From the Deputy Principal

NAPLAN 

There’s been a lot written about education and NAPLAN in the media over the last week or so. Much of the debate again centres on falling standards despite increased funding. In Victoria those on the left of politics are celebrating the highest standards in the nation while those on the right decry a drop in results from the last testing period; further proof that data can mean whatever we want it to mean.

The issue in this debate is that it is very narrow minded in nature. It is focused on one source of data at a very particular time, that is collected in one particular way despite the individuality of those who are tested. Not exactly the perfect way to be judging the entire nature of an education system. The nature of which has many moving parts and components. 

What about NAPLAN at St Paul? Our overall results this year were what would be considered outstanding. Data around spelling and reading in particular indicates that our Year 5 children who have been exposed to our pedagogy around word inquiry, book making, writer’s notebook and readers’ workshops since Reception, are developing strong foundational literacy skills. But. Some children performed at a very high level and others fell below the benchmark. Some children performed better than in other assessments and others not so well. When we talk about the data and trends, we forget about the individual child and that’s what’s missing from the debate, the politics and the front page. 

Week 7 and 8 Assembly 

In Week 7 we will hold our annual Sport Presentation Assembly. Children who have represented the school on the sports field this year will be recognised for their achievements and representation.

In Week 8, we celebrate our annual Presentation Assembly. School Captains and Community Leaders for 2023 will be announced and presented, the Magazine cover (front and back) will be revealed and other groups such as SRC, Choir and Chapel Band will also be recognised. 

Both assemblies will be available to parents via livestream and in person. 

Jason Fay | Deputy Principal