Acting Principal Report

Norwood Scores High 

All Victorian Government Schools received their annual report card last Friday known as the School Performance Report. It is a proud moment for all staff at the school to know that we have scored in the highest possible band. There are four levels of assessment, starting with Developing, followed by Medium, Improving and at the top, sits High. This is a very comprehensive report, including results from NAPLAN, VCE, all surveys (students, staff and parents/carers), attendance and many wellbeing measures.

More specifically, out of 31 'similar' schools, we are one of nine that achieved an overall High score for Learning Performance. In terms of Wellbeing, we are one of only five schools out of the same 31 'similar' schools to obtain a High score. It is encouraging to know that we sit well above similar schools with the percentage of Year 9 students in the Strong or Exceeding category for Year 9 Reading. At the same time, we are well above in the Reading growth category of students between Year 7 and Year 9. Clearly our staff add significant value to student learning between Year 7 and Year 9. The result is the same in terms of numeracy.

As a result of strong school NAPLAN results this year, we have been recognised as one of the top 10 most improved schools for Reading in 2024. This is an outstanding achievement and well-deserved recognition for our hardworking teachers.

In the wellbeing category, we sit well above similar schools in the High category for effectively managing bullying, positive school connectedness measures and for providing stimulating learning. In all school surveys this year, we have outperformed State benchmarks for most measures. 

As the year gathers speed towards the long break, we wish our Class of 2024 well with the conclusion of their examination period and the release of their final results. It has been lovely seeing so many of them studying at school and seeking help from their teachers. We are always sad to see them leave. The space that they leave behind will soon be filled with our new cohort of Year 7s. On Tuesday, we welcomed our newest students and their families to the College at our Transition Information Evening.

In a short space of time our Year 9 - 11 students will undertake their examination period, an important learning experience and an opportunity to demonstrate all that they have learnt.  I would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to all students with final assessments. It is heartening to see students embracing the College value of aspiration and striving to do their very best work. Soon we will celebrate these achievements at our forthcoming Presentation Evening.