Dear Parents & Friends,

As we move into the second half of the term I am constantly reminded of the remarkable work that our teachers do each and every day.  At the moment, teachers are finalising assessments and writing reports as well as remaining focused on teaching the curriculum to our children. As previously communicated, the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) have undertaken a comprehensive review of the NSW Curriculum, leading to curriculum reform and subsequent implementation of a reformed curriculum which commenced in 2023. In response to the curriculum changes, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong has made significant modifications to student semester reports for Primary schools to better reflect your child's academic progress at key points throughout the year and provide parents and carers with a clear picture of their child’s strengths and areas for improvement in specific subject areas.

The following changes will be evident in your child’s semester report from Semester 1 2024:

●  A ‘new look’ report format released via Compass reflecting the outcomes of the new K-10 English and Mathematics syllabuses providing a descriptor for each of the focus areas found in the respective syllabuses
●  All Kindergarten students will now receive a written report in Semester 1 and Semester 2 with a three-point grade scale used to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors:

○ Thorough 

○ Sound 

○ Basic

●  Students in Year 1 - Year 6 will continue to receive semester reports twice a year with a five-point grade scale used to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors:

○ Extensive 

○ Thorough 

○ Sound 

○ Basic 

○ Elementary

In addition,  during  Week 4 the school was selected by NESA for a random short notice inspection. This program involves schools in all sectors and assesses whether schools continue to comply with the requirements, as detailed in the registration manuals and inspecting the quality of teaching and learning programs in alignment with the new K-6 English and Mathematics syllabi. St Michael’s was highly commended for the excellence in regulation requirements and the alignment of teaching and learning programs to the new curriculum. I would like to thank the teaching and administration staff for their care and diligence in ensuring that your children get the best education possible.

Have a blessed week

Sheereen Brunetta

Acting Principal