With a change in the weather, I expect everyone is looking forward to a break from the heat and better fishing weather. We are at the halfway mark in the term and time is flying past too quickly. Our purpose of putting together a newsletter is to keep you informed and up to date on any major decisions and information on what is happening around the school, while we utilised the Weekly Bulletin for reminders of the day-to-day events coming up each week.

FEEDBACK SURVEY

Today you would have received a link through an email to the School Feedback Survey. This survey is conducted by Catholic Education Services in Cairns for all schools in the Diocese each year. Could you please complete the survey. It will be open from May 20^th – June 7^th.

Feedback surveys play a crucial role for several reasons:

• They provide an opportunity for students, parents/carers and teachers to express their opinions and provide feedback on various aspects of education. This feedback is invaluable in understanding their experiences, needs, and expectations, allowing schools to make informed decisions and improvements.
• Incorporating feedback surveys as a regular practice fosters a culture of continuous improvement within our schools. Schools are able to reflect on their practices, identify areas for growth, and implement changes based on feedback. This process helps schools stay responsive to the evolving needs of students, families and staff and adapt strategies to ensure ongoing improvement.
• Surveys promote accountability and transparency within the education sector. Schools can demonstrate their commitment to quality education by actively seeking feedback and responding to it. Sharing survey results and actions taken to address concerns builds trust and credibility.
• These surveys assist schools in meeting legislated accreditation requirements.

SCHOOL BOARD

If you are interested in being on our school board, we will be holding an information evening on Thursday 30^th May at 7:00pm in the Flexible Learning Space. After a short presentation, those who are interested will be asked to nominate. The final decision on the composition of the board rests with our Parish Priest, Fr Dariusz Osinski. Appointment to the board is for a three-year term. Meetings will be held once or twice a term on a Monday evening from 7:00-8:30pm to coincide with Fr Dariusz visiting. If you require more information or are interested but can’t attend on the night, please send an email to principal.weipa@cns.catholic.edu.au for a nomination form.

AUSTRALIAN EARLY DEVELOPMENT CENSUS (AEDC)

Our school will take part in the AEDC between May and July this year. The AEDC is a national census that is conducted every three years by the Australian Government, in partnership with state and territory governments. It measures how children have developed by the time they start their first year of full-time school.

The AEDC is voluntary and it does not measure how well children are doing at school, nor how their school compares to other schools. Instead, it shows how children are growing and progressing in five key areas, what is being done well and what can be improved. AEDC data is used by schools, early childhood organisations, researchers and governments to help plan and improve services and support for children and families. If you have any questions, please contact the school for further information.

SCHOOL FEES

Term Fees have been sent out to all families. If you are experiencing any financial hardships, please call the office to make an appointment with me so we can discuss options. School Fees help us provide opportunities for our students and to also meet our financial responsibilities when planning school activities.

Enjoy your week,