NAPLAN: Inequality, not performance, is the real problem

Marian Vidal-Fernandez, an Associate Professor in the University of Sydney’s School of Economics, says the real issue NAPLAN highlights is not about overall performance, but persistent inequality across student groups.

“NAPLAN results in 2024 show that 49% of students in remote areas require additional support, compared to just 7.1% in metropolitan areas,” she said. “This striking disparity highlights that the real issue is not overall performance, but persistent inequality across student groups.”

Associate Professor Vidal-Fernandez noted that while factors such as family expectations around education and socio-economic background play a significant role, the policy focus and resources should target closing these gaps through targeted resources and initiatives - such as Ambassador Schools.

“Students from low Socio-Economic Status [SES] backgrounds often lack access to the time, tools, and support needed to thrive academically,” she said. “Prioritising support for these students is not only a moral imperative but also a sound economic investment.”

Associate Professor Vidal-Fernandez said Australia must focus on addressing entrenched educational inequities if it hopes to lift outcomes for disadvantaged and under-represented students.

Gaps by gender in NAPLAN remain consistent across states: boys underperform in reading by around 4%, while girls trail in numeracy by similar margins. However, disparities for Indigenous students vary widely—28% require extra support in reading in NSW, compared to 37% in Queensland—underscoring the urgent need for equity-focused, localised strategies.

Abridged from an article in The Educator Australia.

100 Days Smarter

Tomorrow, Ms Dening, Mrs Hollow and their Prep students will be celebrating 100 days smarter. An exciting and fun-filled day of learning has been planned for all the children. It It is quite astounding to witness how far our Prep children have come in the space of six months at primary school.

Next week's Newsletter will contain images and a summary of the day's events.

MASH Rotary Club Speech Competition

On Tuesday evening the Mont Albert & Surrey Hills (MASH) Rotary Club will hold the 20th Annual Primary Schools Speech Competition. Each school involved in the competition is allowed to enter two students. The two students proudly representing Our Holy Redeemer are Chloe O-L and Lakyn R. Both students are in Year 6. Chloe will be speaking on the topic, 'The Person who has Influenced my Life the Most', while Lakyn's topic of choice is, 'It was a Wild Ride'.

National Science Week

National Science Week runs from 9 - 17 August. This year's theme is, 'Decoding the Universe – Exploring the unknown with nature's hidden language'.

Mrs Axon is planning a fun-filled week. Head to the Science and STEM page for further details.

Boroondara Library Service: Celebrating Science and Book Week

August is a big month at the library with lots of fun and exciting events for children and families. Check the website for a list of activities.

National Science Week at the Library 9 to 17 August

Kids Science Fair Wednesday 13 August, 4.00pm to 6.00pm

Children’s Book Week Awards 16 to 23 August

Book Week Saturday Storytime 16 August 11.00am to midday

Book Quiz - Family Trivia Night Wednesday 19 August, 6.30pm to 8.00pm

OHR School Concert - Less than 5 Weeks to Go

The OHR School Concert is on in just a little under five weeks. The title of this year's concert is, 'Come Fly with Me'. The theme is based on travel and adventure.

As with our previous concert, students should wear black clothing with no logos and comfortable, soft shoes. We’ll be adding accessories as we go. Your child's class teacher will communicate the accessories required, and these will be kept simple.

If you haven't already done so, make sure that you mark the evening of Monday 8 September in your calendar now. The concert will commence at 7.00pm, so students will need to arrive by 6.30pm.

You will be able to purchase tickets in the next fortnight.

This year's concert will be held at the Madeleine Centre at Genazzano College.

Parent Learning Walk

Our next Parent Learning Walk will be next Wednesday 13 August commencing at 8.45am.

"What is a Parent Learning Walk?". A Parent Learning Walk takes place throughout the school year during the school day. Parents are invited to walk the school with some members of the school leadership team and observe lessons taking place in three learning areas across the school. During this time you will have the opportunity to talk to the senior leaders and students.

Each Learning Walk is designed to provide you with an insight to the learning that takes place at OHR, with the opportunity to ask questions and share any observations in an informal environment. All this plays an important role in the strategic development of our school.

A Google Form to ascertain numbers of interested parents was sent home last week and can also be accessed here:

About Real Life: Years 3 - 6

Information regarding this year's About Real Life program for parents and students in Years 3 - 6, can be found on the Student Wellbeing page where Mrs Lisa Canty has provided information about the forthcoming sessions.

Wishing everyone a great weekend,

Frank Dame