Dear Parents,

Last week, parents of students in Years 3 & 5 received their sons’ NAPLAN results. Whilst we accept that NAPLAN testing can be challenging, at Wyvern we seek to provide a learning environment of low anxiety so that boys can be themselves at their best.This year performance in the key areas tested (reading, spelling, writing, grammar and punctuation and numeracy) was very strong with our school average being significantly above the national average as well as for that of similar independent schools. In addition we have seen pleasing growth in the areas tested when compared to our good results from last year. I congratulate students and staff for their very good approach to NAPLAN earlier this year.

Last weekend eight Wyvern teams’ performed at the Regional Tournament of Minds (TOM) finals. The high level of student participation in our TOM club, run by Mr Reinier Jessurun, has been tremendous to see. It is an excellent forum for boys to work in collaborative teams where they must solve problems, under strict time pressure, by showing their creativity, initiative and innovation. Well done to all boys for your wonderful ‘TOM’ efforts.

I was delighted to see the Wyvern Athletics team represent the school so well at this week’s IPSHA Carnival. A number of boys set personal best times or distances and all competed with great pride, exhibiting excellent sportsmanship. I thank the many parents who gave such practical support to the team. A special well done to the following bays who will go on to compete at the Combined Independent School’s athletics competition on 13 September:  Lionel Falk-Brown in 100m, Sam Walker in discus, Lipina Ata in shot put and Xavier Borralho in discus.  

I congratulate Mrs Melanie Bryden (Year 2 Team Leader) who has been appointed as Acting Deputy Head (K-3) for the duration of Term 4 whilst Ms Sandra Gray is Acting Head of Wyvern. Mrs Rebecca Stewart, who returns from a period of maternity leave in Term 4, will be teaching Class 2M.

Finally a big thank you to the Wyvern P and F executive for organising the Father’s Day Breakfast tomorrow morning. I am sure that the event will be hugely enjoyable for fathers and sons.

Ian Holden
Head of Wyvern House