Learning 

and Teaching

NAPLAN

                 Please read the attached information regarding NAPLAN testing.

Learning and Teaching 

Testing 

Foundation students recently participated in their first-ever PAT Math test, navigating digital tools with resilience and persistence as they engaged with this new platform. We are incredibly proud of how well they approached this experience! 

The results from these assessments provide valuable insights into each student’s understanding of math concepts. They help guide the next steps in learning, identify areas of strength, and highlight any misconceptions that can shape future teaching opportunities. Most importantly, they allow us to track and celebrate each child's growth over time. 

Meanwhile, Mrs. Parry and Mrs. Fiske-Kelay have submitted the latest DIBELS testing data from our Grade 3-6 cohort to CESL. A big thank you to our dedicated teachers and students for their efforts in completing, collecting, and organizing this important information. 

These assessments help us build a comprehensive learning picture, ensuring we continue to support each student in the best possible way. We are grateful for the hard work and enthusiasm of our school community! 

NAPLAN (Grade 3 & 5 students) 

From March 12th to 24th, students in Grades 3 and 5 will be completing NAPLAN testing. 

Further details, including the NAPLAN testing timetable, will be shared closer to the dates. 

Intervention 

Many of you may have noticed that Mrs. Jamieson and Mrs. Fiske-Kealy have been busy completing some very important training to further support the learning and teaching at St. Mary's. 

Over the past few weeks, they have dedicated four full days to MiniLit Sage and MacqLit training, as part of the MultiLit program within the Magnify Sandhurst initiative. This specialised training equips them with valuable skills to assess and support students who may benefit from targeted literacy intervention. 

Classroom teachers help identify students who may need extra support, followed by screening assessments to better understand students reading capabilities. If a student is selected for the program, families will be contacted and provided with details about the specific literacy areas being targeted. 

These intervention programs are designed to work alongside classroom learning and are carefully scheduled so that students don’t miss out on their regular literacy or numeracy lessons. 

We truly appreciate the support and flexibility of students and families while this training took place. The skills gained will be a wonderful benefit to the students of St. Mary's, and we are excited to see the impact of this important work! 

Inform and Empower (E-Safety Curriculum) 

All classes have now participated in their first Inform and Empower session for the year. Each classroom participates in at least one session a term and covers valuable e-safety skills. The Scope and Sequence of key topics that we are covering this year is: 

This year the classes participate in the following sessions that target their cohort's curriculum outcomes: 

F/1/2: Screentime Superstars and Ollie Online. 

Grade 3/4: Adventures Online 

Grade 5/6: Thrive online 

After each session we will share a parent information letter in the next newsletter. Please see term 1’s information sheets below. 

F/1/2 

*All Ollie Online songs can be found on their YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@_ollieonline 

Grade 3/4 

Grade 5/6