NAPLAN Results - Learning is Alive at Joey's!

In Week 8 of Term 1, our Year 7 and Year 9 students sat the NAPLAN tests alongside their peers across Australia. This week, we have begun receiving our initial school results, and we are incredibly pleased with what we are seeing.

At St Joseph’s, our focus is not just on where students finish, but on how far they grow. We believe that great teaching is measured by student growth, and growth is the clearest evidence that learning is alive.

We are proud to report that learning is very much alive and thriving at Joey’s.

Our Year 9 cohort has recorded the highest mean growth across all five NAPLAN test domains; Reading, Writing, Numeracy, Spelling, and Grammar & Punctuation, when compared to the other eight diocesan secondary schools in our region. Even more impressively, they have performed above the national mean in all five domains, and we have seen a clear increase in the percentage of students achieving at or above proficiency.

This is a fantastic achievement, and a testament to the commitment of our students, families, and teachers. When I spoke with Year 9 before their Writing test, I encouraged them to give their best and to walk away proud of their efforts. I also made them a deal, if they achieved the highest growth in one or more domains across the diocese, I’d put on a BBQ lunch. Let’s just say... food is a powerful motivator!

Our Year 7 cohort, drawn from 29 different primary schools, brings a wide range of educational backgrounds. Their NAPLAN results are aligned with our earlier PAT testing, and we have already begun targeted planning to support their progress. At Joey’s, we have a strong record of achieving meaningful growth between Year 7 and Year 9 and we are confident this group will continue that tradition.

School Photo Day

Thank you to the large majority of students who presented themselves so well on School Photo Day. It was great to see pride in personal presentation and uniform. The challenge now is to maintain that same high standard every day.

Students who missed their photo or need to address uniform issues will have the opportunity to take part in Catch-Up Photo Day on Monday 16 June.

Reminder: Mobile Phones and AirPods

We remind students and families of our Electronic Communication Device Policy. Mobile phones should be turned off and stored in bags during school hours. AirPods should only be used when a teacher explicitly permits their use for educational purposes. Students should not be walking around the school with them in their ears.

We’ve observed a rise in inappropriate use during class, which distracts from learning and creates unnecessary challenges for staff. These expectations align with the NSW Government’s mobile phone ban during school hours, and we appreciate your ongoing support in reinforcing them.