NAPLAN

This week, our students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9 undertook the annual NAPLAN assessments, completing four key tests:

• Writing
• Reading
• Conventions of Language

These assessments play a crucial role in providing insight into student learning, allowing us to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth. While NAPLAN is often seen as a major academic milestone, it is important to remember that it is just one metric that helps build a broader picture of each student’s development.

We want to take a moment to applaud our students for their application and perseverance throughout the testing period. Sitting four assessments across multiple days can be a mentally demanding experience, yet our students displayed focus, resilience, and a genuine commitment to doing their best. We were also particularly impressed with how they navigated the online testing environment with confidence. While technology can sometimes present challenges, our students approached the process with adaptability, ensuring a smooth experience with minimal disruptions. I would also like to thank our IT department for their ongoing support in dealing with the technical difficulties some boys experienced over the week.

A huge thank you must also go to the staff involved in the planning, coordination, and administration of NAPLAN. Running a large-scale assessment such as NAPLAN requires a significant amount of preparation, and we acknowledge the dedication of our teachers and admin staff who worked behind the scenes to ensure the process was seamless. From setting up testing environments to guiding students through each assessment, their hard work has been instrumental in making NAPLAN a success.

Catchup NAPLAN sessions:

For those students who were unable to sit their assessments this week due to illness or other commitments, catch-up sessions will be available on Monday and Tuesday of next week (Week 8). If your child needs to complete any outstanding tests, a schedule will be distributed later today.

Once results are available later in the year, we will use them as a school to reflect on student progress, refine teaching strategies, and celebrate the achievements of our students and staff. Data from NAPLAN allows us to better support student learning and tailor our programs to meet the needs of each cohort. However, we also remind families that while these assessments are valuable, they do not define a student’s overall abilities or potential. We encourage parents to engage in conversations with their sons about their learning, reinforcing the message that growth, effort, and resilience are just as important as any test result.

Outdoor Education

When we think about school subjects, it’s easy to picture students sitting in classrooms, taking notes, writing essays, or conducting experiments in a science lab. While these are essential components of learning, education is far more than just textbooks and assessments. Outdoor Education turns this traditional idea of learning on its head, offering students the opportunity to engage with the natural world, develop resilience, and build practical skills that will serve them well beyond their school years.

This past week, our Year 12 Outdoor Education students embarked on an unforgettable excursion, immersing themselves in hands-on learning experiences that tested their leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Through activities that challenged both their physical and mental endurance, students discovered new strengths, overcame obstacles, and deepened their understanding of the world around them.

Unlike traditional subjects, which often assess students through written reports and exams, Outdoor Education focuses on experiential learning, where students are actively engaged in real-world scenarios. The skills gained through this subject – critical thinking, adaptability, resilience, and collaboration are invaluable, equipping students with a foundation that extends beyond academic success into personal and professional growth.

As we wrap up another dynamic week of learning, both inside and outside the classroom, we want to acknowledge the continued efforts of our students and staff. Whether it be through structured assessments like NAPLAN or the immersive, hands-on experiences of Outdoor Education, each opportunity for learning contributes to the development of well-rounded, capable, and confident young men.

Mr David Salamone-Violi
Director of Teaching and Learning