Welcome back, students have generally returned to school after the break focussed and ready to take on the challenges of a new semester. Semester 2 is always busy with plenty happening across all year groups. As previously communicated the focus for Years 7-10 should be taking on board the feedback from Semester 1 students received by way of grades, reports (comments and profiles) and parent teacher interviews. The challenge for students is to apply that feedback and set some personal goals to try and improve/grow academically across the semester. A few options to consider to support this include:

• Organisation (bringing all materials to class, organising books and digital files etc)
• Greater focus on formal assessments (starting early, completing drafts and submitting for feedback etc
• Minimising distractions in class (devices, friends/peers), paying more attention to teacher instruction and completing set work to the best of your ability
• Establishing a regular home study routine/program
• Increasing engagement in class (setting personal learning goals, working collaboratively with others

The approach students take to learning in Semester 2 is up to them however, a collaborative approach between the student, teachers and families is always the most effective way to support students to reach their academic potential.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thanks to all who made the time to attend our Zoom and Face to Face Parent Teacher interviews in recent weeks. The number of parents/carers making interviews was the highest we have seen since Covid and it is encouraging to see families eager to work collaboratively with teachers to support our students. A reminder that teachers are always available to discuss any concerts you may have regarding your student(s).

Trial HSC Exams

Good luck to our senior students who undertake their Trial HSC exams starting Monday (Week 3).

Students have been well prepared and are encouraged to use the 2 weeks of flexible attendance to apply the knowledge and strategies they have been developing to navigate this experience. Students are strongly encouraged to follow all the exam requirements that have been shared/discussed with them. A reminder if any student is unable to complete an exam, they need to contact the school prior to the exam to inform us, complete an Illness/Misadventure form and submit to the Curriculum Office ASAP along with the appropriate documentation eg. Medical Certificate from a GP/Pharmacist.

Year 11

Term 3 is the final stage of the preliminary HSC course for Year 11. This is a great opportunity for Year 11 to adapt and modify their approach to learning both in the classroom and at home before starting the HSC course ion term 4. Students should be well into the process of implementing a regular home study routine in preparation for their end of year exams in weeks 9 and 10.

Subject Selection 2025

Year 11 2025

Students completed their initial selections over the holidays. We have now finalised the lines for 2025 based on these selections and will share with students Monday. Students will receive an email with log in details to the online selection portal and will be required to make their final selections by early Week 3.

Years 9 and 10 2025

With senior subject selection finalised we will now proceed to finalise elective choices for students in Years 9 and 10 2025. Students will receive an email with log in details to the online selection portal in Week 3. Students will be required to select their elective choices in order of preference. Final allocation of elective subjects will be determined by student selections and staff availability in each faculty.

If there are any issues or concerns around subjects and lines please contact the Curriculum office to discuss.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN was held for students in Years 7 and Year 9 earlier this year in Term 1. We have now been provided with the students results which we have sent home with students last week. The student reports have changed this year.  Education ministers have agreed to change the way NAPLAN results are reported to parents and carers, now that all students are taking the tests online, and with the move to an earlier NAPLAN in March. New proficiency standards with 4 levels of achievement for each year level will replace the previous 10-band structure that covered all 4 levels tested and the old National Minimum Standard set in 2008 when tests were on paper. The new proficiency standards include a baseline benchmark to identify students who are likely to need additional support.

The numerical NAPLAN bands and the national minimum standard will be replaced by the following 4 levels of achievement:

• Exceeding
• Strong
• Developing
• Needs additional support

The descriptors for each category will make it clear to parents what their child’s literacy and numeracy skills are at the time of NAPLAN testing, and support discussions with their school on their child’s progress.

Please refer to the flyer attached from ACARA for more information. https://www.nap.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/naplan-information-brochure-for-parents-and-carers.pdf)

Mr Brett Moran

Curriculum Coordinator