As you may be aware, the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 2021 for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students was held two weeks ago. Our year 3 and 5 students had a smooth start to the testing period, beginning with a special NAPLAN breakfast on each of the mornings.  NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in Writing, Reading, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy. Tests are conducted in the mornings when students are well rested and most energised. NAPLAN is one measure through which governments, education authorities, schools, teachers and parents can determine whether or not young Australians are meeting important educational outcomes in Literacy and Numeracy. The tests can provide parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. They can also provide schools, states and territories with information about how education programs are working and what areas need to be improved.

NAPLAN tests are only one aspect of Bayswater Primary School’s assessment and reporting process; they do not replace the extensive ongoing assessments made by our teachers about each student’s performance. You can help your child prepare by reassuring them that the NAPLAN is just one part of their school program, and by reminding them on the day to simply try their best. The teachers ensured that the children were familiar with the types of questions in the tests and they provided support and guidance where required. Individual student results will be provided to parents and students later in the year. Results are expected to be sent home from mid-August to end-September.

Further information for parents can be found at the following link:

https://nap.edu.au/docs/default-source/resources/naplan-online-information-brochure-for-parents-and-carers.pdf

As you are no doubt aware, the Victorian Government announced yesterday that as of 6pm last night, new COVID restrictions will come into force.  At this stage these include:

• Masks must be worn indoors by every person over the age of 12. Primary school students are exempt from this while they are at school. Any adult visiting the school office or coming inside a school building must wear a mask.
• Private gatherings (in homes) no more than 5 people.
• Public gatherings can have no more than 30 people, including students and staff.  
• Schools will remain open.

Unfortunately, this means that we have had to postpone our Open Night which was scheduled for this Thursday evening.  As these restrictions are due to end by Friday 4th June at the earliest, we will keep you informed once we have rescheduled the Open Night and when restrictions are able to be eased. As always, if your child is exhibiting any COVID-like symptoms (eg a cold, fever, chills, sweats, sore throat, cough, runny nose etc.) please have them tested and keep them at home until such time as you receive a negative result. As has been the case in many occasions in recent times, we will continue to work together to ensure we keep each other safe.  Your assistance and support are as always, greatly appreciated.

Last week I had the great privilege of attending two days of the much anticipated grade 3/4/5 camp.  After having to postpone and reschedule twice due to COVID last year, it was wonderful to finally be able to see it happen.  I have been to quite a few camps in my 27 years in education, but I can honestly say that this was one of the absolute best camps ever!  The children were exceptionally well behaved and had such amazing attitudes about facing challenges and working collaboratively.  They slept well, ate well, followed instructions, faced fears, supported and encouraged one another and were an absolute delight to be around.  The camp itself was clean, well maintained, organised and in a beautiful location.  The camp staff were friendly, professional and extremely knowledgeable.  Although it was quite cold and at times wet, the overall experience was amazing.  A massive thank you to Mrs Calamante for organising the camp and to all of the BPS staff that attended and spent time away from their own families in order to provide this awesome opportunity to our students. 

We have also scheduled a Curriculum Day for Tuesday 15^th June which is the day after the Queen’s Birthday public holiday.  No students are to attend school on this day.

Enjoy the rest of the week.  If COVID restrictions change at all we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.  Stay safe and warm!

Brooke Cross

Last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday saw our Grade 3/4/5 students jump on a bus and head up to Camp Allambee (located just outside of Yarragon). Students embarked on 3 days of adventure, challenge and fun. Tackling billy carts, flying foxes, vertical climbs, giant swings and hut building. On Wednesday students walked through the night to hear owls, deer and other nocturnal creatures. While on Thursday night we had group pitted against group, answering trivia questions and watching a movie on giant bean bags.

A big THANK YOU to Mrs Calamante for all her work organising and to all those staff who came on camp (Mrs Roberts, Mrs Goodman, Ms Cross, Mr Hill and Mrs Tavenor).

Until further notice any person over the age of 12 (other than a student attending primary school) must wear a mask when inside the school buildings, this includes coming into the office.

Masks are not required in the school grounds, but parents are encouraged to maintain a safe distance when talking to other parents or staff (1.5m).

We also ask that parents keep their children home from school if they are showing any COVID like symptoms - ie runny nose, cough or temperature.  With the current situation, it is also recommended that your child have COVID test prior to returning to school.

We are aware that there are still a number of students who have not had a profile created for them in Operoo.

If you have not yet created a profile for your child / children, please do so ASAP.

A reminder also that ALL future excursion / incursion notices will be sent out via Operoo.  Permission forms will be signed digitally and payments made via Operoo.

With this week's COVID outbreak and the re-introduction of masks and other restrictions, Operoo will also be the primary way of communicating with parents if the situation changes and we need to send out any updates.

If you are having trouble downloading and accessing the Operoo app, setting up profiles, or receiving and responding to notices, please come to the office and see Mrs Clark for assistance.

It is very important that all students have their profile set up on Operoo and parents have the app on your phone so that you receive all school communications.

Our photo day this year is Thursday 10^th June, 2021.

An order envelope was sent home with every child earlier this week.

All payments must be by cash or cheque this year – no credit card facilities are available.

Please return your photo order envelope either before the day or on the day of the photos with the correct cash enclosed or a cheque.  **No change will be given**

Additional order envelopes are available for separated families.  If you would like an additional order envelope please contact the office.

If you have any questions regarding our school photo day, please contact the office.

Diamonds Softball

Messy Church