Since there are so many exciting events and changes occurring in our classes this year we thought it might help you to have a written record to refer to.
Some of you may have heard or read in the media that during the next 5 years several changes will be made to the education system in Western Australia. At NPPS we have begun to look at some of these changes. The areas we are focusing on this year are:-
Instead of the children 'doing computer' in the lab we are attempting to integrate technology/use of the computer in a way which enhances the learning process across as many of the learning areas as possible.
This involves specifically teaching the children how to work in cooperation with each other. Since the beginning of term the children have been involved in a variety of different activities and teaching which have been designed to develop the skills necessary for working in groups - decision making skills, group organisation, speaking and listening skills.
You may have already heard your child talking about different coloured hats. Over the past 3 weeks we have been introducing the students to Edward Debono's Six Thinking Hats. Each hat has a different colour and purpose. When we put on our yellow hat we ALL look at the positives together or black - we look at what isn't going to work.
Technology and Enterprise is a new Learning Area which gives the children opportunity to design a product for a purpose, make it and appraise their efforts. During the coming year the students will be involved in 2 T & E projects - the first will involve students in groups designing and painting murals around the school participating in the whole school theme of W.A. Week in Term 2.
Since much of what has been discussed requires increased involvement with the students, a third Year 7 teacher has been introduced for 3 mornings a week. Each Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning the Year 7's are divided into 3 groups of 21. Ms Mews, Mrs Marvin and Mrs Dunjey will bring to each of the groups their individual strengths - teaching Spelling, Reading and Maths each morning but incorporating technology/cooperative learning and thinking skills in these areas.
For your information and also to enable you to budget on the costs involved we have listed below the activities planned for this year:-
Planned Activities for 1999
Term1
* Fremantle Prison / Law Centre Friday 12th March $6.50
Term 2
* Ballroom Dancing Lessons starting April 23rd for eight weeks $2 per lesson total $12 * Graduation T-shirt $15
Term 3
* Bike education approx $2 for bus fare * Chamber of Mines approx $6
Term 4
* Rottnest Camp 13th, 14th and 15th October $ 80 * Graduation approx $12
These activities are rewards for children who display responsible behavior. Those children who choose not to do so will be excluded from attending, as outlined in the School Discipline Policy.
Physical Education - Mrs Marinovich Music - Ms Robinson Art - Mrs Smedley Italian - Miss Mendolia
In Term 3 the students will receive special instruction in Drug Education and Sex Education.
This year marks a change in the role of our Deputy Principal Mr Kinnear. While in the past his workload has included a teaching component with the Year 7's, this year he will not be teaching this level. Mr Kinnear's major focus will be Pastoral Care with the view to preventative strategies involving students at 'behavioral risk'. This includes interviews involving parents, teachers and the child. This three way process can only enhance your child's education.
Homework Policy Year 7 students are expected to do 30 minutes of homework per night. This will consist of: · unfinished class work · reading · research All homework is recorded during class time in the students Homework Diary. Please sign your child's diary each Thursday night. Occasionally it may be necessary to communicate with you.We will do this via the diary. We encourage you to use the diary in the same way.
This will consist of : * Interview with parents week 1 of term 2. * written communication in students homework diaries
* portfolios (samples of students work)
* written report form to be developed by Report Committee (including representation from staff, teachers and parents)
* information sessions
Implementation timeline: 1999-2004 * 8 Levels
* Student Outcome Statements support teachers and schools as they plan and deliver a relevant curriculum.
* Level doesn't correspond with students year level eg. A certain percentage of students will achieve Level 3 or better in reading
· They help monitor student learning, plan future teaching and make judgements about student learning.
Your child's education is a three way process- school, home and community, where communication is the key to success. Please feel free to contact us at any time to arrange an interview if you have any concerns.