Principal
Dr Carmel McGrath
Curriculum
This week Year 3 and 5 students are participating in the annual NAPLAN program. Thank you to Mr Curby, Ms Schmidt and Mrs Baker who are supporting Year 3 and 5 teachers and students as they conduct the testing. All tests are online except for Year 3 writing which remains handwritten.
All teachers have met in year level teams with Ms Krohn (HOD Curriculum) planning their term 2 units and moderating assessment tasks. Our school also continues to be involved in the Metropolitan North Collaborative Learning Community focused on improving English achievement in all year levels. Two key areas of focus are (1) ensuring a deep understanding of achievement standards and regular scheduling of moderation of student writing tasks and (2) developing a consistent process for providing student feedback on writing through self, peer and teacher use of the learning walls for writing tasks.
Well-Being
Ms Schmidt has been working with the Well-Being Pillar team to coordinate our annual Harmony Day celebration planned for Friday 21 March. Thank you, Ms Cuthbertson and parents Fiona Caniglia, Shalini Sharma and Belinda King for facilitating some additional activities for parents and students to engage with during this celebration.
This week Ms Andrews will recommence one day per week in the role of Student Engagement Teacher with a focus on supporting the whole school implementation of our Second Steps, Peer Support and Teach Like a Champion program. Additionally, Ms Andrews will train our Year 6 and a selection of Year 5 students as facilitators of our Peer Support program, which will run weekly throughout terms 2,3 and 4.
Cross Country
Thank you to Mr Rainbow for organising this year’s Cross-Country event for Years 3-6 at New Farm Park. Currently scheduled for Thursday 27 March with a backup wet weather day on 28th.
Year 6 Leadership Induction Ceremony
This week we welcomed our Year 6 families to our annual leaders’ ceremony where we presented student leaders and captains with their badges. The students have participated in their leadership development workshop and are actively involved in various leadership duties, including project groups Community and Charity, EcoMarines and Media. I congratulate all our 2025 recipients and trust their contributions will ensure New Farm State School continues to be a great school with positive leaders. Congratulations to Mr Fleming, Ms Cuthbertson and Ms Smith for organising a lovely ceremony and to P&C President Rachel Frizzo for supporting our presentation of badges.
Road Safety
Thank you to parent Paul Scott who initiated discussions with council about possible supervised crossing at the Beeston Street school entrance. Our school community focus is on ensuring students and families are able to walk safely to and from school. I will be working with P&C to support the application for a proposed crossing supervisor at Beeston Street. I also encourage all parents who exit via Heal and Annie Streets to use the supervised crossing areas on James and Annie Street ensuring our current services are utilised well.
Upcoming Events:
Friday 04 April – Last Day Term 1
Tuesday 22 April – First Day Term 2