Vice Principal News – 30 May 2019

I was on long service leave for nearly the first four weeks of this term. I had a nice time on leave and it is now great to be back at work.

Curriculum Review Implementation

As we are over half way through Term 2 and it is great to see the many new subjects which students are studying as part of the implementation of the 2017 and 2018 College Curriculum Review.

I look forward to attending the Year 7 Music concerts in a few weeks’ time to see the learning that has taken place; I look forward to seeing the achievement of students in the Year 8 and 9 Extension Academies; and I look forward to seeing the outcomes of student learning from the Inquiry and Project Based Learning classes.

Literacy Project

I am happy to inform you that the College is undertaking a project in relation to student literacy skills achievement. The aims of the project are:

1. to increase the literacy achievement levels of St Francis Xavier College students;
2. for St Francis Xavier College students to achieve growth in literacy skills achievement at above state average for all levels of achievement.

A team of staff are working together on this. I look forward to sharing results with you as the work progresses.

Differentiation and Rubrics

As you would be aware the College has a significant focus on differentiation and growth for all students. An element of the strategy to support this is the use of rubrics for assessment task feedback. These rubrics highlight what students have achieved, and also what they could do to improve. I encourage you to view these rubrics when you view the results of your child’s assessment tasks in Learning Areas on PAM.

Semester One Examinations

Best wishes to Years 10 and 11 students who begin their examinations next Wednesday. Study well and do your best! Remember to take on board the feedback following these learning experiences.

Student Free Days

Just a reminder that tomorrow (Friday 31 May) is a student free day as it is a teacher professional learning day focused on wellbeing.

Friday 14 June is also a student free day as it is a teacher professional practice day.

Subject selection evenings

Information regarding the process for 2020 subject preference selection will be published shortly. I will begin by promoting parent attendance at the following information evenings.

• Year 8 and 9 2020 Parent Information Night (Berwick): 19 June
• Year 8 and 9 2020 Parent Information Night (Officer): 24 June
• Year 10 2020 Parent Information Night: 27 June
• Year 11 and 12 2020 Parent Information Night: 18 July

Blessings for the next fortnight!

Timothy Newcomb

Vice Principal