Teaching & Learning

NAPLAN will take place from Wednesday 11 March through until Monday March 16th.

During this time, students will complete assessments in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

There is no need for students to study or do extra preparation for NAPLAN. The best way to support your child is to ensure they get a good night’s sleep, have breakfast, and arrive at school ready to do their best.

Please also ensure that your child brings a set of headphones that are compatible with either their own device or a school device, as some questions in the online tests require students to listen using headphones (see previous newsletters for suggestions)

Further information for parents and carers is available from VCAA  here: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/foundation-10/naplan/information-parents-and-carers

If your child usually receives support and adjustments in class to access learning, these supports and adjustments will be provided to your child throughout their NAPLAN test sessions. For any students who require a scribe for the writing test, parent/carer acknowledgement is required, so please look out for correspondence via email in the coming days if your child fits this criteria.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Nicole Phillips, or your child's classroom teacher.

Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

What is an IEP?

IEPs assist students who require a range of support with their education.

An IEP is a written statement that describes the adjustments, goals and strategies to meet a student’s individual educational needs so they can reach their full potential. An IEP is essential as it helps teachers plan and monitor a student’s unique learning needs.

IEPs are also known as individual learning plans, individual learning improvement plans and Koorie education learning plans.

Who qualifies for an IEP? 

Students who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• 12 months below expected level in Literacy or Numeracy
• 18 months above expected level in Literacy or Numeracy
• Funded through Disability Inclusion
• In out of home care
• Indigenous

How do I access my child’s IEP?

2026 Semester 1 IEPs will be available to parents/carers from close of business this Friday, March 6th. They can be accessed via Compass in your child’s profile page on the ‘Insights’ tab

Once you have clicked the ‘Insights’ tab, you will see a list of all IEPs, including one for the first semester of 2026.

Who else might have an IEP

Students who require additional support or adjustments with behaviour and/or social emotional wellbeing may also have an IEP.

A final word about IEPs

IEPs are a strategy for teachers to monitor, record and drive student progress through goals, teaching strategies, adjustments and support. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s IEP, please contact your child’s classroom teacher to arrange a discussion.

Yesterday our year 5 Bulldogs Read students attended the Bulldogs Read program launch at the Ballarat Library, joining students from a number of other local schools who are also participating in this exciting initiative. The Bulldogs Read program encourages students to develop a love of reading while building their literacy skills.

Students enjoyed meeting several AFLW players, Sarah Hartwig and Riley Wilcox, who spoke about the importance of reading and learning. There was also an opportunity for students to take part in a Q&A session, which was a highlight of the day.

We look forward to seeing our participating students and writing their book reviews and  continuing to enjoy the Bulldogs Read program throughout the year.