NAPLAN

Much has been reported in the media about NAPLAN. There is an emerging view that some schools are placing a disproportionate emphasise on NAPLAN assessments, especially as a school’s NAPLAN results are used by some branches of the media to form the basis of school league tables.  Hence, we hear rumours of some schools bowing to pressure and falling into the trap of excessive preparation or making major changes to timetables in order to ‘teach to the tests’.

At Wyvern we place a strong emphasis on maintaining a balanced and engaging curriculum in both the lead up to, and during NAPLAN testing week. We challenge, encourage and support your son to achieve his personal best in the tests but we do all we can to ensure that the classroom climate is one of low anxiety. Judging from the positive feedback from students and parents about their experience of NAPLAN testing it does seem that our approach strikes the right balance. I congratulate Year 5 and Year 3 students and their teachers for their excellent effort shown during last week’s NAPLAN assessments. We expect the NAPLAN results will be ready for distribution to parents in late August.

WYVERN MUSIC SHOWCASE

We are looking forward to our music showcases this term that will involve every boy in the school. The dates are 3rd June at 6.00pm for students in Years 3-6 to be held at Centenary Hall, and 19th June at 8.45am for students in K-2 to be held in the Wyvern Hall. Students from our major ensemble groups will participate in a Prep School music weekend. I thank the Wyvern P and F and especially the Creative Arts Committee for their strong support of this important event.

WYVERN STUDENTS EXCEL

Congratulations to Christopher Mina who earlier this week won his 12 year 50m butterfly event at the NSW All Schools Championships. By winning this event, Christopher has qualified as NSW fastest butterfly swimmer to contest the National Titles to be held in Adelaide during November.  Also well done to Will Rumi, Max Clarke and Rhys Miller who have been competing this week for CIS at the NSWPSSA AFL Championships in Blacktown.

With the winter sport season under way, a reminder to parents that there is an IPSHA Code of Conduct guide on Spaces for spectators.  It is important that adults set the appropriate and supportive tone for our sports programs.  Adults must lead by example, and as with all other areas of the school, we must set a tone where boys can perform without undue pressure. We should fully support all volunteer officials and regard sportsmanship as a high virtue. The Directors of each sport are happy to respond to any questions about their development programs in the Prep School. For Rugby contact Ben Manion; bmanion@newington.nsw.edu.au. For Football contact Brian McCarthy;  bmccarthy@newington.nsw.edu.au

Ian Holden
Head of Wyvern House