Newsletter Week 4 Term 1 2024

We're deep into Term 1, and things are buzzing with learning excitement! Our students and teachers are working hard, making every day a new adventure of discovery.

We look forward to the Year 2 Assembly and Learning Journey being held next Friday, 1 March. This event will be a wonderful opportunity for parents, teachers, and students to come together to celebrate accomplishments.

The Learner Profile at Forrest PS

As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, we believe in educating our students holistically, meaning that we help them to flourish personally and academically. At the core of the IB sits the Learner Profile - a set of attributes that help students learn and grow to reach their potential. 

Teachers use the language of the Learner Profile every day to support student learning, behaviour and relationships. Students receive Learner Profile awards at assembly when they show particular habits and skills that are exceptional. 

At home, families can support their children’s development by using the language of the Learner Profile, for example, noticing when a child has been caring, reflective, or shows an inquiring mind. 

We look forward to continuing to develop our students using the Learner Profile, and reporting back to you on your child’s growth through conversations and interviews. 

NAPLAN 2024

NAPLAN testing will occur in our school between 13 and 18 March 2024 for students in years 3 and 5.

Online NAPLAN tests provide more 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 wider 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.

NAPLAN provides valuable information to schools and parents about literacy and numeracy achievement. It supports school improvement processes by enabling teachers to monitor student progress over time and to identify areas of strength and development.

All eligible students are encouraged and supported to participate in NAPLAN testing. Visit www.nap.edu.au to see interactive versions of the test and for more information.

This year at Forrest Primary NAPLAN tests start on 13 March and run until 25 March. NAPLAN is an assessment that helps parents and carers to see how their child is progressing in literacy and numeracy. The assessment is based on what students have learnt in the classroom, and it is not a pass or fail test.

Forrest Primary is inviting families of students in Years 3 and 5 to join an online information session on Tuesday, 27 February at 9:30am

You can also find out more by clicking the link button below.

'Learning to Read' Parent Information Session

We recently gathered in our school library for a valuable 'Learning to Read' parent information session. It was an enlightening presentation filled with tips, tricks and valuable insights into our little ones' reading journey.

Our dedicated educators shared practical strategies to support your child's reading development at home. From decoding new words to fostering a love for books, the session aimed to empower parents with tools that make learning to read enjoyable.

If you couldn't make it, don't worry! We'll be sharing the key takeaways and resources from the session, so you can still join in on the excitement of guiding your child through the wonderful world of reading.

Thank you to all the parents who attended, contributing to the success of this informative session. Let's continue working together to inspire a love for reading in our young learners.

Getting to Know You Parent Teacher Interviews

We are delighted to share the success of our recent 'Getting to Know You' Parent-Teacher Interviews, held last week. It was great to see the active participation of our school community, with over 370 families coming in to engage in meaningful conversations with their child's class teacher.

The overwhelming turnout for these interviews is truly outstanding, and we are grateful for the commitment shown by our parents and carers to fostering open communication and collaboration between home and school. Your involvement in your child's education is invaluable, and it plays a crucial role in creating a supportive learning environment.

During these interviews, parents and teachers had the opportunity to discuss goals, hopes, and wishes for each child. These conversations provided a platform for a deeper understanding of each student's unique strengths, challenges and aspirations.

The benefits of parent-teacher interviews extend beyond the immediate discussions about academic progress. They provide a platform for sharing insights into a child's social and emotional well-being, helping to create a more comprehensive understanding of their needs. These interactions strengthen the partnership between home and school, fostering a collaborative approach to support the growth and development of each student.

Once again, thank you to all the parents and carers for your active participation in the 'Getting to Know You' Parent-Teacher Interviews. 

2024 House Captains

Congratulations to our house captains for 2024. We are excited to have you lead each of your respective houses at our sports carnivals this year.

Swimming Carnival

The recent Swimming Carnival held at Stromlo Leisure Centre was a day marked by spirited competition, exceptional sportsmanship and the collective enthusiasm of our students.

A heartfelt congratulations to all our students for their participation. Your dedication to showcasing your swimming skills and supporting your fellow classmates truly made the day special. Congratulations to those students who received ribbons for their outstanding performances. The success of the Swimming Carnival would not have been possible without the efforts of our House Captains, parent helpers and dedicated teachers.

A special announcement for our swimmers - the South Weston Swimming Championships are just around the corner, scheduled for April 5 at Stromlo. Mr. Robson, our PE Specialist Teacher, will soon announce the names of the competitors who will represent our school at this event. 

Water Fun Day

Water Fun Day was held at Forrest Primary on the same day as the Swimming Carnival and allowed all our junior students to participate and play safely in the water. Students completed a range of activities including water toy play, a bucket race, sprinkler time and a water shooter challenge.

Thank you very much to Bella Lucchesi and Erin Palisi for organising, and to all our parent volunteers who came and ensured the day ran smoothly. The students and staff had a fabulous time and are already keen for next year's adventure!

The Return of Story Dogs and Meccano

We are so pleased to announce the return of two favourite volunteer programs, Story Dogs and Meccano, which have once again become vibrant parts of our school life. These programs play a crucial role in engaging our students, fostering a love for learning and building strong connections within our school community.

The return of the Story Dogs program brings with it the joy of shared stories and the comfort of a furry friend. Our four-legged volunteer, Charlie and his human companion, Leanne, create a warm and supportive environment for students to practise and enhance their reading skills. The gentle and non-judgmental presence of the dogs helps create a positive and relaxed atmosphere, making the reading experience not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable.

Meccano, the hands-on building program, has also made its much-anticipated return. This program not only sparks creativity but also enhances problem-solving skills and teamwork. Through the construction of various models and structures, students not only learn about engineering and design but also build lasting connections with the dedicated Rotarians who guide them.

We extend our sincere thanks to all the volunteers who run these programs, sharing their passion and expertise with our students. Your commitment to enhancing the educational experience and creating a supportive community is truly commendable.