From the Principal

Upcoming changes to NAPLAN reporting

Ahead of NAPLAN results for students being released from Monday 17 July 2023, I’m writing to inform you of some changes to this year’s reporting. These are changes being introduced nationally by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).

NAPLAN will continue to measure student achievement in numeracy, reading, writing, spelling, and grammar and punctuation but the results will now be presented in 4 proficiency levels:

These are:

· exceeding

· strong

· developing

· needs additional support

This change will give schools, parents and carers clearer information that details student achievement against new proficiency levels.

Students’ NAPLAN reports will continue to show how they are tracking against their peers and provide an indication of their skill levels against national averages and where we would expect them to be to get the most out of schooling. This provides valuable information to teachers about how we can continue to support your child.

Each set of NAPLAN results is an important milestone, but it is also important that students know that one result does not define them – these results are about making sure every student gets the support they need so they can continue to get the best from their learning.

When we provide you with your results, you will also receive information about what the new proficiency levels mean.

As ever, you’re welcome to speak to me, Bron or your child’s teacher with any questions about these changes.

School Performances

The Foundation – Year 4 Performances are scheduled to take place over 4 nights from Tuesday, 29th August to the 6th September.   The students and staff have been working tirelessly to ensure that they are ready for the Big Nights.  Tickets are currently on sale- details are on COMPASS.  Ticket order forms can also be collected from the Office.

As outline in COMPASS the dates for the productions are as follows:

Oakleigh Primary School Gymnasium

Foundation: Foundation Tales – Wednesday, 6th September at 6.00pm

Year 1: The Bee Musical – Tuesday, 5th September at 6.00pm

Oakleigh South Secondary College

Year 2: Winnie the Pooh Kids – Tuesday, 29th August at 6.00pm

Year 3 and 4: Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr – Tuesday, 29th August at 7.30pm and Wednesday, 30th August and 7.00pm

The Benefits of School Productions

Studies have shown musical performances benefit students across all areas of the curriculum. Student’s reading, language learning and math skills improve from their participation. Being required to learn a script and songs and read with expression improves reading skills.Research has also shown that music instruction helps students develop their spatial-temporal reasoning. The Performance Arts naturally develop mental skills in children including imagination, observation, abstract thought, and pattern recognition.  Involvement also develops social skills as students learn valuable skills such as teamwork, confidence, and patience. Participation in Specialist Programs has been linked to higher student motivation and engagement in school. 

With performance rehearsals and independent practice, students learn to follow directions and become more responsible. They also learn to push through the monotony of repeated practice – as at the end they recognise this leads to improved skills, performance and the joy of performing to a crowd.

When students perform in front of an audience, they need to be quick thinkers. They learn to stay calm and improvise when something goes wrong e.g., one of their peers misses a line. Students learn to think on their feet – no matter how prepared a performer is mistakes happen. But they will have the skill to get back on track. For our students who can become anxious, it gives them the opportunity to experience success in a supportive environment and learn that being anxious is a normal feeling. By working through this rather than giving up they can feel a profound sense of accomplishment.Students also experience a boost in self-esteem when performing. When their hard work and preparation finally comes to fruition, students see and feel the benefit of their labour. Through speaking lines or singing a song on stage, kids gain self-confidence and self-esteem. One cannot underestimate the satisfaction of weeks of demanding work being actualised in front of adoring fans: parents, grandparents, and other doting family members.

Michele Nolan

Principal

michele.nolan@education.vic.gov.au