Assistant Principal's Message

NAPLAN
We would like to inform you that the upcoming NAPLAN assessments will take place from 11th–23rd March 2026 for students in Years 3 and 5. NAPLAN is a national assessment program designed to assess students' literacy and numeracy skills and is an important tool for understanding student learning.
This year, Year 3 students will complete NAPLAN assessments using school-provided Chromebooks (NAPLAN Writing will be completed on paper for Year 3 students only), and Year 5 students will complete all NAPLAN assessments using their BYOD iPad devices. It is important that all students bring their own personal headphones to use during the NAPLAN testing window.
Please find the key details regarding the NAPLAN testing:
- NAPLAN Practise Test: Thursday 26th of February
Dates of Testing: 11 – 23rd March 2026 (9 day testing window)
Subjects Tested:
- Writing – Wednesday 11th March
- Reading – Thursday 12th March
- Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation) – Friday 13th March
- Numeracy – Monday 16th March
Catch-up sessions will be available for students who are absent on a scheduled test day. These sessions will run from Tuesday 17th March to Monday 23rd March.
NAPLAN Practice Test:
Thursday 26th of February
This practice test is designed to familiarise students with the platform and conduct a school-wide Technical Readiness Check. Please note that academic data from the practice test will not be collected for assessment purposes.
Year 5 NAPLAN 2026
To ensure a smooth experience, all students in Year 5 must have the NAP Locked Down Browser App installed and updated to Version 5.11.0. Please check your child’s device and update the app before Thursday 26th of February.
- To further support students, we strongly encourage the use of an external keyboard connected to iPads where possible. Using a physical keyboard allows students to type more efficiently, supports correct posture, reduces screen fatigue, and enables easier editing of written responses. This can help students focus on demonstrating their thinking and writing skills rather than navigating the on-screen keyboard, particularly during extended writing tasks.
Preparation for NAPLAN
Students are not expected to study specifically for NAPLAN. However, it is helpful if they are well-rested and arrive at school on time during the testing period. Teachers will support students in understanding the test format and will encourage a calm and positive approach.
Students, parents and carers can access the public demonstration site to familiarise themselves with NAPLAN and the types of questions and tools available. Excessive preparation is not recommended. NAPLAN provides a snapshot of your child’s learning at a particular point in time and does not determine their overall educational progress.
We encourage all students to try their best while ensuring they feel supported and confident.
Further Information
If you have any questions or concerns about NAPLAN, or if your child is unable to participate due to illness or other reasons, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.
Please also refer to the NAPLAN Information for Parents and Carers document, which will be linked, for further detailed information about the assessment program.
We appreciate your continued support in fostering a positive learning environment for your child.
Amanda Nelson
Assistant Principal


