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 students received by way of grades, reports (comments and profiles) and parent teacher interviews from semester 1. The challenge for students is to apply that feedback and set some personal goals to try and improve/grow academically across the semester. Growth of 10-15% in a subject should generally correlate with a a student processing up at least 1 grade. This is a realistic goal for most students.

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)
• Seeking out and using teacher feedback to improve completed work

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 PT interviews in recent weeks. 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 concerns 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. Online Medical Certificates are not acceptable documentation.

Year 11 students doing a trial exam in a 2unit elective subject are entitled to one day of flexible study leave prior to their exam in that subject. To receive the flexible study day students must complete the form shared via email by Friday 1st August.

Students doing Year 12 SOR Pathways will have flexible attendance from the end of Periodd 4 the day before their SOR exam. Students may leave school at the end of Period 4 on that day or alternatively space will be provided at school for students to work independently to prepare for the exam. More information will be provided to these students in the coming days.

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 in 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 2026

Year 11 2026

Students have now completed their subject selection for 2026. In some cases classes are overfull and numbers will need to be reduced. This decision will be made on academic performance, approach to classwork both in class and at home and suitability for the subject. Students are strongly encouraged to ensure they are working diligently across all these subjects from the start of the Semester and work closely with their teachers to endure they are meeting the expectations above.

Yrs 9 and 10 2026

With senior subject selection finalised we will now proceed to finalise elective choices for students in Years 9 and 10 2026.

For Year 10 2026 students we will be having a meeting and finalising students looking to do Year 11 Pathways subjects first. This will then be followed by the remainder of the year group choosing their electives. Students will be provided with more details during week 3.Once these students have finalised their selections we will begin the process of subject selection for Year 9 2026. This will begin with an Information night at the school on Tuesday 12th August. More details will be provided next week, ALL students and at least 1 parent/carer are expected to attend the event.

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. (insert this link please - https://www.nap.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/naplan-information-brochure-for-parents-and-carers.pdf)