From Nick Mellington

It has been a strong and settled start to the school year at St Augustine College. Classrooms have quickly established routines and students have returned ready to engage in their learning. Our Swimming Carnival for Years 5–12 was a wonderful event, highlighting the positive spirit of our students and the strong sense of community across the College. It was pleasing to see high levels of participation, encouragement between peers and students representing their Houses with pride.

A key focus in these early weeks has been professional learning for both new and existing staff. Teachers and support staff have been undertaking training in MultiLit, MiniLit, SpellEx and InitialWrite, strengthening our whole-school approach to explicit and evidence-based literacy instruction. These programs support students at different stages of their reading and spelling development and ensure consistency across year levels. In addition, staff involved in targeted intervention programs are currently engaging in professional learning for MacqLit and MiniLit Sage, supporting our commitment to providing structured, high-quality intervention for students who require additional support in reading.

This week, our Year 7 students are attending camp in Anglesea. Camp is an important milestone in the Year 7 journey and provides students with valuable opportunities to build friendships, develop independence, and strengthen their sense of belonging within the College. Experiences such as these support not only social development but also resilience and confidence as students transition into secondary school life.

We are also continuing to strengthen teaching practice through Steplab, our instructional coaching platform. Staff are currently participating in professional learning to support its effective use, focusing on reflective practice, goal setting and targeted feedback. Steplab allows us to build a shared language of instruction across the College and supports ongoing improvement in teaching and learning through structured coaching conversations.

With NAPLAN approaching, letters will be sent home shortly to parents and carers of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 with further information about the assessments and testing schedule. NAPLAN assesses students in four key areas: Reading, Writing, Conventions of Language (Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation), and Numeracy.

All NAPLAN tests are completed online, with the exception of the Year 3 Writing assessment, which continues to be completed in a paper-based format. Students will complete:

• Writing – one extended response based on a provided prompt

• Reading – a range of text types with comprehension questions

• Conventions of Language – spelling, grammar and punctuation

• Numeracy – number and algebra, measurement and geometry, statistics and probability

NAPLAN provides valuable information that supports teachers in understanding student progress and identifying areas for further focus in teaching and learning. While the assessments form part of our broader data picture, they are just one of many tools we use to monitor growth and achievement across the year. Further guidance will be provided to families on how best to support students in approaching NAPLAN with confidence and a positive mindset.

Finally, a reminder to families about the importance of correct school uniform. Students are expected to wear the appropriate College uniform each day, including school hats when required and the correct uniform on Physical Education days. Your support in maintaining high uniform standards helps reinforce our shared expectations and pride in our College community.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together to support the learning, wellbeing and development of every student at St Augustine's College. We look forward to a productive and rewarding term ahead.

Warm regards,

Nick Mellington

Deputy Principal 

Student Learning and Professional Practice