Learning & Teaching

Prep Children Engaging in Synthetic Phonics Reading Lessons

Our Prep children have settled in beautifully to their Synthetic Phonics Reading lessons, enthusiastically engaging with the DRA resources. Across the last 2 weeks, they have been developing essential early reading skills, focusing on segmenting and blending consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words.

Using a variety of easy and engaging strategies, the children are confidently breaking words into sounds and blending them back together. Their enthusiasm and growing confidence are evident as they apply these foundational skills to their early reading.

We are so proud of our Prep children and look forward to seeing their continued progress as they build strong literacy foundations.

Discovery Begins for 2025!

This week, our Prep to Year 2 children eagerly explored their new Discovery stations as we prepare to kick off Discovery for 2025. With a focus on Community, Rights and Responsibilities, Personal and Social Skills, Literacy and Numeracy, each station has been thoughtfully designed to inspire curiosity and meaningful learning.

Teachers will influence play at each station, helping children build their understanding of these important concepts. It has been wonderful to see the excitement and engagement as the children took a walking tour through the stations, discussing how they might explore the space, and what they might discover.

For a glimpse into what Discovery at Holy Cross is all about, please watch the video below!

NAPLAN 2025 – Information for Year 3 and Year 5 Families

This term, our Year 3 and Year 5 students will participate in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). NAPLAN assessments will begin on Wednesday, 12th March, with the Writing Test, and will continue through to Monday, 24th March.

What is NAPLAN?

NAPLAN is a nationwide assessment that provides valuable insights into students' literacy and numeracy skills. It assesses essential skills in Reading, Writing, Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and Numeracy. These tests are not about passing or failing but are designed to measure what students know and can do at this stage of their learning.

Why do we use NAPLAN data?

NAPLAN results help schools and teachers identify strengths and areas for growth in student learning. The data allows us to monitor progress over time, refine our teaching strategies, and ensure that we continue to provide high-quality education tailored to students’ needs. It also helps guide curriculum planning and supports targeted teaching for individuals and groups.

Supporting Your Child Through NAPLAN

We understand that NAPLAN can sometimes create feelings of worry for both students and families. Please be assured that these assessments are just one part of your child’s learning journey. At Holy Cross, we approach NAPLAN in a calm and supportive manner, ensuring that students feel comfortable and confident. We encourage families to keep NAPLAN in perspective—it is simply an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they already know in a familiar classroom environment.

Further details about NAPLAN will be shared directly with Year 3 and Year 5 families over the coming weeks.