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THE KING’S SCHOOL PREPARATORY SCHOOL
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Issue No. 8: 18 May, 2018
Assessing Student Learning
Over the course of this term in the Prep School our students will be busily engaged with a series of
assessment tasks in class. The data gained from these activities, alongside information gathered in Term
One, will form the framework that guides the completion of the Semester One reports. The assessment
of student learning is always considered an integral and important aspect of the learning cycle in any
educational institution. Assessment allows the three key stakeholders, students, teachers and parents to
identify progress in learning and to signal pathways for ongoing improvement in learning and
teaching. It is important to note that, through the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the School
acknowledges the importance of improving student outcomes across the five essential elements of
learning: the understanding of concepts, the acquisition of knowledge, the mastery of skills, the
development of attitudes and the decision to take responsible action.
Teachers employ a wide variety of methods for the assessment of student learning, including the use of
standardised tests, unit quizzes, whole grade summative tasks, student/teacher conferences, anecdotal
notes, student presentations, learning journals, student exhibitions and daily participation in learning
tasks. The use of multiple sources of data regarding achievement is seen as particularly important in
building up a complete and holistic picture of a student’s individual growth and understanding.
As students complete these different assessment tasks, it is important to remember that completing the
assessment itself is not as important as what we do with the actual data that the task provides for us.
For students, assessment provides insight into what they know, feel, can do, and understand at a
particular stage in their ongoing learning journey. It provides the opportunity for students to reflect on
what they have achieved, as well as set goals for future learning. Learning occurs on a continuum, and
students may move along that continuum at different rates according to their maturity and application.
It is critical to view learning in terms of growth and not necessarily in attainment at a particular stage.
For teachers, assessment is an integral element of an ongoing professional learning spiral that includes
focuses upon planning, teaching and learning. It provides an important stream of data for the
consideration of professional practice and can be seen to provide one of the foundations for future
planning and improvement.
At the end of the semester, parents will receive a written report that provides both an overview and a
thorough assessment of their child’s learning in the first half of the year. For parents, the report
provides an opportunity to help celebrate their child’s achievement and to help them set goals for the
second half of the year. The report should also be seen to provide an invaluable opportunity for
students, teachers and parents to develop a common understanding of a student’s growth and learning.
These common understandings will also provide us with the opportunities to establish some shared
approaches to supporting ongoing improvement in student learning.
NAPLAN testing and assessment at King’s
The students in Year 3 and Year 5 participated in an Australian national testing program known as
NAPLAN this week. The testing regime is a demanding program with four assessments across the
learning areas of literacy and numeracy completed over the course of three days.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: “ Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” 1 Peter 4:10
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PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 8: 18 May, 2018
Participation in this program of assessments is compulsory for all children in Australian schools who are in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The data gained from these assessments provides useful comparative information for parents and the School on the academic performance of our students against the Australian school population. This information is helpful in placing alongside our other school based data, to help inform the School on individual student performance and help guide curriculum and professional development decisions for the School going forward. However, it is important that we understand that these tests are examined within their context. These assessments are only one form of data gathered on one occasion during the year. The NAPLAN assessment scenario is much more confronting for students than other integrated assessment tasks that have been embedded within the classroom learning. The test techniques and pressures are unlike those that are normally experienced within the classroom. Teachers use a number of measures to track student growth and performance, and the NAPLAN data should be considered alongside these other measures. Appointment of the Preparatory School and Regional Registrar We congratulate Mrs Jo Grinham on the appointment by the Headmaster to the position of Preparatory School and Regional Registrar. This is a significant leadership position for Jo and will encompass her leadership of the admissions process at the Preparatory School and Tudor House. The position is effective from Semester Two, 2018. Jo will retain class teaching responsibilities with Class 6G for one day a week for the remainder of this year. The other four days of class teaching will be undertaken by Mrs Helen Eldridge who has undertaken long term casual teaching positions previously at the Prep School and worked closely with Year 6 teachers. Jo will relinquish her Thomas Housemaster role and a replacement will be determined over the coming weeks. She will continue in her role as joint Snowsports Coordinator for 2018. It is a very exciting new leadership opportunity for Jo, and we join in congratulating her on this new appointment. We are fortunate that we will have her expertise and lovely, personable ways remaining with us at the Prep School. An Evening with John Anderson at The Cedars – Tuesday 22 May 6:30pm We are very fortunate to have former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, John Anderson AO, joining us for the Dad’s Evening at The Cedars on Tuesday 22 May. After being raised in the northern country region of Mullaley, John joined The King’s School as a boarder in Year 7. He went on to lead an illustrious career in public life as a member of the House of Representatives and Leader of the National Party. John will be talking about the freedoms of the western world that we enjoy and the risks in losing these freedoms, and what implications that has for our boys. It should be a compelling presentation and a great time of fellowship. The evening is being sponsored by The Fathers’ Association and drinks and canapés will be provided. To attend, please send a RSVP to hmallett@kings.edu.au by Friday 18 May. Music Makes the World Go Round – Trivia Night 2 June 6:30pm The Prep School Trivia Night will be held on Saturday 2 June and promises to be a great night of fun as a Prep community. This year the theme is Music Makes the World Go Round and provides lots of scope for parents to dress up as their favourite singer, duo, band, music era or other music inspired creative idea. Page 2 PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 8: 18 May, 2018
The Fathers’ Association Committee are eager to make the event particularly appealing with opportunities to purchase a range of great merchandise and ‘experiences’ that will be auctioned on the evening. The funds from the sale of auction items on the night go to sponsoring resources for the boys of the Preparatory School. If you are able to donate an item please contact FA Committee Member, Tod Anderson on tod.anderson@propertysalesandleasing.com.au To book single tickets or tables of tickets, please click the following link https://www.trybooking.com/VPVJ Sports Achievements Over the past couple of weeks there have been a number of exciting achievements and opportunities for high level representation gained by some of our Prep students. NSWCIS Hockey Henry Tyree (6Mc) has been selected for the 2018 NSWCIS Hockey team. Hockey is not a sport that we offer at King’s, however Henry spends an enormous amount of time outside his school commitments training with the Burwood Briars. Henry will compete for NSWCIS at the NSWPSSA Championships in Narellan in June. IPSHA Touch Football Trials 2018 Matthew Smith, James Welsh, Campbell Barrett, Charles Williamson, Christopher Baissari, Harry Chadwick and Lachlan Hind attended the IPSHA Touch Football trials and have the opportunity to trial for the NSWCIS Touch Football later this term. NSWCIS Rugby Union Trials 2018 James Welsh, Matthew Smith, James Gauci, Charlie Baker and Cooper McGlashan have been selected to trial for the NSWCIS Rugby Union Team later this month. NSWCIS Rugby League Trials 2018 Matthew Smith, Sam Camilleri, Cooper McGlashan and Lochie Symons will be trialling at the upcoming NSWCIS Rugby League selections. Congratulations to all of these boys. Peter Allison Head of the Preparatory School Page 3 PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 8: 18 May, 2018
Headmaster’s Distinctions
Term 2
Week 2 & 3
Pre-Kindergarten Year 1 Year 3 Year 5
ANDREWS, Samuel DAVIS, Alexander AIKMAN, William ASSABGY, Marc
DOUS, Lucas MOUJALLI, Noah BIGGS, Elliott x 5 CALLUS, Joshua
KWOK, Clarence CAO, Anton HAMILL-MAMO, Ewan
ZHAO, Luxiao DOHNT, Alexander MA, Roy
FAYAD, Roman x 2 TIONG, Christopher
NGUYEN, Ryan x 2
Kindergarten Year 2 Year 4 Year 6
ANDERSON, James ANDREWS, George GARG, Ryan DEAN, Billy
AZAR, Dion ASSABGY, Alex KURIAN, Neil MYATT, Jett
BALL, Jacob GOYAL, Yash MADSON, Samuel ODBERT, Grayson x 2
CHEUNG, Barnabas JAYASURIYA, Keshon MOORE, John STEPHENSON, Fletcher x 2
CLEARY, Joshua KANAGARATNAM, Aiden
FOTEADES, Janni x 2 KEOMANIVONG, James
GUPTA, Vihaan MADSON, Oliver
KIDD, Lachlan McGIBBON, Rory
LENGUYEN, Preston MUNAGALA, Sourish
MADSON, Edward MYATT, Tex
MOORE, Charles RACE, Bodie
MORRISON, Charlie SABA, Joseph x 2
PRAKASH, Krishang x 2 WHEAT, Jack
QU, Kenneth ZHANG, Ethan
QUACH, Jayden
SARKARIA, Harshaan
TE MOMO, Louis
THAKER, Krishiv
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PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 8: 18 May, 2018
DEPUTY HEAD
Whole School Photo
An email was sent to parents earlier this week outlining this photo. The School employs Melba Studios to
take a whole School Photograph every five years or so. The photo is taken in Year groups and then
digitally compiled to look like we are all there at one time.
The latest photo is to be taken this Monday, 21 May 2018. The boys will need to come to School in their
Number One Uniform, including a white shirt for boys in Years 3-6. The boys’ uniforms will need to be
clean and neat, with shoes polished.
We have had a change in venue and the photo will now be taken on the Doyle 4 oval. The boys will be
escorted to the Doyle 4 oval and back by the Prep staff. This will occur at approximately 9:20 am. Once
there, each Year group will have their photo taken, commencing with our younger year groups. At
approximately 10:40 all staff from the School will have their photo taken as well.
As the boys will be at the Doyle oval for some time, they will need to take their morning tea with them to
eat while at the oval. Could I please ask that their morning tea is placed in a disposable bag and is of a
variety that is easily eaten. Supervision of the boys while the staff have their photo has been organised,
with the staff in the same area at all times.
Please feel free to contact me at gbb@kings.edu.au if you have any questions.
Speeding
I have noticed and been informed of some dangerous driving within the School grounds. Some parents
are not obeying the speed limit of 20Km/h within the School grounds. I have also been told of cars
overtaking on the road leading to the Prep. Both of these practices are extremely dangerous with such
high traffic, both vehicular and foot. We should be mindful that whenever we enter the School grounds
that there are children about and their safety is much more important than being a few minutes late.
Gowan Brae Lawns
After speaking to a number of parents last week, this practice has appeared to have stopped. Thank you
to all for following the requests not to park in this area.
Parent Seminars/Evenings
We have three informative evenings occurring in the coming weeks.
The Fathers’ Association Dads’ Evening at The Cedars, with John Anderson AO. John will be
talking about the freedoms of the western world that we enjoy and the risks in losing these
freedoms, and what implications that has for our boys. It should be a compelling presentation
and a great time of fellowship.
Masterclass with Dan Haesler. Dan will be addressing the topic of ‘Future Proofing our Kids’
Monday 28 May
Small Steps Anxiety presentation on Tuesday 26 June. Unfortunately, anxiety amongst young
people is an ever-growing concern. This presentation will look at anxiety disorders and how to
assist these children
Flyers for each of these evenings can be found elsewhere in the newsletter.
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PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 8: 18 May, 2018
Winter Sport Club Events
Elsewhere in the newsletter you will find flyers for the Football and Rugby Clubs’ luncheons and the
Snowsports Family Night. These three clubs do a wonderful job of supporting the Prep School boys and
staff within their particular sports. I would encourage all parents that are involved in these sports to
support these fantastic clubs by attending these functions.
Trivia Night Baskets
All families should have received an email/flyer outlining the date (2 nd June) and theme (Music - Makes
the World Go Round) for this year’s Trivia Night. On the flyer was also a request for donations to the
Year Baskets which are auctioned on the night. Donations may be given to the Class Mums who have
again kindly offered to put the baskets together. The class basket themes are:
Pre Kindy - Travel, sports and games
Kindy - For the garden
Year 1 - For Dads
Year 2 - For the home
Year 3 - For the bar/cellar
Year 4 - For the kids
Year 5 - Pamper a Mum
Year 6 - Without the kids
Upcoming Events
Week 4 Sunday, 20 May 2018
Monday, 21 May 2018 Whole School Photo
Tuesday, 22 May 2018 Write a Book in a Day Workshop - Tara
Prep Fathers’ Association Night for Dads
Wednesday, 23 May 2018 Maths Olympiad
Senior School String Concert – Chamber Orchestra to perform
Thursday, 24 May 2018 daVinci Decathlon - Knox Grammar School
Game On Rugby (Y3-4) - Session 4
Staff Meeting (3:30 pm)
Friday, 25 May 2018 ISDA Debating Octos 2
IPSHA Debate - Rd 2 - Meriden Away
Sloane Debating Rd 3
Music Soiree (Band) - Horrocks Hall (4:00 pm)
Saturday, 26 May 2018 Winter Sport Round 4
Week 5 Sunday, 27 May 2018 Sydney Eisteddfod – Chamber Orchestra to Perform
Monday, 28 May 2018 Year 4 Planetarium Incursion - Horrocks Hall (1:40 pm)
Prep Fathers' Association Committee Meeting (7:30 pm)
Parent Masterclass - Mr Dan Haesler - CLL Auditorium (7:00 pm)
Tuesday, 29 May 2018
Wednesday, 30 May 2018
Thursday, 31 May 2018 Game On Rugby (Y3-4) - Session 5
Staff Meeting (3:30 pm)
Friday, 1 June 2018 Year 6 Excursion to Sydney Symphony
Kingsbridge Biggest Morning Tea
Sloane Debating Rd 4
ISDA Debating Quarter Finals
Saturday, 2 June 2018 Winter Sport Round 5
FA Trivia Night - Horrocks Hall
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PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 8: 18 May, 2018
DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS I shared part of My Story with the Prep boys in Chapel last week; a timely opportunity with Mothers’ day the following Sunday. My message was on the power of words, and the potential of them to build others up, or put others down. I shared the two photos above. In the first photo you can see my beautiful, young parents Barry and Janice Bryant, and their much loved, first daughter in the bundle of lace and pure wool. This is me on my Christening day. The second photo shows two adorable little boys, they are mine. In this photo Alex was four and Harry was a few weeks old. I shared with the boys the importance of words in my relationships. My parents were so particular with the words they chose to use around their four young daughters. Similarly, my husband and I made a commitment to each other that we would protect our young boys, by guarding them against words of violence on the television and radio, until they had enough maturity to manage the forms of stress these vehicles disseminate. We were diligent in protecting our young boys from viewing movies and engaging in games that were beyond their maturity, and ensured that when they went to friends’ homes, that the parents of the friends knew of our strong desire to protect them and of our position on anything over a G rating. These are critical conversations to have. My parents excelled in many ways, not least with their capacity and use of words. I have so many treasured memories of gatherings around the table with family and friends, of words that were encouraging and edifying, of words that spoke of truth and compassion, of funny tales, punster joke and harmless tomfoolery, of narratives of family history and goals for the future. My parents were committed to the use of words to build up, not put down. If admonishment was required, it was always done with mercy and grace. I knew I was loved unconditionally by the words and actions of my parents. This gave me security, confidence and courage. In turn, Glenn and I have aimed to follow these lovely patterns of family life with our boys. Page 7 PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 8: 18 May, 2018
In Chapel, I shared the words of Matthew from Chapter 12. Here we are instructed to choose our words carefully, as we will be judged by the words we use. Some of our words will prove us right, but some will prove us guilty. When I have boys meet with me for reflection on unkind words, or course language, I ask them if their parents use these words. Oftentimes the boys say yes we speak like this at home; sad. Our overt emphasis on choosing word for the good with our boys is being emphasised not only in Chapel, but in the classrooms, in House Meetings, on the Wellbeing Bulletin Board outside Horrocks Hall, in the King’s Boys’ Creed, in our daily conversations with the boys, and certainly embedded in our Social and Emotional curriculum. The boys are encouraged to consider the power of their words by using the acronym below ‘THINK’. Families are encouraged to post this in their homes and focus on the power of a positive choice of words. Winston Churchill, a famous orator and statesman said, ‘We are masters of the unsaid words but slaves of those we let slip out.’ Mother Teresa reminds us that ‘Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.’ My parents’ words do echo in my mind and have been an enormous influence in my growth and development, and in turn in the lives of their grandchildren. I encourage parents to follow this theme, to speak with and around your children with words that build up, to model a kind choice of words, to check anger at the tongue, to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in their homes and communities. Belinda Baxter bsb@kings.edu.au Page 8 PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 8: 18 May, 2018
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC I very much hope that those present in Horrocks Hall last Wednesday evening enjoyed our large Prep Music Night. It was a lovely evening of fine music-making made all the more enjoyable by having such a welcoming and engaged audience. Sincere thanks to all performers from: Concert Band, Chamber Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Vivaldi Quartet, Brahms Trio, Correli Quartet and of course, our community choir, The King’s Camerata. Coming up over the next few weeks we have several important events involving Chamber Orchestra and Concert Band. Details are: Friday 18 May: String Soiree – 4:00pm Wednesday 23 May: Chamber Orchestra to perform at Senior School Concert – Futter Hall 6:30pm Sunday 27 May: Chamber Orchestra to perform at Sydney Eisteddfod – The Concourse Hall 11:00am Wednesday 30 May: Concert Band to perform at Senior School Band Night – Futter Hall 6:00pm Director of Music Mr Jonathan Todhunter Page 9 PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 8: 18 May, 2018
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To book the Small Page 14 PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 8: 18 May, 2018
Please book at:
http://comms.kings.edu.au/link/id/zzzz5a7a64735dbe4668/regform?evuid=zzzz5a79df
e7b6f93754&fromT3=1
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Please book for the Small Steps Seminar at SMALLSTEPS Page 17 PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 8: 18 May, 2018
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