JUNIOR SCHOOL | Update
YEAR 7 | NAPLAN
Students in Year 7 will participate in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) over the coming weeks.
NAPLAN assesses students’ skills in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation), and numeracy. This year, all tests will be completed online. The online format is adaptive, meaning the questions adjust in difficulty based on student responses, helping keep students engaged and providing more precise information about their learning.
Our teaching teams analyse NAPLAN results alongside other school data to better understand student progress and to ensure all learners are appropriately supported and challenged. The Department of Education also recognises students who demonstrate high achievement or significant growth, with certificates presented at a celebratory lunch later in the year.
Testing will take place in the Presentation Space and Silent Study Space on the Senior Campus, with additional rooms used as required.
NAPLAN Schedule
Wednesday 11 March Periods 3–4: Writing (42 minutes + setup)
Thursday 12 March Periods 3–4: Reading (65 minutes + setup)
Friday 13 March Periods 1–2: Conventions of Language (45 minutes + setup)
Monday 16 March Periods 3–4: Numeracy (65 minutes + setup)
Tuesday 17 – Thursday 19 March Catch-up tests (if required)
What Students Need to Bring
Students will need:
- A fully charged laptop each day during the testing period
- The NAPLAN Locked Down Browser (LDB) installed and updated for 2026
- Headphones for the Conventions of Language test
Students requiring reasonable adjustments will be supported in line with their usual classroom arrangements.
Parents and carers may also choose to withdraw their child from NAPLAN after consultation with the school. If you wish to discuss this option, please contact the school to request a withdrawal form.
For IT support, students can contact the school IT Helpdesk or email ITServiceDesk@fhs.vic.edu.au.
YEAR 7 | Music Recruitment Night
Last week we held our Year 7 Music Recruitment Night, and it was wonderful to see so many students and families attending. Students had the opportunity to learn about the range of instruments available and explore which instrument may suit them best.
Thank you to Mr Ben Braithwaite and the Music staff for organising and running such an engaging evening.
YEAR 7 | Camp
We are looking forward to our upcoming Year 7 Camp at Phillip Island Adventure Resort in Week 9. This camp is a fantastic opportunity for students to build friendships, develop independence, and take part in a range of outdoor activities.
Camp Dates
Group 1: 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, 7G Monday 23 – Wednesday 25 March 2026
Group 2: 7H, 7I, 7J, 7K, 7L, 7M Wednesday 25 – Friday 27 March 2026
Further information will be shared with families closer to the camp.
YEAR 8 | HOMEGROUP COMPETITION
Our Year 8 Homegroup Competition is underway, providing students with a fun way to build teamwork, leadership and pride in their homegroup.
Each Monday assigned Class Captains collect their homegroup’s competition card from the Year 8 Coordinators. Throughout the week, students can earn points by demonstrating our school values and wearing the correct school uniform.
Teachers award points during the day, with Class Captains responsible for presenting their card to teachers and checking in with the Year 8 Team at the end of the day. Cards are then returned to the Year 8 Coordinators on Friday afternoons, when points are tallied.
Please note that lost cards will result in a 25-point deduction from the final score.
This competition is a great opportunity for students to work together, show leadership, and celebrate positive contributions within their homegroup.
YEAR 8 | FRANKSTON TECH SCHOOL EXCURSION
This year, as part of our partnership with the Frankston Tech School, all Year 8 students will attend a one-day H2Go! Hydrogen Watercraft program as part of their STEAM learning.
Frankston Tech School is a state-of-the-art learning facility for schools across the Frankston region, providing students with hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
During the program, students will explore clean energy and future technologies by learning how hydrogen can be used as a sustainable energy source. Students will take part in practical activities where they will split water to produce hydrogen and use this clean energy to power a small motor. This experience will connect with and enhance learning in our Science and Technology STEAM programs back at school.
Excursion dates (full day):
- Monday 16 March: 8G & 8A
- Tuesday 17 March: 8I & 8E
- Wednesday 18 March: 8M
- Thursday 19 March: 8C & 8K
We are very excited for our students to take part in this engaging and innovative learning experience.
YEAR 8 | PROJECT ROCKIT WORKSHOP
As part of our Year 8 focus on Respect and Resilience, students will explore important wellbeing topics throughout the year in their Optima classes, including respect for diversity, building empathy, and addressing bullying.
In Week 9, Year 8 students will also participate in a workshop delivered by Project Rockit, a youth-driven organisation that works with schools to empower students to challenge bullying and promote positive online and offline cultures.
This workshop will provide students with practical strategies and confidence to help them contribute to a respectful and supportive school community.
The Importance of Regular School Attendance
Regular attendance at school is essential for students to succeed in their learning and feel connected to their school community. Being at school every day helps students build important skills, develop friendships, and stay engaged in their classes.
Even small amounts of missed time can add up. For example, missing just one day a fortnight can equal around four weeks of lost learning across the year. This can make it harder for students to keep up with their learning and stay connected with their peers.
If a student is absent, families are required to provide a reason for the absence to the school or upload it via Compass.
We encourage all Year 7 and 8 students to attend school every day, arrive on time, and make the most of the opportunities available to them. Thank you to our families for supporting strong attendance habits and helping students get the best out of their education.
Ms Leah Hannas
Campus Principal
Years 7 and 8
We understand families calendar book up quickly. Please see below for some important dates to note.
Click Here for Junior School key contacts
Click Here for Year 7 only Calendar Dates
Click Here for Year 8 only Calendar Dates