Mary MacKillop Newsletter

Strategic Development & Organisation  

Ms. Jodie Connell - Deputy Principal

Traditionally the start of the new school year is met with mixed emotions of joy as we reconnect with friends and colleagues and a tinge of disappointment that the freedom of holidays has come to an end. However, what we have observed over the first three weeks of the 2024 school year has been an extended level of excitement and energy in the classroom, the yard, and the community that is our College. Our school is first and foremost a place of learning and our students are settled, active, and engaged in their classes.  The year 7 cohort has made a good start to their high school journey and is beginning to settle into the new routines of high school. 

 

One of the privileges I have as a Deputy Principal is to visit many different classes. These are great learning experiences for me, not just because of the interesting content being taught but also in observing some excellent teaching.

 

School – Home Partnership

As a school, we recognise the important role you play in supporting your child's schooling. Achievement in learning is more likely to be fostered when both parents and schools work together to facilitate a supportive learning environment in both the home and the school and as teachers and educators, we are committed to working with you as we work together in the education of your child. 

 

How to help your child at home:

  • Check PAM regularly to see what work is coming up
  • Provide a routine and clear expectations for study and homework
  • Make sure your child has a quiet space to work
  • Check-in with them regularly and often to assist them in managing their home learning
  • Take interest in what they are learning
  • Focus on their individual strengths and praise and encourage student achievement
  • Communicate with your child’s teachers and Homeroom Teacher when you have learning concerns.

How to communicate with your child's teachers

The most effective way to communicate with teachers is via email. This will allow teachers time to consider your request and gather any further information required to action this. Teachers will respond to your email most appropriately and as soon as this is practicably possible. Teachers may not be able to respond immediately and it may take a few days to respond. 

 

Edrolo

Edrolo is a comprehensive, premium, interactive online video and exam simulation resource for the VCE, providing our students with the best opportunity to perform to their potential throughout the year. We have assessed the resource and are confident it is an extremely valuable investment for our teaching and learning culture. 

 

You can see Edrolo in action by visiting this link: www.edrolo.com.au/parents 

 

Edrolo is currently used by over 700+ schools and 85,000+ students. Crafted by outstanding VCE teachers (including exam assessors and textbook authors) and built in accordance with VCAA Study Designs, its curriculum-specific and engaging content will provide our students with a differentiated and targeted level of support as they prepare for their most important examinations. 

 

How will our students and teachers use Edrolo? 

Our teachers are provided with training on how to best utilise the resource, and you should expect them to guide students to make full use of Edrolo in a range of ways across the year, including:

  • holiday homework; 
  • pre-class work; 
  • post-class consolidation;
  • assessment preparation; and 
  • exam revision.

NAPLAN Tests

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for Years 7 and 9 students are held in March each year. In 2024 the NAPLAN Online test window is between Wednesday 13th March and Monday 25th March. NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and numeracy. The results of the tests provide information for students, parents, teachers, and principals and can be used to improve student achievement.

 

NAPLAN Online delivers numerous benefits including:

  • a ‘tailored test’ design that adapts to correct and incorrect student responses providing a more precise understanding of student achievement;
  • innovative use of technology, including a more engaging test design and a wider range of item types.

All students are expected to participate in the NAPLAN Online tests. Catch-up tests will be available for individual students who are absent on test days up to and including Monday 25th  March 2024.

 

Support can be arranged for students with disabilities if the student regularly uses similar support for classroom assessment tasks. Letters have been sent home to families requesting consent for adjustments. 

 

Exemptions may be granted to students with significant intellectual disabilities and to students who have been learning English for less than one year. If your child is eligible for support due to disability or exemption, you should discuss this with myself or Erica Masters prior to the tests. Parental consent is required before any support due to disability or exemption is granted.

 

Students may be withdrawn from NAPLAN by their parents or carer. This is a matter for consideration by parents and carers in consultation with the principal. If, after consultation, you decide to withdraw your child, you must sign a student withdrawal form. 

 

Later in the year, you will receive your child’s personal NAPLAN report. The report will describe your child’s particular skills in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and numeracy. The report will also show how your child performed in relation to national minimum standards. These describe the minimum acceptable standards for students across Australia.

 

We are confident that the information you receive as a result of your child’s participation in the NAPLAN tests will be valuable in helping you to assess your child’s progress in literacy and numeracy.

 

For more information about NAPLAN Online, please visit the VCAA website at http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/ or the NAP website at www.nap.edu.au

 

Elevate Education Parent Webinar Seminars

Elevate Education is continuing to provide parents of Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College students exclusive access to their Parent Webinar Series for Term 1, 2024.

To reserve your spot, you can register for free below,

Wednesday 28th FebruaryHow You Can Help Your Child Manage Their Time

Click here to register for free 

Getting students to prioritise homework and revision outside of school can be a challenge, so this session is designed to show parents how they can support their child in staying on top of their workload at home. 

 

Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:  

✅ Align expectations on homework with your child  

✅ Help your child balance their schoolwork and social life  

✅ Set up a weekly planner tool with your child 

 

Wednesday 13th March        How You Can Make Technology an ally (& Not the Enemy!)

Wednesday 27th March        How You Can Help Improve Your Child’s Memory

 

The webinars are run live online from 6.30pm – 7.30pm (AEST) where the presenter will share Elevates key research and skills, and will conduct a live Q&A so you can ask them questions directly. If you are unable to make the webinar, don't worry! If you sign up to attend, you'll receive the webinar recording on Thursday morning.

Should you have questions or would like to contact Elevate directly, their details are listed below.

📞 1300 667 945

✉️ auscoaching@elevateeducation.com 

💻 https://au.elevateeducation.com

👍 https://www.facebook.com/ElevateEd/

 

Best wishes to all in their educational pursuits during 2024.