Testing

New Entrant Testing has begun for all children who began school at the start of this term.  When the testing is completed, parents are asked to come into school for an interview which takes between half and three quarters of an hour.  The testing is mostly Literacy with a basic knowledge Numeracy test included.  It will take a couple of weeks to get through the eleven children who have just started school, but I will contact you as soon as it's done because then we know where your child is, where we want them to go and how, together, we are going to get them there.

With this in mind, it is so, so  important for the children to practice their phonics and basic words each night.  Until the letter sounds are known, and basic words are learned, reading  and writing progress will be slow.  Lots of repetition is great and reminders such as "which letter sounds like that?" or "what is the first sound you can hear?"  are really helpful.  If you would like some strategies to help your child with their reading, the Junior School Team will be holding a Reading night in March which will outline great strategies and give you some resources to help your child in this area.  Dates will follow soon.

And finally a quick reminder about our Jesus Feast on Thursday.  If you simply cannot find any "Jesus clothes" I have a few things at school so do not panic.  A dressing gown and tea towel will suffice.  Thank you for your support, these activities are so special and tend to be the things the children remember from their time at St Marys.  I know my children have.

Thanks again, Annie