The format we use here at St Martin’s to indicate your child’s progress from Year 1 to Year 5 is a grading system of A to E. This is a requirement of the Australian Government. The report indicators are in two sections – Achievement Level and Commitment to Learning. Please read the definitions at the start of the report. Our school report also includes recognition of your child’s growth through our Kids Matter focus and a particular character strength that they have expressed to the class community. These are important aspects to highlight in your conversations with your child about the report.
The teaching and learning staff here at St Martin’s have a very strong desire that their work allows all children to flourish.
The last page of the report describes what our focus is :
With this focus in mind here are some ideas to consider when you are reading your child’s report.
With this focus in mind here are some ideas to consider when you are reading your child’s report.
Focus on strengths
Do you look for strengths or weaknesses first? The challenge is to focus on strengths even if they are not in the core subjects.
Take into account your child’s effort and attitude to learning
If the report indicates that effort is below standard, then you have something to work on. If your child is putting in the required effort then you cannot ask any more than that, regardless of the grade.
Broaden your focus
Look at the whole picture of your child’s progress as a member of the class and school community. How your child gets along with their peers will influence their wellbeing and happiness. The skills of independence and cooperation are important future orientated skills.
Take note of student self assessment
Your children are very realistic about their strengths and weaknesses and will give you an honest response about their progress. Take note of their opinions about their performance.
Talk about strengths first before looking at areas that need improvement. Ask for their opinion on how they are performing and discuss with them their concerns.
Are your expectations of your daughter or son realistic and in line with their ability? Expectations are tricky. If they are too high then children can be turned off learning. Too low and there is nothing to strive for. Pitch your expectations in line with your child’s abilities.
Do you believe that children learn at different rates?
There are slow bloomers, late developers and steady as you go children in every classroom. It is best to avoid comparing your child to siblings, your friends’ children and even yourself when you were a child. Look for individual progress.
Are you willing to safeguard your child’s self-esteem rather than deflate it?
Self-confidence is a pre-requisite for learning, so be prepared to be as positive and encouraging as possible.
After reports are read and discussed celebrate your child’s efforts with a special activity or treat. In this way you will recognise progress and remind them that holidays are near and that you are proud of their efforts.
I wish the children a great holiday. Thanks for all your efforts in helping St Martin de Porres to flourish.