Dear St John the Apostle families,

Thank you for a wonderful term.

We have finished the term in a strong and positive way with students and staff, particularly celebrating:

• student learning through the reports and parent-teacher interviews,
• the Feast of the Sacred Heart with mass and fun activities,
• NAIDOC Week with a smoking ceremony and aboriginal outdoors games.

Thank you to all students, families and staff for a relatively smooth term amidst the challenges that many schools in the ACT have faced. We're very thankful for the commitment and dedication of staff in supporting the school to operate consistently well and parents in ensuring that students remain healthy and well when sent to school. It is a team effort that keeps our school running smoothly. Thank you.

Mathematics

Yesterday our teachers spent some much needed professional learning and planning time together with a focus on teaching Mathematics. We also looked at some fantastic data showing how much our students have grown this year in their capacity to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems thanks to the introduction of High Impact Teaching Strategies.

Next term, across the whole school, we are working with students to develop their mathematical reasoning. We're teaching and expecting students to explain how they came to particular answers, to show their working out and to teach others their most effective mathematical strategies.

First Aid

Over both of these pupil free days our entire staff have been trained in First Aid and CPR. We always ensure that every staff member has complete First Aid training so that students can always access the appropriate First Aid they need regardless of the educational activity they are engaged in.

In the second week of the school holidays I will communicate information about Term 3. It will cover:

• Lunch Orders
• Uniform expectations and arrangements
• Some simple changes in procedures and processes for students and families
• Specific events for the term

I sincerely hope all students, families and staff experience rest and nourishment over the school holidays and I look forward to our students returning on Tuesday 19 July ready to learn.

Matthew Garton