Educational Achievement 

NAPLAN

This term, our Year 3 and Year 5 students will participate in NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy). NAPLAN is a nationwide assessment that gives schools a snapshot of how students are progressing in reading, writing, language conventions, and numeracy. This year, testing will take place in Term 1, between Wednesday 11th March and Tuesday 17th March.

It is important to remember that NAPLAN is not what students are reported on at school. Classroom learning, daily effort, and ongoing assessment provide the most accurate picture of your child’s achievement. NAPLAN simply helps our school understand where students are at, what they are doing well, and where we need to focus our next steps in teaching and learning.

Having said this, we want students to showcase their learning to the best of their ability. All of NAPLAN testing (except for Year 3 Writing) takes place on an online platform. Sometimes, using an online platform to read and answer questions can be distracting. Students will be exploring the NAPLAN public demonstrate site at school to familiarise themselves with the format testing will occur. Families can access this at home too by visiting this site: https://nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site and scrolling to the bottom to check it out. 

Reading

Reading is the foundation for success across all areas of learning, and it continues to be a major priority at our school. Soon, students will begin receiving homework, and the most important part of homework is daily reading. Even 10 minutes each day makes a significant difference over time.

For students who are still learning phonics, it is essential that they read decodable books. These allow them to sound out words using the phonics skills they have been taught. Children should be encouraged to sound out words rather than guess from pictures or the first letter. This builds strong, confident readers and ensure students are practising the important reading skills they are being taught.

Ideas for fitting reading into busy schedules:

• Read together before bed instead of screen time.
• Keep a book in the car for after-school activities.
• Take turns reading a page each with your child.
• Let your child read aloud while you prepare dinner.

• Re-read familiar books to build fluency and confidence.

   

Reading for enjoyment is just as important as practising reading skills. Students will also be bringing home personal choice books from our school library, and these are meant to be enjoyed together rather than “worked through.” Sharing a story, talking about the pictures and characters, or taking turns reading aloud helps to build a genuine love of books. When children experience reading as a positive and relaxing time with family, they are far more likely to become confident, lifelong readers.

Our teachers and teacher aides are continuing to take part in professional development in reading instruction so that we can support every student—whether they are just beginning to read or already excelling. By working together between home and school, we can help all children develop a love of reading and the skills they need for lifelong success.

Music

Instrumental Music

Instrumental Music lessons have commenced and we have so many excited students, both new and returning, who can’t wait to get busy making music!  All students learning woodwind, brass, bass guitar and percussion will have their lessons on a Monday, while all string students (violin, viola, cello and double bass) will have their lesson on a Thursday.  Loaned instruments will come home next week after the EQ11 form has been returned.  

Students in their second or more year of study will commence large ensemble rehearsals in week 5. Concert band rehearsal is on Monday’s at 8:00am and String Orchestra rehearsal is on Thursdays at 8:00am in the Hall. Students will need a display folder for their sheet music.  

If you have any questions about instrumental music here at GSPS, please feel free to email me at shans68@eq.edu.au.

Classroom Music

Welcome to classroom music for 2026. In all year levels this semester we will be listening to and responding to music. We will also be doing lots of singing with body percussion and sometimes percussion instruments. 

All year levels will be exploring the elements of music both in the above activities and in more focussed ways. Building performance confidence is important too, whether it be within a small group or being brave enough to do something by yourself.

Where the brain science helps:

Research shows that group music-making activates the brain’s social bonding systems, releasing oxytocin and strengthening trust. It’s a neurological reminder that we’re wired for connection, and music provides the rhythm and routine that make those bonds last.

(Bigger Better Brains)

Talking of group music-making.... our two GSPS choirs will begin rehearsals next week. Thank you to everyone who has brought back an enrolment form. There is still time to bring back those pink forms if you haven't already. 

I will see GSV on Tuesday at lunchtime and GJV on Wednesday at lunchtime.

News from the Library

Our Readers Cup School Competition starts today for Students in Years 5 & 6. Students will be challenged to read a book, write notes and discuss with their peers each week throughout the term. They will then be tested with their knowledge at the end of the reading period. This is a test run for the regional competition that starts in Term 2.

Last Friday the Scholastic Book club catalogue was sent home with students. Parents are welcome to make a purchase through the LOOP App, and your orders will be forwarded back to the school for distribution. We do not take any Cash orders at School. 

All online orders need to be made before this Friday at 9am.

In Week 6, we will have the Scholastic Book Fair set up in the Library for the Week.