Welcome back to everyone for the new year.  Things at school have settled and all classes are up and running with great routines and focused learning taking place.  Good use of children's assessment data from the end of 2009 has meant that teachers have a clear picture of what each child knows and they are able to plan the next learning step without having to spend time reassessing. 

National Standards:  As from this year all schools will be reporting to parents on their children’s achievement as measured against the new national achievement standards. There has been considerable press coverage both in support and in opposition to the introduction of these national standards with the teachers union NZEI and the Government currently debating the value. Regardless of this political jousting the national standards are currently legislated and until there are any changes Sandspit Road School will ensure that we are doing what is legally required of us. 

Our current assessment practices are in line with what is being asked of us under the standards. We will be looking at the way we report your child’s progress to ensure that parents can easily see where their children are performing and what they can do to assist their children as well as what we as a school will be doing to move your child to the next level.