NAPLAN

On Monday our Year 3 and Year 5 students celebrated the end of NAPLAN for another year. It is always important to see NAPLAN as part of the bigger picture. It is a snapshot of a student, a cohort, and a school taken on one particular day. It is important to remember that NAPLAN does not take into account the child’s social and emotional well-being or their gifts and talents in areas that are not assessed such as sports, music, art or technology. Our students know that their success and achievement in school does not depend on these results. The students at Channel are seen as individuals, created in God’s image, working together in Christian community, loving, supporting and preparing each other for a life of service to God. We therefore focus on teaching and assessing the whole child, while helping them discover who they are in Christ - completely loved.

The NAPLAN data we receive as a school, over a period of time, can be useful for reflection on programs that are working well or what might need some adjusting. It can confirm things teachers already knew about individual students and assist in putting things in place to support all students on their academic journey. Congratulations to all our Year 3 and 5 students who undertook the assessments with a positive mindset. Some students even commented that the tests ‘were fun’.

What a privilege to support our students to Love to Learn and Learn to Love.

Grainne Brocklesby - Deputy Principal

Celebrate WDSD by wearing bright or odd socks to school on Friday 21 March.

WHY SOCKS?

People around the world wear colourful, bright or odd socks on WDSD to create conversation about diversity, uniqueness, inclusion and acceptance. Also, under a microscope, chromosomes look a bit like socks! 

During week 5 the Year 5/6 students set off on school camp! We began our journey on Wednesday and ventured to Richmond, where we took on the challenge of the Richmond Mazes and enjoyed lunch at the park. In the afternoon we headed to Blue Lagoon Christian Camp at Dodges Ferry, unpacked our bags and enjoyed the different campsite activities, a delicious dinner, and a movie night.  

On Thursday, we got back on the buses and drove to the Port Arthur Historic site. Here we explored the site, including the old prison and the pitch black solitary confinement cell. We also got to do convict brick making, and did a harbour cruise where we were able to see the Isle of the Dead and Point Puer. That evening, when we were back at camp, it was time for 'Channel's Got Talent' - our Year 5/6 Camp Talent show. This was an evening of great entertainment as students danced, sang songs, played instruments, performed comedy routines, displayed their surf-life saving medals, and performed tricks with soccer balls! In the end, it was Nuri and his very special talent of playing the recorder that won!  

On Friday morning, the students tackled the mighty task of abseiling (if you're unfamiliar, think reverse rock climbing). Starting at the top of either a 6 or 9 metre high wall, students had to walk backwards off the edge and walk (or jump) off the wall all the way down - don't worry, they did have a harness on! That morning we also walked down to the beach and explored rock pools, played beach cricket and enjoyed each other's company in the beautiful sunny weather. After lunch, we said goodbye and started our journey back to school.  

Many new memories were made and a good time was had by all. Thanks to all the students for a wonderful camp!

Friday 21 March is National Ride to School Day. Students and parents are encouraged to ride their bike to school as part of the National Ride2School Day. This ride will leave from Snug @ 7.50am on Friday 21 March and will go along the shared cycle path from Snug, with a detour via the Dave Burrows track, according to the attached map. There is the option for less experienced riders to join us at the intersection of Gemalla Road and the Dave Burrows walk at 8.20am.

This is an OPTIONAL activity. Parents from Kinder - Year 2 are expected to ride along with their child/ren. Year 3 - 6 students must RSVP if they are wanting to participate without parental supervision. Please ensure student bikes have been checked for: brakes working, tyre pressure and gears changing adequately. 

All students to wear their full school uniform with blue socks and black shoes. Please pack your runners etc. for those with PE classes.

Easter at Channel event Saturday 5 April from 12.00 - 2.00pm.

We need your help to make this event a success. If you can spare half an hour to help out on a stall please sign up here.

Production Year at Channel!

Every two years, our school rehearses and performs a show, in which ALL students from Kinder - Year 6 are involved in a small or larger capacity.

This year we will be presenting 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' the play, as well as performing some songs that have featured in the films and/or stage versions. 

Some dates and initial information: 

• Performance Week - Tuesday 16 September to Friday 19 September.

• Performance times - Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 Dress Rehearsals (in school time).

• Thursday 18 and Friday 19 September daytime matinees and evening performances.

Rehearsals will take place during school time.

Week 7 - (this week) Upper Primary students will fill in an 'expression of interest' survey, where they can select a particular role or acting part that is of interest. Traditionally, our lead roles are played by students in Years 5 and 6. We also have ensemble/chorus, band members and a few stage crew roles to fill.

Week 8 - Auditions for main acting roles. (Auditions scripts will be made available in Week 7). 

Week 9 - Finalise casting.

Week 10 - Announce cast and send home scripts in time for holidays.

More information to come over the next few weeks. If you are a parent/carer with sewing abilities and would be interested in coming on board to make some groups costumes, then please contact Bil Heit - bheit@channel.tas.edu.au

Bil Heit - Drama Tutor