NAPLAN Year 3, 5, 7, 9 

This week students in Year 3, 5, 7, 9 have completed practice of NAPLAN. They practiced NAPLAN Writing and Omnibus, which is a combination test that covers Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy.  The purpose of the practice from a school perspective is to test the ‘systems’, both IT and organisational and from a student perspective to engage with the platform and all its capabilities.  We learnt a lot through the practice process and it will help us in preparation for next week. Next week students will begin the official NAPLAN test period. 

It is our goal to space the tests appropriately for our students.  They will be completed at different times throughout the day and all be completed by 1:30pm.  If you child is late or absent for these tests they will be completed on the catch up day or in the period following our year level schedule until Friday 22 March.  It is important to note that a student must complete all of the tests in order Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and lastly Numeracy.   

Important reminders for students (and parents): 

• For those who manage laptops at home (Year 7 and 9) please ensure they are fully charged at the start of each school day 
• Place your charger (just in case) in your laptop bag for the period of NAPLAN 
• Encourage positive engagement in NAPLAN, it is about doing your best and transferring your skills from class learning to the test questions 
• Arrive at school on time and be ready for learning when the school day begins to ensure transition is smooth. 

NAPLAN is a nationwide measure through which parents, teachers, schools, education authorities, governments and the broader community can determine how well young Australians are developing the literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for other learning, and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community. 

• For more information about online assessment, visit the ‘Understanding online assessment’ page of the NAP website. 
• To see example of NAPLAN online explore the Public Demonstration Site on NAP website 

1. If you would like to discuss your child’s participation in NAPLAN please contact your child’s core teacher, the Learning Support Team or myself.  

AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM v9.0 (ACiQ v9.0) 

This year we have commenced the implementation phase of the updated version of the Australian Curriculum v9.0 or ACiQ v9.0.  This is an exciting time for us as we have been familiarising ourselves with this since 2022.  The Australian Curriculum sets the goal for what all students should learn as they progress through their school life – wherever they live in Australia and whichever school they attend.  

Teachers use the Australian Curriculum to map out what will be taught and assessed in each year level.  These curriculum and assessment maps are then transferred to unit planning where teachers consider how the curriculum will be delivered to engage learners and cater for diverse range of learning styles and needs in their current class.  This is a great opportunity for us as teachers to renew and refresh our units.   

We are currently implementing v9.0 in English and Mathematics across Prep to Year 12.  We will then roll out other key learning areas across the next three years.  Although you may not see many visible changes for your learners know that we are constantly working to ensure our alignment and best practice in the area of curriculum delivery.   

This year we have restructured our Middle Leader positions to prioritise areas of Curriculum to align with the rollout of our updated curriculum.  We have the following new positions with a focus on Curriculum: 

Middle Leader Primary – Mrs Louise Pevy  

Middle Leader Mathematics – Mrs Simone Forbes 

Middle Leader English and Humanities – Mrs Danielle Skerman  

Middle Leader Science and Technology – Ms Leah Parker 

The Curriculum areas of The Arts and Health and Physical Education are overseen by our Assistant Principals Craig Cullen and Rodney Spain. 

Student-Led Conferences 

Over the past few weeks we have conducted Student-Led Conferences for Senior and Middle Years.  Later this term Early Years will conduct their conferences.  All Student-Led Conferences are booked via the Parent Portal under the Interviews widget.  Information regarding conferences will be communicated by Sector Assistant Principals in the lead up to the conferences.  Parents are encouraged to take up this opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher/s and them as the learner to discuss their progress and their next steps in their learning.   

Parents can arrange appointments to meet with their child’s teacher at any stage throughout the year and we encourage you to do so if they have any pressing concerns or updates for the teacher.  These are best coordinated directly with the teacher or through the College office.    

Sacraments @ St Joseph’s Parish 

Our Catholic parish, St Joseph's, coordinates the Sacramental Programs for children in our community.  If your child is baptised they can join the Reconciliation Program in Year 2 (Sacrament received in November), then the following year (Year 3) they can join the Confirmation and Communion Program (Sacrament received in May).  This flow of sacraments may differ from other parishes and from the past.  If you child has missed the opportunity in Year 2 or 3 they may just add into the next year's program. 

The program consists of families working through a child's workbook/s to learn more about the history, ritual and significance of each Sacrament.  This time of preparation is followed by liturgical celebration in which the sacrament takes place or is received.  Reconciliation and First Communion are conducted by our parish priest, Fr Jim Cronin and Confirmation is conducted by our bishop, Bishop Ken Howell.  Registrations are now being taken for Confirmation and Communion so that families can commence the preparation workbooks. 

If you would like your child to be included in these programs you should make contact with our parish by phone 46624011 or email dalbyparish@twb.catholic.edu.au . The parish will then communicate directly with families in regard to the programs before they commence. To register please contact the Parish, or if you would like to discuss the programs further or your child's readiness to take part in these both myself or the parish can assist with these queries.   

Parent Portal – new help video on Student Details 

All new families should have received their access details for our Parent Portal.  It is important to use the Parent Portal to keep up with notices around the College including information about upcoming activities that may involve your child. It is a useful tool for communicating and the College utilises it for many purposes including the dissemination of letters and information, permission granting, booking conferences.  It also has a widget that enables you to notify the College about student absences.  Student timetables, absences and previous report cards can be viewed on this portal.  I encourage families to set the notifications settings so that you do not miss communication from the College.  Over the coming weeks we will be including short videos and information sheets in our newsletter with tips to help you navigate the Portal – this week’s is how to access Student Details within the app. 

Mrs Cate Brennan

Deputy Principal Religious Education