Curriculum P-6

Alright, let’s talk about something that’s on everyone’s mind (well, I know it is on teachers’ minds): Reports! I know, I know, you’re thinking, “Why do we have to talk about that?” But trust me this is going to be interesting and maybe even a little surprising.

Teachers write reports about your progress in the middle and at the end of the school year. Reports are not about trying to be the best in class; they’re about showing how much you’ve grown and what new things you’ve learned. They help your teachers and parents understand where you’re doing well and where you can become even greater!

First, let me take you back to the olden days. Imagine a time when teachers used quills to write your grades on scrolls. Okay, maybe not that old, but close enough. Back then, teachers would write things like, “Johnny needs to stop talking and start working!” or “Sally daydreams too much.” Ouch! Can you imagine reading that at home with your parents? In the picture you see here it says ‘Annette (definitely NOT Alison) has not improved at all since talking with you. She still is very silly in class.’ – there’s even reference to a dental examination!

Nowadays, teachers are much kinder. Instead of writing mean things, they say things like, “Johnny is making better choices about managing distractions” or “Sally is improving her focus.” See the difference? So if you see something like that on your report, remember, it’s just a gentle nudge to help you grow, not a big red ‘X’ telling you you’re doomed forever.

So, why do we even have reports? Reports are like a map. They show you the places you’ve been and help guide you to where you want to go. Maybe you’ve been doing well in reading but need a little extra help in measurement. That’s okay! Your teachers are here to help you, just like satellite navigation!

Now, let’s talk about those grades. You see this picture here? It says an ‘At Year Level Expectations’ grade is where most students are. That means if you get this grade, you’re right where you need to be for this stage of your learning. It’s like having a full driver’s license – it shows that you can drive independently and safely on your learning road. And if someone gets a ‘Working Beyond Year Level Expectations’ grade? Well, that’s like being a Grand Prix racer – it’s impressive but remember, not everyone needs to be a racing driver to be successful on the road. Don’t feel disappointed if your report says ‘Working towards expectations’, that’s like a ‘P’ plate driver – you are independent, but you’re still learning. Think about the power of YET! Every time we learn something new or improve even by just a little bit – we grow!

And here’s something really special you might not know: your teachers put a lot of care and thought into writing your reports. They spend hours looking at all the work you’ve done, thinking about your progress and figuring out the best way to help you grow. It’s like they’re detectives, finding clues in your assignments, tests and class activities to piece together a picture of your learning journey. So when you read your report, know that it’s made with a lot of heart and dedication from your teachers who really care about you and your success.

Learning is more than just what’s able to be written on your reports. It is also about all the little things you do every day that don’t always get a grade. Like how you help a friend when they’re stuck on a problem, or how you come up with a super creative idea during art, or even how you make everyone laugh with your funny jokes during recess. Your teachers see more than just your grades. They see the whole person. They notice your kindness, how hard you work, how you never give up, and how you help your classmates. Your report is just one way they share what they see, but remember, it can’t capture everything amazing about you. When you look at your report, know that it’s just a snapshot of your learning, and your teachers do see the full, awesome person behind those grades.

So, keep being kind, keep wondering and keep being brave enough to grow. See your report as a roadmap to help you get to where you need to be academically. Academic progress is incredibly important, and your report is a key part of your journey. Remember, it’s just one part of your amazing story!

Warm regards

Alison Rasheed
Director of Curriculum P-6