Ms Dzaferovic AP Message

Assessment and Reporting:

Over the past few weeks students have been undertaking a range of summative assessments to measure their learning and growth over the semester. At Toorak Primary School, assessment plays a vital role in understanding and supporting each student’s learning journey. Teachers use a variety of assessment data to make curriculum judgements and assign progression point scores against the Victorian Curriculum achievement standards.

We use a combination of formative and summative assessments to ensure teaching is targeted, responsive, and evidence-based.

Formative assessment happens continuously during classroom learning. It includes observations, questioning, feedback, and student work samples. These everyday strategies help teachers monitor progress, identify learning needs, and adjust instruction to support all learners.

Summative assessment provides a snapshot of student learning at a particular point in time. At Toorak PS, we use a range of high-quality summative tools, including:

• PAT Reading and PAT Maths – to track comprehension and numeracy growth
• DIBELS – to assess foundational reading skills
• Acadience – to monitor computation fluency and problem solving and progress over time
• Essential Assessment – to measure achievement and guide goal setting in Numeracy

Our teachers work collaboratively in Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) to analyse assessment data each week. This process helps us identify trends, address gaps, and tailor teaching to meet the needs of every student. It also allows us to set learning goals and celebrate student progress.

Together, formative and summative assessments help us create rich, targeted learning experiences that support every child to thrive.

Teachers are currently finalising Semester One student reports and these will be released to families via compass in week 11 of this term.  Parent Teacher Interviews will be scheduled for early Term 3, where you will have an opportunity to meet with your child’s classroom teacher to further discuss their achievements and goals for the remainder of the year.

Uniform Reminder:

As we head into the cooler weather we have seen an increase in the amount of students who are attending school in clothing that is not part of the uniform policy.  Black shorts, pants and tights are not part of the school uniform.  Whilst I appreciate that drying of uniform may be an issue when it is wet and cold, could we collectively ensure that your child is wearing the correct uniform each day.  Any navy blue bottoms free from logos are fine.  Alongside this colourful head scarves (hijab) and headwear are not part of the school uniform.  Our current uniform supplier stocks these items and are available to purchase now.