MCC Newsletter

Assistant Principal News

Preparations are well underway for the return of NAPLAN in 2021. Last year, as a result of the COVID pandemic the diagnostic test was cancelled. However, next Wednesday and Thursday the NAPLAN practice test returns with Year 7 and Year 9 participating.

Students in Year 7 and Year 9 will each sit two practice tests - one an Omnibus Test combining elements of all the domains, the other a Writing Test. As per the previous two years, students at Marian will sit these tests online. As such, we ask that all Year 7 and Year 9 students bring their laptops fully charged to School and also bring a set of headphones on both Wednesday and Thursday 24th and 25th.

 

These practice tests are mandatory and offer students and teachers an opportunity to test the platform prior to the actual NAPLAN tests in May. Please below the schedule for the 

Practice Test:

Week 9

Wednesday 24th March: Omnibus Test - M Block Demountables

Year 9 Period 1 

Year 7 Classes A, B, C  Period 3    

Year 7 Classes D, E, F Period 5  

    

Thursday 25th March: Writing Test - M Block Demountables

Year 7 Classes D, E, F Period 1

Year 9 Period 3

Year 7 Classes A, B, C Period 5   

 

In addition to preparing for NAPLAN, teachers are also currently completing their Interim Reports for classes in Years 7-11. These reports will be released at the end of next week and aim to give parents and students an early indication of learning progress and engagement so far this year, providing feedback and stimulating a conversation for the ensuing Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences in Week 10.

These reports provide an update on student progress in the following areas:

  • Application in Class - How effectively the student is applying themselves in class activities and tasks
    • Categories:
      • Hard working
      • Steady
      • Inconsistent
      • Limited
  • Learning Achievement - The actual progress the student has made and demonstrated in their learning so far this year
    • Categories:
      • Excellent
      • Substantial
      • Satisfactory
      • Elementary
  • Homework - How diligent and punctual the student has been in completing home learning and assignments to the best of their ability
    • Categories:
      • Excellent
      • Satisfactory
      • Needs reminders
      • Not satisfactory
  • Classroom Behaviour - The behaviour and respect demonstrated by students in class. Their Interaction with teachers and students along with their general work ethic
    • Categories:
      • Excellent
      • Satisfactory
      • Needs reminders
      • Not satisfactory

I urge parents to have a discussion with their child about their learning progress.

As mentioned earlier, on Wednesday 31st March the College will be holding Zoom Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences. 

Parents can book their interviews on Compass. Next week booking information will be sent to parents.

We remind parents of the vital importance that students also participate in the conversation to enhance their learning.

Here are some learning questions for parents to ask both teachers and their children before, during and after the professional conversations:

Questions parents can ask teachers

  1. What is my child learning?
  2. What are they doing well?
  3. What do they need to do to improve?
  4. How can they improve?
  5. What support can I provide?

5 Questions parents can ask their children

  1. What are you learning?
  2. What are you doing well?
  3. What do you need to improve?
  4. How can you improve?
  5. Where to next?

Next week will be a busy week for staff, as we also will welcome our incoming Year 7 students for 2022 to the College for their first transition days. These days were unable to be held last year due to COVID restrictions, and as such we are extremely excited to restart this important program. The transition days will take place next Wednesday and Thursday and will involve students from our feeder Schools St Patricks and St Marys, as well as students from the State Schools who will be attending Marian in 2022. Students will get an experience of both HSIE and Mathematics during their time at Marian.

 

This Wednesday staff also participated in their own Staff Wellbeing Sessions. Staff were able to choose from sessions on Mental Health, Spirituality and STEM. The program is aimed at promoting wellbeing and awareness of staff, giving them time to connect with areas of interest to recharge their batteries and learn new skills.

 

Finally, today saw our Harmony Day celebrations. Again, we are so pleased to be able to recommence these celebrations after the restriction last year. The day was celebrated with a range of cultural dances and performances during our Assembly, along with some wonderful food stalls from these cultures during lunchtime. I wish to thank all those who have dedicated time and energy to contribute to the day.

 

Yours in Learning,

Lora Segrave and Damien Herb

Co Assistant Principals