Dean of Primary - 13 March
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Mr Wigan wrote at the beginning of this term, in the Primary Newsletter, that we wanted boys and families to meaningfully engage in all of the wonderful opportunities offered here at Lauries. It is evident that most boys have done exactly that so far in Term 1. Teachers have made regular comments about the effort and commitment in all classrooms, and we have seen huge levels of participation in many co-curricular activities. As we approach the end of the first term, and assessment becomes more of a focus, I encourage the boys to keep working hard. Staff are available to assist and will support them during the closing stages of the term, but the boys can help themselves by asking for help when required, attending Masterclasses when available, and maintaining high levels of focus.
Year 5 NAPLAN
The NAPLAN tests commenced on Wednesday this week for Years 5,7 and 9. Year 5 classes completed multiple practice sessions, with questions using the same language, and in the same format as those in the official tests. These sessions were guided by teachers and they complemented the excellent teaching done in the classrooms every day. It is essential for the boys to continue to have the correct equipment, including a fully charged laptop and earphones each day, as the tests are being completed using the “ONLINE PLATFORM”. We suggest another good night’s sleep Sunday evening, and a solid breakfast Monday morning to ensure the boys are feeling good for their final test. Finally, if students have missed any tests due to absence, they will attend scheduled catch-up sessions when they return.
REPORT CARDS and PARENT /TEACHER- INTERVIEWS
Interim Reports will be published in Parent Lounge and Student Café at the end of term. I hope all boys can be proud of their achievements this term and that their report reflects a strong start to 2026.
Parent-Teacher Interviews will be conducted on Monday 27 April (1:45-6:30pm) and Wednesday 6 May (3:30-7:00pm). Bookings will open on Monday, 13 April. Please note that school concludes at 1:10pm on April 27 to facilitate the interviews. We hope this early notice allows families time to make other plans for the early finish.
The Interviews will be conducted via “Teams” in an online format. The use of technology for Parent- Teacher Interviews in recent years has been overwhelmingly successful. We encourage the boys to be present and involved in these interviews, to sit with parents, if possible, to ensure a consistent understanding of messages and feedback.
TERM 2 TUESDAY SPORT TRANSPORT REGISTRATION
Tuesday afternoon sport/activities (for Term 2 Sports: Rugby & Football) will commence on Tuesday, (21 April – Term 2, Week 1).
In Term 2, each Tuesday afternoon during school time, all boys involved in Rugby and Football will travel to Runcorn after lunch by bus. Any changes to weekly transportarrangements should be communicated to the Primary Office each Monday by 10:30am to ensure rolls are correct. You will receive a separate App notification by the end of this term to nominate transport arrangements. It is essential this form be completed for boys to attend Runcorn for sport.
Boys not involved in Rugby or Football will remain at school with teachers for various activities and will be dismissed at 2:55pm as usual. All boys should continue to wear HPE uniform to school on Tuesdays next term as has been the routine in Term 1. They need to bring boots, mouthguards, shinpads etc. in a separate bag. Students will not be able to participate in training without their necessary safety gear.
GRANDPARENTS MORNING
As mentioned in the Parent Information Evening earlier in the year, Year 5 students will have the opportunity to host their grandparent/s on the morning of the Wednesday, 1 April (Week 10) from 8:45am – 10:30am in their classrooms. No RSVP is required.
END OF TERM RAFFLE
On Thursday, 2 April (Week 10), we will be conducting our monster raffle from the hundreds of raffle tickets that have been awarded to the boys this term. If you would like to donate any prizes, please send them into the Primary Office. Thank you in advance to those families who are able to assist with prize donations (big or small). The boys really appreciate it and receive a bonus raffle ticket per item donated.
In this Edition of the Primary Newsletter, you can also read about Curriculum Updates, Music, Upcoming Events and Laurie Journey winners.
We are looking forward to a really positive finish to the term in the few weeks.
Kind Regards,
Alicia Sheehan
Acting Dean of Primary