Term 1 Week 6 2024 Newsletter

From the Principal

We are all learners at Our Lady Queen of Peace School. When I say this, I am not only referring to the students but also the staff. It is through learning we all continue to grow, and for the staff, through our learning, we are able to provide the very best for our students.

Student learning

Moving past the halfway point of the term, students have found their feet and have settled into their learning. Class expectations have been co-constructed and high expectations in learning have been set. Though that might sound a little daunting for some, we believe that every student is able to experience success, we meet students where they are at with their learning, and support them to grow.

I love walking through classrooms and seeing students learn but I do have a soft spot for observing lessons when students are with their specialist teachers. We are fortunate to have expert and passionate educators teaching:

Spanish,
Music,
PE,
Visual Art, and
Science/Digital Technologies.

Having specialist teaching in these subjects means that students are extended in their learning of the content.

Staff learning

All staff have been engaged in professional learning this year. Some have participated in explicit learning, whilst others have learnt through the sharing of knowledge by other staff.

This year we have four staff engaging in a program called "Aspiring Leaders". This is an opportunity for staff to grow in their leadership journey and make an impact in their school. There are two components: Year 1 and Year 2. Olivia Mammone, Michael Mastrangelo and Courtney Elliott are engaging with the Year 1 component and Adriana Pilla is engaging with the Year 2 component.

Over the last two days, Tamara Brooker, Leigh Turbill and Michael Mastrangelo have been at a Makers Empire 3D printing workshop. This training compliments our having a 3D printer in the school, with the view of acquiring a second machine. This project will involve Year 3-6 students.

Marissa Redden is continuing her studies in her Masters of Educational Leadership. This will support her leadership journey as she continues to lead the Catholic Identity and Mission of the school.

This week both Adriana Pilla and Tanya Larsson received training in the Bond Blocks program. This will provide numeracy intervention and support to our students. This will be the first time we have structured and ongoing numeracy support in the school. We were lucky to have Helen Nicholaou test the waters for us last year with some Year 2 student participants.

There have been many learning opportunities for both students and staff this term so far. The above mentioned learnings are a small example of what has occurred. On Tuesday 12 March 2024, we have a student free day as staff are engaging in Day 2 of the Seven Steps to Writing Success workshop, where we will continue to strengthen our students writing abilities.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing will again be occurring in Term 1 for students in Years 3 and 5. The testing window is open from 13–25 March 2024. These tests provide useful data for individual achievement in comparison with national results, and are a means of identifying particular needs at each year level. They are, however, only one mode of assessment in the overall learning program, and Our Lady Queen of Peace School uses a variety of assessment strategies. Last year there were some small changes to NAPLAN. The reporting language changed, and students are now identified as: ‘Exceeding’, ‘Strong’, ‘Developing’ or ‘Needs Additional Support’. This provides more clarity for parents/caregivers and schools. If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact the school.

School Development

Over the last 2 years, there has been significant upgrading of the school, all centred around student learning. In my mind, we should always be looking for school improvement. In the near future, I will be sending out a survey link to gain parents' thoughts of the needs of the school which will then support our school's Master Plan. I encourage you to be part of the conversation around school improvement. The link will be out next week via Seesaw.

Have a great extra long weekend, and I look forward to seeing students back at school on Wednesday 16 March 2024.

Lee Abela
Principal

From the Assistant Principal Learning, Engagement & Teaching

Harmony Day

We are excited to announce that this year, Our Lady Queen of Peace School will again be celebrating Harmony Week—a special occasion dedicated to embracing our rich cultural diversity and fostering a sense of unity within our school community.

Harmony Week, which will take place from 20 to 26 March 2024, is an opportunity for us to come together, appreciate our differences, and celebrate the unique cultural backgrounds that make our school so vibrant.

Throughout the week, various activities and events will be organised to promote cultural understanding, inclusivity, and the importance of harmony within our diverse community.

To view daily or weekly events, please CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW:

Monday - Whole School Craft Activity

Our creative classrooms will buzz with excitement as students engage in a whole school craft activity. From crafting colourful paper flowers symbolising interconnectedness, our students will showcase their artistic talents while reinforcing the importance of harmony and understanding.

Tuesday - Spanish Cooking Extravaganza

The aroma of spices will fill the air as our students embark on a culinary journey through Spain, during their Spanish lesson. The Spanish cooking extravaganza will see students explore the flavours and techniques of Spanish cuisine, fostering an appreciation for diverse tastes and traditions.

Wednesday - Passata Sauce Making Day

In anticipation of celebrating the diverse cultures of Our Lady Queen of Peace School, students are eagerly preparing for an upcoming Passata sauce making day. This upcoming hands-on experience aims to connect students with the culinary heritage of their peers, highlighting the beauty of collaboration and the sharing of traditions. Stay tuned for the flavourful journey that awaits our school community! Passata will be available for purchase after Harmony Week. More information will be sent out to families soon.

Thursday - Shared Lunch and Cultural Dress

The upcoming highlight of Harmony Week will be our shared lunch, a momentous occasion where students and staff will gather to relish a diverse array of dishes representing various cultures. Anticipate witnessing the transformation of our school courtyard into a vibrant marketplace of flavours, colours, and laughter. To enhance the festive atmosphere, students and staff are invited to dress in vibrant cultural attire, creating a visually stunning representation of our school's multicultural ethos. Moreover, many will choose to wear orange, the official colour of Harmony Day, symbolising social harmony and inclusiveness.

Friday - House Team Rotations

The day is set to culminate with a series of house team rotations. During these rotations, students will participate in team-building activities that emphasise the values of respect, cooperation, and understanding. These upcoming activities aim to reinforce the importance of unity within our school community and the broader world.