Issue 05, 2026 (May)

School Notices

From the Executive

Head of Secondary (Issue 05, 2026)

Dear Parents and Carers

At Frederick Irwin Anglican School, our most important partnership is the one we share with our families. When students, parents, and teachers work together, learning is stronger, progress is clearer, and young people are better prepared for their life beyond school. A reminder I saw recently highlights a simple but powerful truth: learning does not happen in isolation, and it cannot happen when students are not present or actively engaged in class.

Coming to school and trying your best every day is about far more than complying with expectations. Each lesson builds on the one before it. When students miss school, they don’t just miss a worksheet or a task - they miss explanations, discussions, feedback, guided practice, and opportunities to ask questions - all things that cannot be captured in lesson notes on SEQTA.

Regular attendance helps students to engage with curriculum content, build trusting relationships with teachers and peers, and develop confidence as learners. Even short absences interrupt learning and can make students feel under pressure when they return, especially in secondary school where learning can move quickly.

Regular attendance plays a critical role in student well-being, which in turn has a positive impact on confidence and learning. School provides structure, predictability and connection, all factors in supporting young people to thrive.

We know how important regular attendance is for both learning and students’ sense of connection to school. That is why attendance is a key component of our Advanced Standing program.

Assessments (tests, assignments, practical tasks, and classwork) are not only about grades. They are an essential part of the learning process. When students submit their work, teachers can provide timely, meaningful feedback that helps the students gain clarity about their strengths and next steps for learning. Assessments are used to measure achievement so it can be accurately assessed and reported on; having all assessments completed allows teachers to make the best judgement for grading, and teachers can adjust their teaching to better meet students’ needs.

When work is not submitted, teachers are unable to give feedback or make informed judgements about progress, which can limit future learning opportunities, particularly for students as they progress to Years 11 and 12.

Every lesson, task, and piece of feedback contributes to a student’s growth. Learning requires effort, persistence, and sometimes discomfort. Mistakes are a natural and valuable part of learning - but only when students remain engaged and complete the work.

Students who attend regularly and meet assessment requirements develop their independence and responsibility, build resilience and confidence, as well as fulfil curriculum expectations.

We ask parents and carers to support their child’s learning and well-being by promoting attendance at school, supporting study routines and homework completion, and communicating with us if there is a valid reason for your child to miss an assessment.

We understand that there are times when students experience genuine difficulties. Early communication allows us to work together to provide the right support. Every lesson counts. Every task matters. And every day at school supports not only learning, but well-being and personal growth. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting attendance, engagement, and achievement. Together, we are preparing our students for success in school and beyond.

Kind regards

Ms Jannine Webb
Head of Secondary

Head of Primary - Meadow Springs (Issue 05, 2026)

Dear Parents and Carers

Term 2 has been wonderful and I am delighted to share some of the highlights with you.

Firstly, I would like to sincerely thank all families who attended our Learning Journey on Tuesday 12 May. The event was a great success, and I truly appreciate the overwhelmingly positive feedback received from parents. It was wonderful to see our students confidently sharing their learning and reflecting on their growth. A particular highlight was the inclusion of prospective parents, who were incredibly impressed by the warmth of our community and the quality of teaching and learning on display. Opportunities such as these powerfully showcase what makes Frederick Irwin Anglican School such a special place to learn and grow.

Our students are also to be commended for the outstanding way they are engaging with their swimming lessons. They have demonstrated resilience, enthusiasm, and a willingness to challenge themselves.

As our Pre-Primary to Year 3 students attend their swimming lessons this Term, we look forward to seeing them embrace this opportunity as well. I would like to acknowledge that this can be a physically demanding time for students, and many may be feeling quite tired. I thank our parents for their understanding and support at home, during this busy period.

Another recent highlight has been the contribution of our school choir, who represented Frederick Irwin Anglican School with pride during their performance at the RAAFA aged care home. Their ability to bring joy to others through music is something we are incredibly proud of.

I would like to extend a very special thank you to Mrs Jenny Beesley, who has done an exceptional job leading our choir and Music programme. Her passion, expertise, and dedication have enriched the learning of many students. While we are saddened that she will be leaving at the end of this week to move to New Zealand to be closer to family, we are grateful for all she has given to our school and wish her every blessing in this next chapter.

As we farewell Mrs Beesley, we warmly welcome Mrs Eunice Hicks and Mrs Lydia Van Sambeek to our Music and school community. We are also pleased that Mrs Nicole Dunn and Miss Mia Crane, who are already valued members of our community, will also be teaching within the Music programme.

In addition, we welcome Mrs Amy Pattullo, who will be teaching alongside Mrs Bronwyn Webb in Year 2. This comes as Mrs Tabitha Boyle steps into the role of School Operations Coordinator, covering the maternity leave of Mrs Lara Ialacci. We thank all staff involved in ensuring a smooth transition and continued excellence in both teaching and operations.

Looking ahead, we are excited to join schools across the country in celebrating National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday 27 May. This wonderful initiative promotes a love of reading and shared literacy experiences across all year levels, fostering a strong culture of storytelling and connection.

Finally, a reminder to parents that four assessments are released each term via SEQTA. If you are experiencing any difficulties accessing these, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher. These assessments provide an important insight into your child’s learning. Similarly, if you have any questions regarding your child’s progress or achievement, we strongly encourage you to make contact. Open communication between home and school remains a vital part of supporting every student’s success.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support.

Kind regards

Mr Noah Clark
Head of Primary - Meadow Springs Campus