, clean and of the student's natural colour. 

• Hair should be styled off the face for both boys and girls. Extremes in hairstyles are not permitted. Long hair must be tied back from the face in the interests of hygiene and safety using elastic, ribbon or headbands in the school colours.

• Nails are to be kept clean and trimmed. Nail polish is not permitted.

Variations to these expectations are welcome to occur in holiday periods and weekends but need to be correct on school days.

MISSION

PARENT YEAR LEVEL REPRESENTATIVES

Each year there is a parent or small group of parents that represent a year level family group. We are seeking parent volunteers to nominate for this role in 2025. Parent representatives assist to foster Family/School partnerships in these ways:

• supportive of positive communication between home and school and school events
• organisation of 2 social events a year for families to build relationships
• regularly give parent voice at our Parent Community Group meetings (usually held once a Term)

Please email your interest to amanda.thomas@lism.catholic.edu.au  

Thank you to these parents who have nominated to be a

Parent Representative for these Year levels:

HEALTHY SLEEP HABITS

Those relaxed holiday sleep schedules were great, but now it's time to get back to a routine that will help your kids focus, learn and grow. A good night's sleep can make a big difference!

FREE WEBINARS AND RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

Fearful and anxious behaviour is common in children – especially as they come across new situations and experiences and especially upon returning to school after a long Christmas break. Here are some resources that may be helpful for parents to support their children with these emotions.

• A short 5 minute Maggie Dent video called "What if my child doesn't want to go to school" 

• A longer webinar with more practical tips is available on youtube - it's the first 35 mins that's really helpful. The remaining time is Q and A.

• A blog by Dr Karen Young with some tips on turning avoidance into brave behaviour.

Anxiety Resources for Kids & Teens

• A stepladder approach to dealing with anxiety.

Stepladder Approach for a 7 Year Old with Separation Anxiety

LEARNING

NAPLAN 2025

12th March - 24th March

Years 3 and 5

What does NAPLAN assess?

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through their regular school curriculum.

Students sit assessments in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The questions assess content linked to the Australian Curriculum: English and Mathematics.

Why do students do NAPLAN?

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. It is the only national assessment all Australian students have the opportunity to undertake.

As students progress through their school years, it is important to check how well they are learning the essential skills of reading, writing and numeracy.

NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national proficiency standards.

NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.

NAPLAN also provides schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working and whether young Australians are achieving important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy.

Your child will do the NAPLAN tests online

Online NAPLAN tests provide precise results and are engaging for students. The tests are tailored (or adaptive), which means that each test presents questions that may be more or less difficult depending on a student’s responses. This helps students remain engaged with the assessment. 

Tailored testing allows a wide range of student abilities to be assessed and measures student achievement more precisely. A student’s overall NAPLAN result is based on both the number and complexity of questions they answer correctly. Your child should not be concerned if they find questions challenging; they may be taking a more complex test pathway. 

All Year 3 students will continue to complete the writing assessment on paper.

For further information please click the link.

BUILD THE HABIT OF REGULAR ATTENDANCE

Artist - Belle 12 years old

Together, let’s continue to make our schools a place where everyone feels cherished, loved and inspired. Belle says, ‘I believe that what makes coming to school great is the loving and caring friends I play with.  I love the amazing teachers at our school, they care for us and teach us kindly. I love being at a Catholic school. I love it in every way.’

Every Single Day Song Watch this powerful clip together and explore its meaningful messages. Lyric clip.

7TH MARCH