Learning  

Dear Parents /Guardians,

As we conclude first term, I wish to congratulate the students for their work this term and thank the whole community for welcoming new students and staff into the Academy community, it is a pleasure to be here. 

The last few weeks have been very busy, 9 Barak completed their Synergy journey and their presentations were insightful and interesting, good luck to 9 Bryce as they begin their Synergy program. Year 7s and Year 9s completed NAPLAN online, thank you to John Andritsos for coordinating NAPLAN and to all Year 7 and 9 students and staff for their participation. We look forward to receiving the results earlier than previous years. 

One of the highlights of the term was the Autumn Soiree on Thursday 30th March where the audience was treated to some excellent and moving performances from our music students, it was one of the best musical performances I have seen and if I closed my eyes I felt I had been transported to a church in Italy, congratulations to the Performing Arts Department and all students involved.

As you are aware, 2023 is also a year of transition for the Academy community as we move to Compass, our new Learning Management System. We hope you are finding Compass easy to navigate and we would like to thank families for their patience while we all learn a new system. 

Progress Reports

Term 1 Progress Reports are now available to families on Compass. You can find them by clicking on ‘View Academic Reports’ , scroll to Progress Reports and select the cycle ‘Progress Report – Semester 1 2023’. You can view the report on screen or download a PDF version.

The reports will look different this year, in part due to our move to Compass as well as providing a clearer snapshot of your child’s approach to learning.  Throughout next term, you will start to be able to see more detailed results and feedback about your student’s academic performance as results and feedback appears under Learning Tasks in Compass and I know many students have received feedback about their learning on Compass. 

A student’s approach to learning is a key factor to their success. We are committed to working in partnership with families to develop students’ organisation skills, their application to learning and the ability to use feedback to improve their learning and achieve success. From 2023, the Progress Reports provide feedback on a student’s approach to learning and how often they demonstrate the following:

Is organised and prepared for learning

arriving to class punctually, with the correct equipment and with a ready to learn mindset

Positively engages in learning activities

being active in their learning by participating in activities, asking and answering questions and completing set work

Responds constructively to feedback

seeking, reflecting on and acting upon the feedback provided to improve their work and learning

Works collaboratively to enhance learning; 

working with their peers and teachers to enhance their own learning and that of those around them

Completes homework on time

striving to complete homework on time and to the best of their ability

The upcoming Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences allow parents and students to have further discussion with their teachers. 

I wish you all a Happy Easter and hope that the students have a safe and wonderful break

Ms Lucy Neil

Deputy Principal, Learning & Teaching