Curriculum 

The Power of Academic Challenge: Growing Through Struggle

Academic challenge isn’t always comfortable—but that discomfort is often a sign that real learning is happening. Just as muscles grow when stretched, our brains develop when we grapple with complex tasks and unfamiliar ideas. If everything feels easy, students aren’t being stretched—and growth stalls.

As parents, it’s important to reassure your child that it’s okay for learning to feel difficult at times. In fact, that sense of stretch and challenge is exactly where meaningful progress occurs. Encourage them to lean into the task, seek feedback, reflect on mistakes, and try again. These moments of perseverance build resilience, confidence, and a deeper understanding.

Struggle in learning is not a sign of failure—it’s a sign of growth. Let your child know that challenge is not only expected, but essential. The sense of achievement that follows is all the more powerful because it was earned through effort.

Yr 12 Parent Teacher Conferences

The Year 12 Parent/Teacher Interview evening allowed quality discussion and feedback to students to assist them to progress in a proactive way. Students can reflect on  the feedback from their reports and  Parent/Teacher Interviews to set learning goals that focus on daily disciplines, study habits and consistent routines to maximise potential in the HSC.

HSC 2025

The 2025 HSC timetable was released recently. Exams commence on 16th October and conclude on 7th November.  Students can view their personalised timetables on Students Online.

Yr 10 - Careers Expo

As part of the initial steps to planning for post Year 10 options ,Yr 10 students will be supported by the Transitions team to investigate available options at the end of this year. The details are outlined on the ‘Careers & Vet News’ page later in this newsletter.

Term 2 PAT Testing

Students in Years 8–10 recently completed PAT Reading and Numeracy assessment. These tests help us identify areas of strength and opportunity in core literacy and numeracy skills. The data gathered allows teachers to refine their approaches to teaching, target support where needed, and ensure every student is building the essential skills required for success—both now and as they move into their senior years.

NAPLAN Data

NAPLAN data for Reading and Numeracy has begun to arrive in schools, with Writing results expected shortly. Our teachers have started reviewing this data to identify students’ strengths and areas for growth. This information supports our ongoing efforts to tailor teaching and provide targeted support. Individual Parent Reports are anticipated later this term and will be forwarded as soon as they are received.

NAPLAN Trial Participation

Our school has been selected by ACARA to participate in a trial of NAPLAN items later this term. This is a valuable opportunity to contribute to the development of national assessment tools that enhance the quality of feedback available to teachers and allow us to support student learning and progress.

Sally Sparke

Assistant Principal - Curriculum 

ssparke@arm.catholic.edu.au

Heather Burke

Leader of Pedagogy/Curriculum 

hburke1@arm.catholic.edu.au

Nicole Anderson

Leader of Pedagogy/Literacy Coach

nanders2@arm.catholic.edu.au