Published on: 3 June 2021

  • Speakers’ Challenge
  • Professional Development
  • ICAS

As we reach the midpoint of Term 2, it is a great time to sit down together with your son and reflect upon the year to date. The boys have experienced a variety of incursions, excursions, camps, house events, year level activities and carnivals, providing a range of wonderful experiences. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of listening to our Years 5 and 6 boys take part in the Speakers’ Challenge final in the School Chapel. All the boys who spoke showcased their public speaking skills and did a fine job of engaging the audience. Well done to all who participated, and we look forward to announcing the finalists in the coming days.

Over the course of the last month, our Years 3 to 6 Preparatory School teachers have taken part in a professional learning program focussing on the mathematical strand of problem solving. The teachers have been guided by David Dunstan, a mathematics specialist from AISWA and have learnt how to incorporate mathematical reasoning into their teaching and learning. The teachers were provided with a range of practical skills, methods, examples and templates to assist in engaging our budding mathematicians.

Next week all families will be notified about the upcoming ICAS assessments involving mathematics, science, spelling, English, writing and digital technologies with details about how to register your son. Each assessment celebrates students’ accomplishments by providing opportunities for recognition. Every student will receive a certificate and an online result report. Top performers will be eligible for medals and are invited to attend special award ceremonies to have their academic excellence publicly recognised. We encourage you to consider entering your son into ICAS this year. The assessments are suitable for students wishing to extend themselves academically and take up the personal challenge of competing in an international assessment. Your son will be presented with high-quality, expert-developed questions, allowing them to apply their learning without the need for prior study or revision.

Best wishes for the mid-term break!

Dr Steven Males
Head of Preparatory School