Year 3/4 Concert Performances
Our Year 3/4 students have had two nights performing with Thornbury High School in their Wizard of Oz concert. This is a great experience for both schools and one that has required high level collaboration with staff and students. We are extremely proud of the commitment and performance of our children. From the general buzz around the classes, the students and staff are very excited about this project.
Progress in International Reading Literacy Study
Last year our school was selected to participate in the Progress in International Reading Literacy (PIRL) Study. This study is an international study on reading, focusing on the development of students from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn’. Year four students are randomly nominated and invited to participate. In 2016, 286 Australian schools were randomly selected and over 6,000 students participated in the PIRL study. Over 50 countries also participate in this study. Students who participated in the study will receive a certificate of participation and an individual reading profile.
We can be pleased with our outcome. Our results indicate that our school performance is within the top 30th percentile at a national level.
Congratulations to all students who participated. Each will receive their profile in the mail.
Working Bee & Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting
Our current landscaping is going to plan and we hope to have it completed in a couple of weeks. We are scheduling a Working Bee to do some general playground maintenance and garden tidying in the next couple of weeks. Date TBD.
We have a Buildings and Grounds meeting scheduled for Monday 8 August at 7pm in the staff room.
Literacy – Numeracy & Book Week
This year the National Literacy and Numeracy Week and Book Week coincide in late August. We have a number of events that celebrate all things to do with books and literature.
Each year we celebrate Literacy and Book week by having the children work in small groups from Foundation to Grade Six for a special book celebration and literacy session in the morning. Added to this, we have a parade where children dress up in a way representing a book of their choice. It is always a fun occasion for the children and staff who also like to participate in the parade.
This year, our Grade Six students are hosting the activities and leading the way. The date for us is Wednesday 24 August. The parade will commence at 9:15am followed by a group session.
Both the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Week and National Literacy week are aimed at raising awareness of the importance of literacy and the enjoyment of books at school and beyond. The CBCA supports the promotion of Australian cultural life through literature and each year shortlists and awards Australian authors and illustrators across different categories from early childhood to older readers. Here at Fairfield PS, we have already purchased many of the listed books and continue to promote Australian literature by always upgrading our collection. This ensures that we have the shortlisted books each year. On the websites for both the National Literacy and Numeracy Week and the Children’s Book Council there are general resources and information for both schools and parents if you would like to engage with either in other ways.
We have continued to build upon the resources that support our literature program in the classroom. Each year, the school invests in upgrading and growing the selection of books used for guided reading and literature circles. Careful consideration is given to acquiring texts that are engaging and culturally diverse. If you have any interest in our program please contact Nicole Rettke.
As we grow our Library Fund, we are hopeful that we can continue to improve upon the range and number of resources that our students can be provided with. I would like to take this opportunity to once again, thank parents for their contribution and support with this aspect of our school. If you would like further information on this, please contact the office staff.
Scholastic Book Fair—17-19 August
Coinciding with Book Week is our annual Scholastic Book Fair. Children can select from a range of books and stationary for purchase. The fair will be set up in the Old Hall.
- Wednesday 17 August – 3:30 – 4pm
- Thursday 18 August – 8:30 – 8:50am, 3:30 – 4:00pm
- Friday 19 August – 8:30 – 8:50am & 3:30 – 4:00pm