Principal's Message
Welcome to Week 6, Term 3.
In the past fortnight, we have had our Education Week assembly, 5 debates against other schools, the first of our 2027 Kindergarten transition experiences and the Stage 3 Canberra excursion.
This fortnight, our Ben Venue Gold debating team competes in the regional final debate, vying for a place in the State Championship competition, our cricket team plays Barraba Central School, our girls soccer team takes on Moree PS, and we hold our Book Fair (Tuesday & Wednesday) and Parade (Friday).
NAPLAN
As 2026 NAPLAN data sets become available to us, we continue to analyse the story the data tells at a whole school, stage, and student level. One of the most striking features of our data is the continual improvement of Year 5 results over the past 3 years, particularly in Numeracy, Reading and Writing. In these three domains, Year 5 average scores have lifted each year since 2024, moving from below the average for statistically similar schools (SSSG) to above the average for similar schools and the state.
The data also clearly identifies Spelling as an area for ongoing focus. However as a whole, our NAPLAN results over recent years demonstrates exceptional improvement in Year 5 results.
Numeracy
Reading
Writing
Grammar and Punctuation
Spelling
Year 3 trends are less obvious; however, notable features include:
Reading results continuing to be above the state average
Spelling showing a strong upswing this year to meet the state average
Writing as an area for focus in Kindergarten to Year 2.
Stage 3 Canberra excursion
Some very tired but happy Stage 3 students and staff returned from their week-long Canberra excursion last Friday night. The Canberra excursion is a special opportunity for students to engage in learning experiences that develop their understanding and appreciation of our democracy, the contributions of Australians who have come before them and much more.
Congratulations to our students on their engagement in the learning opportunities and conduct throughout the week. A special thank you to Mr Osborn, Mrs Watson, Mrs Pattison, Mrs Farmer, Mrs Hunt, Mrs Pryce, Mrs Porter and Mrs Howlett for giving their week (and no, teachers are not paid overtime) to ensure our students were able to benefit from this experience. Thank you also to bus drivers Scott, Laurie and Pat, who supported the excursion so well.
2027 enrolment
Today, enrolment offers were made to families of 2027 Kindergarten students whose applications were accepted under the Department of Education's Enrolment Procedures. Consideration for enrolment at Ben Venue is still possible; however, any application should be submitted as a matter of urgency, as late non-local enrolment is not guaranteed and students applying late in the year will miss our transition process.
ASC 2027 Enrichment Stream applications
Current Year 6 families may wish to consider applying for entry into Armidale Secondary College's internally operated enrichment class. Details are available via the link below. Note that applications open today and must be submitted to ASC by Monday 7 September. Copies of academic reports, NAPLAN, PAT and Check-in assessments can be provided to applying families on request from the Ben Venue office. If applying, please request this information before 1 September.
Erskine St collection
Families utilising the supervised collection point on Erskine St are asked to support the efficient flow of traffic by displaying clear names of the students being collected in the vehicle windscreen. Visibility into vehicles from the supervision point is not good, and staff often cannot identify drivers due to reflections and glare. Keeping this collection point moving efficiently reduces the risk of vehicles queuing illegally beyond the collection zone.
Drivers are also asked to please not stop in the carriageway of Erskine St in an attempt to cut into the line of waiting vehicles. This causes confusion and occasionally elicits aggression from other motorists, increasing the risk of a traffic incident that may cause injury to a student or member of our community.
Active and Creative Kids vouchers – new voucher now available for families receiving FTB
The Active and Creative Kids voucher program helps NSW school-aged children (aged between 4.5 and 18 years) from low to middle-income families to participate in sport, recreational, creative and cultural activities. Eligible parents, guardians and carers receiving the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) can register for two $50 vouchers per child each year to help cover participation costs.
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Cam Pryce
Principal