NAPLAN

This week the Year 3 and 5 NAPLAN results were sent home. We have done some initial analysis of the data and on the whole it is very encouraging and reflective of the high standard of learning and teaching at Lindfield. One very pleasing result is the higher Spelling results this year which is encouraging given the sustained professional development focus in this area throughout the year.

The NAPLAN tests and associated data are extremely useful as a diagnostic assessment tool that can be used to analyse individual growth and whole school learning trends. In the coming weeks we will complete a more detailed analysis of the data including a comparison with other assessment tools and strategies that we use throughout the year. This analysis will provide a helpful lens for the staff as we evaluate the quality and effectiveness of our current teaching and learning programs.

It is worth remembering that the data in your son’s NAPLAN results reflects his performance in one test on one day and it is now 4 months old. Each of the boys has grown considerably in their learning since the tests were conducted and we have measured this growth through other assessment tools. If you would like to discuss your son’s NAPLAN results in more detail please contact his class teacher to organise an appointment.

Newington Spaces

Newington Spaces has now been live and active for over a week. Whilst the take-up has been slow, I have received lots of positive feedback about the accessibility and informative nature of the site. I strongly encourage all parents to take the time (it doesn’t take long) to register their accounts by following the instructions below.

We hope to use Newington Spaces to provide up to date information. One example of this will be the School Calendar. Whilst we will send home a paper copy during the holidays, a more up to date version will always be available on Newington Spaces.

To access Newington Spaces you’ll first need to activate your personal login. Visit https://mylogin.newington.nsw.edu.au and enter the email address the College has on file for you – the system will email you a link to choose a password and activate your account. Because you’ll be logging in as an individual with distinct access rights, if the College lists the same email for multiple members of your household please contact the Lindfield office so that we can sort that out. Once activated, login at http://spaces.newington.nsw.edu.au to begin. If you require support with this process please contact the School Office.

Manners Matter

This term at Assemblies we are focusing on manners through an ongoing series called “Manners Matter”. With the assistance of some Year 6 boys we are using fictitious characters to assist the boys in developing their manners. The characters have been Sir Thank You, Dr Excuse Me, Professor Please and Captain Courtesy. Over the last two weeks we have focused on the students demonstrating sportsmanship in the way they play together. We hope that you might begin to see evidence of these manners at home. We appreciate your support with this initiative.

On behalf of the staff I would like to thank all families for their support during a very busy and positive Term 3. To complement the dynamic learning which has taken place in the classrooms, we have seen the boys engage actively in the co-curricular life of the Prep School, involve themselves in the many Clubs on offer at Lindfield, and participate in a number of important school-wide events.

Thank you

On behalf of the staff I would like to thank all families for their support during a very busy and positive Term 3. To complement the dynamic learning which has taken place in the classrooms, we have seen the boys engage actively in the co-curricular life of the Prep School, involve themselves in the many Clubs on offer at Lindfield, and participate in a number of important school-wide events.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all an enjoyable and relaxing break, and trust you are able to have an especially rewarding time with your son(s).

A reminder that Term 3 concludes for the boys at the normal time on Thursday 20 September. School resumes for Term 4 at 8.30am on Monday 8 October, 2012.