Principal's Message

NAPLAN

NAPLAN is a word that yields different reactions, depending on your audience. It is a series of tests given to all students in Grades 3 and 5 (at Primary School) and Years 7 and 9 (at Secondary College). Results track student progress over time.

I find the data interesting. One way it can be used is to line up its results against other student outcomes students. When NAPLAN and the second data set match, then you can be fairly confident that things are in order and you can 'trust' the numbers.

I have been able to secure data from the Primary schools to show how our students in Year 7, 2019 did in their Grade 5 NAPLAN, in 2017. Thirty percent of these students did really well in their tests; being in the top two bands (which is the measure of high achievement). How wonderful! We have some very bright buttons entering our school.

A killer for most Secondary schools in the State is the drop in student performance as they move from Years 7 to 9. They often fall off a cliff and that is disturbing. Our school follows this statewide trend. Surely, our students do not get less intelligent the older they get? It does not make sense.

Parents of students who undertook these tests will receive the paper copies of results in the post. I would urge you to dig out the past tests to see if your child's result is remaining static, climbing or falling. Year 9 is a critical level to arrest any trend so their passage into the senior years is smooth. Our children are precious - and getting an education is very important to ensure we secure their futures.

NAPLAN results will be mailed out to parents/carers of all Year 7 & 9 students by the end of Term 3. You are welcome to contact your child’s English or Maths teacher if you have further questions or would like to discuss.

End of Term 3, Start of Term 4 Expectations

Friday, September 20 marks the end of Term 3; it is only two weeks away. I can't believe how fast time flies. It only seemed like yesterday that we had a whole school assembly marking the start of Term 3.

Term 4 is an important one for the College. We are ramping up our expectations of uniform and student behaviour so that we constantly improve to be our best. The way our College is seen and spoken of in our community is critical. I mentioned an African saying in an earlier edition of Dragon Online which asked; "How goes it for our children?" I love the question as it puts responsibility onto everyone about bringing up our children. I believe that Bairnsdale as a town cannot feel good about itself unless its schools are successful.

What does success look like in a school?

Students are learning
Students are attending
Students are trying
Students are supported by a home that cares and responds
Parents and Staff have expectations that work and behaviour standards are high
Parents respond nicely when respectfully challenged by the school
The school responds nicely when respectfully challenged by parents

Are these things happening at the moment? Hmmm, 'most of the time' is my answer. For the community to take the next step, we all must respond to expect learning, behaviour and overall presentation to be better.

I have said, and will continue to say, that our students have enormous potential. Let's not hold them back by having low expectations of their performance and presentation....

Basic Expectations - Goals for Term 4

Student Expectations "The Big 3 for Students"

Follow reasonable staff instructions
Use respectful language and tone
Nobody has the right to interfere with another’s learning or wellbeing

Staff Expectations "The Big 3 for Staff"

Act: See something, say something, do something
Teach: Engage and differentiate in class
Protect: Promote learning, safety and wellbeing

Music Concert

What a privilege it was to attend the end-of-term Music Concert in Boucher Hall last week. The array of talent in our school is truly amazing. There are so many ensembles on display, it is almost mind-blowing. The Music Faculty, so ably led by the wonderful Gerry, is a credit to our school and its focus on The Arts. To all students - well done. We are so very proud of you all.