Primary Update – Term 2 Week 9
Year 1 Excursion to Kings Park: STEM in the Outdoors
Our Year 1 students recently participated in an engaging excursion to Kings Park, where learning was brought to life through hands on STEM experiences in the natural environment. A highlight of the day was the investigation of the Kooyar Kep Wetland, known as Frog Water, where students explored the plants and animals that live in this unique ecosystem. Through observation and inquiry, they developed an understanding of how living things depend on their environment.
Students were guided to look closely at the wetland habitat, identifying features such as water plants, insect life and evidence of animal activity. They discussed how these living things rely on water, shelter and food sources to survive, linking their observations to classroom learning. The Kings Park storytelling session supported this experience, sharing a meaningful narrative about friendship and cooperation in nature, and helping students see how scientific understanding can connect to real life values and relationships.
During the STEM investigations, students explored the concept of sinking and floating through hands on experimentation. They made predictions, tested different natural materials and discussed their observations using simple scientific language. Working in small teams, students designed, built and tested their own boats using items such as sticks, bark and leaves. They were encouraged to reflect on what worked well and what could be improved, fostering critical thinking and collaboration skills while building confidence in problem solving.
Year 1R Assembly
Congratulations to Year 1R for their wonderful assembly presentation. Students confidently shared their learning about animals, including identifying key features such as body coverings, habitats and movement. They explained the differences between groups of animals, including mammals, reptiles and birds, demonstrating a strong understanding of the topic. Each student showed great courage in speaking in front of an audience, and their enthusiasm and pride in their learning were evident throughout the presentation. We were very proud of the way they supported one another and presented as a team.
Winter Music Night
Winter Music Night was a great success and a celebration of the rich musical talent within our school community. The evening began with an outstanding and energetic opening performance from our Lavalla Rock Band, which set a vibrant tone for the night. Our soloists then took to the stage, performing with confidence and showcasing their developing skills and musical expression.
The choirs and ensembles demonstrated excellent teamwork, listening skills and dedication, with each group delivering polished performances that reflected many hours of practice. The variety of performances ensured there was something for everyone to enjoy. It was wonderful to see students supporting one another and taking pride in sharing their talents.
Coffee Connect
Our Primary Leadership Team enjoyed a welcoming morning connecting with class parent representatives at Coffee Connect. This time together allowed for open conversation, the sharing of ideas and feedback, and continued strengthening of the partnership between school and families. The relaxed setting supported meaningful connections and encouraged a sense of community across year levels. We hope the coffee van was a valued addition and that families enjoyed the opportunity to gather and connect.
LifeLink Launch
Four of our Year 6 student leaders attended the LifeLink Launch at Corpus Christi and represented the College with pride, demonstrating maturity, respect and enthusiasm. During the event, they learned more about the important work of the agencies supported by LifeLink and the impact these organisations have within the wider community.
As part of their involvement, the students have been working collaboratively to create a video that highlights the work of these agencies and raises awareness of their mission. This process has developed their communication, teamwork and leadership skills, while also deepening their understanding of social responsibility. We look forward to viewing their final submission and celebrating their efforts.
State Sporting Representation
Congratulations to the following student for the state achievement in their sport:
- Audrey Barnard (Year 6) who has been selected to represent Western Australia in the 2026 AFL 12s Girls Championship. This team will be competing at the School Sport Australia National Championships in Canberra, ACT from 2nd August – 9th August 2026.
State and National Representation is an honour and an important stepping stone in an athlete’s journey. We commend these students for their dedication and commitment to their sport. If your child has achieved state or national recognition in their sport or extra-curricular activity, we would love to hear about it so we can celebrate their success. Please let us know the details by filling out this form. https://forms.office.com/r/qaCxCYLNX6
Mrs Laura Christopher
HEAD OF PRIMARY
School Reporting
Reports are one of the most important ways we communicate with parents about each child’s learning journey. Each semester, parents receive a formal school report that explains how each student is achieving against the Western Australian Curriculum standards. We understand that the language, grades, and structure of these reports can sometimes feel unfamiliar or raise questions, so we wanted to help make sense of everything.
In Western Australia, all government and non-government primary schools are required to follow the mandates of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). SCSA is an independent statutory authority that oversees curriculum, assessment, and reporting for all WA students from Kindergarten to Year 12. At the heart of our reporting is the concept of an Achievement Standard. For each learning area and each year level, SCSA defines what a student is expected to know and be able to do by the end of that year. This is called the Achievement Standard, and it forms the benchmark against which work is assessed.
Importantly, a grade of C represents achievement at the standard — it means the student has met the expected level of knowledge and skill for their year. This is a genuine and significant achievement. As students move through the year levels, the Achievement Standards increase in complexity and sophistication, which means the bar is continually raised, and that is entirely by design. A grade of C is a positive outcome. It means your child is learning and achieving exactly what is expected of them at their year level. A grade changing between semesters does not necessarily mean your child has gone backwards it may simply reflect that the Achievement Standard has become more demanding as your child has moved through the year or into the next grade.
Teachers use multiple forms of evidence to arrive at a grade. This might include:
- Written tasks and projects
- Observations and practical demonstrations
- Tests and quizzes
- Oral responses and class contributions
- Creative works
Assessment is ongoing throughout the semester. Teachers make professional judgements by comparing a student’s body of work against the SCSA Achievement Standard for their year level. This process, known as standards-referenced assessment, means grades reflect what a student can actually do — not how they compare to their classmates. To ensure consistency and fairness, teachers also engage in moderation — a process where teachers across the school review student work together and check that grades are being applied consistently against the same standard.
In reading your child’s report, it is important to remember that it reflects a comprehensive picture of their learning over time, not a single assessment or moment. Each grade represents careful consideration of the evidence available, aligned to the expectations for that stage of schooling. If you have any questions about your child’s progress or would like further clarification, we encourage open communication with your child’s teacher. Working together, we can continue to support each student’s growth and ensure a positive and successful learning journey.
Mrs Catherine Young
LEADER OF LEARNING PRIMARY
