Learning and Teaching

NAPLAN 2026 – Information for Families (Years 3–6) 

NAPLAN will take place in Week 7. This assessment provides a snapshot of learner progress in key areas of Literacy and Numeracy and is just one of many tools we use to understand and support student learning. 

NAPLAN assesses the following areas: 

• Writing 

11th March – 9:00am 

Year 3 (paper) 

Year 5 (online) 

• Reading 12th March – 9:00am 

Year 3 & Year 5 

• Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar & Punctuation) 

12th March – 11:25am 

Year 3 & Year 5 

• Numeracy 13th March – 9:00am 

Year 3 & Year 5  

NAPLAN is designed to measure skills developed over time rather than specific classroom content. It is not something learners can ‘study for’ in the traditional sense — everyday learning is the best preparation. 

Our Approach at School 

We aim to keep the testing period calm, familiar, and routine. Learners are encouraged to simply do their best and understand that NAPLAN is one of many ways we support their learning. 

How Families Can Help 

Families can provide valuable support by focusing on simple wellbeing strategies: 

• Ensure a good night’s sleep • Provide a healthy breakfast • Encourage hydration • Maintain a calm, positive start to the day • Reassure your child that doing their best is what matters .

Any questions?? 

If you have any questions or concerns about your child participating in NAPLAN, please feel free to contact your classroom teacher, Clare Pentreath (Leader of Pedagogy – Numeracy) at cpentreath@smechuca.catholic.edu.au or Adelia Muldoon (Leader of Pedagogy – Literacy) at

 amuldoon@smechuca.catholic.edu.au. 

More information  

Further information about NAPLAN can be found here. 

Data Celebration 

You will begin seeing some data shared with you on our communication platforms. We aim to share our data with families and our learners so you too can celebrate success with us and be informed of our goals moving forward.  

This first visualisation shows the growth of our 2025 Foundation learners (current Year 1s). This was part of their Literacy screening in 2025. You can see our Term One Data vs our Term 4 Data for InitiaLit. 

Year 1

In Year 1, learners have been actively exploring the many ways we can stay healthy and safe. Through a range of engaging learning experiences, they have been developing an understanding of the importance of regular exercise and balanced nutrition, and how these choices support both our bodies and our minds. 

Year 1 learners have designed their own exercises and shared these with their classes, promoting movement, collaboration, and wellbeing. They have also been exploring different food groups and applying this knowledge by designing their own healthy food plates, demonstrating an understanding of balanced nutrition and healthy choices. 

Year 3

Our Year 3 students should be extremely proud of their efforts at their very first swimming carnival. For many, this was a new and sometimes challenging experience, yet they approached the day with enthusiasm, courage, and a willingness to give everything a go. Each student did their absolute best, whether they were racing, participating in novelty events, or simply stepping outside their comfort zone. 

It was especially heart warming to see the way the students supported one another throughout the day. From cheering on their classmates to offering encouragement and kindness, the sense of teamwork and positive sportsmanship was wonderful to witness. The students represented our school beautifully and demonstrated resilience, confidence, and care for others. Well done to all our Year 3 swimmers on such a fantastic achievement! 🏊‍♂️🌟 

Year 5

In Year 5, learners have been studying the novel War Horse by Michael Morpurgo. Through this novel study, learners have explored new vocabulary and developed their understanding of complex sentences. A complex sentence includes both a dependent and an independent clause, linked by a subordinating conjunction. 

Learners have also been practising the skill of expanding sentences to add detail and depth to their writing. These sentence-writing skills have supported learners in creating their own engaging narratives, titled A Journey to the Unknown.