Term 2 is already well underway and next week Kingston Primary School’s permanent principal will take up her position. Ms. Katie Wallace will take up her position after serving 8 years at South Newman PS. I know she is looking forward to beginning her appointment at Kingston.

This week, students in year 3 and 5 began the 2021 NAPLAN testing in Literacy and Numeracy. These are nationwide assessments that provide schools and parents with a snapshot of student achievement across the important subjects of English and Mathematics. Parents will receive an individual report of NAPLAN results in term 3.

This term, the school will also participate in an external review of its performance. Kingston PS last review was in 2016. A school review is part of the quality control and governance by the Education Department and they are conducted periodically by a review group comprising an Education Director and a peer reviewer (a principal). All aspects of a school’s operations are reviewed and the results are later published on-line.

Last week saw our new School Chaplain join our staff at school after the departure of Reet Joy.  Mrs Kylie Fleming is based in the Chaplaincy Office in Gumnut Cottage. Kylie has been busy introducing herself and talking about her role at school with classes, staff and students. She can be contacted through the school’s phone number for appointments.

On Friday, I will be hosting lunch for our first group of students who have achieved Advanced Standing in 2021. Students achieve advanced standing after nominations from their teachers for exemplary behaviour, 100% attendance and attitude positive towards their school work. Staff are very conscious of rewarding the students who excel as well as the “quiet achievers” in our school.

This week will see me conclude my contract at Kingston Primary School after filling the position whilst the recruitment process for principal has been running. Kingston PS is a great school and it has been my pleasure to work with such a professional staff and such a wonderful school of students.

Thank you.