Learning Assistant Principal's Report
Language for Inquiring & the LitSTEM project: Staff professional learning
Nazareth College has been at the forefront of literacy education in secondary schools for many years, participating in the Reading2Learn project, Secondary Literacy Improvement Project (SLIP) and now pioneering the LitSTEM project. LitSTEM – as the name implies – combines both Literacy and STEM learning and research as a collaborative venture with our local primary schools. Nazareth College staff work with local primary school staff to create learning experiences that benefit both the secondary and primary school students. As part of this project, primary school students will be utilising Nazareth College staff and facilities while Nazareth students and staff will visit the primary schools to lead activities with primary school students.
Staff from CEM and 7 other primary and secondary schools joined the learning with Nazareth Staff
The Language of Inquiry day led by world-renowned literacy expert Dr Beverly Derewianka of the University of Wollongong
Literacy Leader Mrs Claire Nailon with Dr Beverly Derewianka of the University of Wollongong
Staff from CEM and 7 other primary and secondary schools joined the learning with Nazareth Staff
The Language of Inquiry day led by world-renowned literacy expert Dr Beverly Derewianka of the University of Wollongong
Literacy Leader Mrs Claire Nailon with Dr Beverly Derewianka of the University of Wollongong
While students were still enjoying the benefits of an extra day’s sleep-in on Monday 16 April, the Nazareth College staff participated in a professional learning day on ‘Language for Inquiring’, led by Dr Beverly Derewianka of the University of Wollongong. Dr Derewianka is a key author of the Australian Curriculum for English and the Literacy Learning standards. Nazareth College were pleased to welcome staff from Catholic Education Melbourne (CEM) and seven different local primary and secondary schools to learn together in connection with the LitSTEM project.
NAPLAN – May 15, 16 & 17
A reminder that on May 15, 16 & 17, our Year 7 and 9 students will be sitting the series of Literacy and Numeracy tests, collectively referred to as NAPLAN (National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy). The results of these assessments will not be available to the college nor to parents until September. These tests provide a snapshot of student skills as measured on the day of the testing. This information can be useful to staff to assist in corroborating their own assessment and monitoring of student skills as displayed by students in the classroom.
The NAPLAN testing takes place as follows:
Tuesday 15 May – Language Conventions; Writing
Wednesday 16 May – Reading
Thursday 17 May – Numeracy (Calculator & Non-calculator)
Should a student be ill on the day of testing, they will complete the testing on their return to school.
It is important that each Year 7 and 9 student has their own materials for each test. These may only include:
- 2B or HB pencils
- Eraser
- Self-contained sharpener
- Blue or black pens
- Calculator (for Thursday’s Numeracy test only)
Mr David Broadbent
Assistant Principal - Learning