Dear Parents, Caregivers, Staff, Students and Friends,

Welcome to Week Three! There is quite a bit of additional testing and data collection occurring for some year groups over the next few weeks. Our Junior Primary students will be involved in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). This data collection occurs once every three years and is vital in giving us a national picture of children's development, health, and well-being in their first year of full-time school. While most of the data collection is completed by our educators, there will also be some small tasks that students will finish with the teacher. Please don't hesitate to come and see us if you have any questions about this.  

In addition to the AEDC, our Year 3, 5 and 7 students have participated in their online NAPLAN testing, which began on Tuesday. Most of this testing should be completed by the end of next week.  There are times when students experience some anxiety before and during the testing period of these assessments. Please let me know if we can support your child at school if you are concerned.  

Last week we celebrated Catholic Education Week, a time when we celebrate and acknowledge the history and rich tradition that forms the basis for the high quality contemporary Catholic education that Catholic schools in South Australia provide to the community. We have new signage placed on our school fencing and have informed families that there are no school fees for our Bright Start Transition program and our mid-year Reception families in 2021. Please encourage friends who are considering a Catholic education for their children to book a personal school tour with me in the Administration Office (85821128).

Families are also reminded that St Francis of Assisi College, Renmark, is accepting enrolments for Year 7 and Year 8, 2022. If you're interested in an enrolment interview with the Principal, Nathan Hayes, drop into the office, 129 Renmark Avenue, Renmark, or call 8595 4500, or visit our website www.assisi.catholic.edu.au  Mr Nathan Hayes will also be visiting our school on Thursday May 20, attending our Foundation/Year 1 Mass at 9am and morning tea afterwards.

Appreciation to the school community for your donations towards our morning tea hampers distributed this week to our chosen community service providers, thanking them for their efforts and care provided in our town of Berri.

We also heard from more than 60% of our community through the Communication Survey. Leadership is pleased with the 4.07-star rating for parent/carers feeling well informed about what is happening in the school. We thank parents for their suggestions and ideas on how to further improve our communications. Seesaw is now our most popular and preferred communication tool outside of our fortnightly newsletters.

Peace and best wishes for a beautiful fortnight ahead.

Ros Oates
Principal