Assistant Principal's Report

Dear Parents

It’s been a very busy and productive Term 1 with just the right balance of extra-curricular events and classroom learning taking place at all year levels. 

Year 7 and 9 Practice NAPLAN testing Friday April 8 and NAPLAN testing Term 2

The annual NAPLAN testing schedule will take place in Term 2, to test our students’ skills in numeracy, reading, language conventions (spelling, grammar, and punctuation) and writing. All tests are online and adaptive - this means the test questions become more or less challenging, depending on the students’ responses. 

In preparation for the term 2 NAPLAN tests, Year 7 and 9 students will participate in two practice NAPLAN online tests, on Friday April 8. It is very helpful for students to experience and practise the online testing process and become familiar with the style and content of the questions. 

As you may be aware, schools can formally apply for reasonable adjustments to enable students with specific disabilities to participate in the NAPLAN on the same basis such as students without a disability - extra time, rest breaks or a scribe for the writing test. We will be identifying students who are eligible for these adjustments in coming weeks and communicating with parents about these suggested adjustments. 

In exceptional circumstances students with disabilities and recently arrived students from non-English speaking backgrounds, may be granted formal exemptions. 

Information about the NAPLAN test from ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, will be sent home next week. 

If you wish to discuss your child’s participation in the NAPLAN testing or practice testing, please contact: Ms. Ashleigh Hudson.

 NAPLAN Schedule for 2022

Finally, I would like to announce that I have made the difficult decision to accept a promotion in another school starting next term, and this will be my final newsletter contribution. While I have joined the RHS school community for a short time, it has been an amazing and transformative professional experience. All the staff are professional, respectful, and very dedicated to teaching our students. They have made me feel most welcome and valued. Our young people are always ready to greet me and engage in respectful conversation, in a way I have not seen in any other school. It gives me hope for the future of our country. I also want to thank the parents I have worked with on school council for their ongoing commitment and contribution to improving the school. 

I wish to personally thank Andrew and Lea for supporting my leadership development and their generosity in sharing their knowledge and skills. The school is very lucky to have leaders of their caliber. I have also enjoyed the rewarding collaborative work we have been undertaking as a learning and teaching team with the PLC leaders, Ashleigh, Jodie and Tracy. Your drive and knowledge are exactly what the school needs to continue to build a vibrant and productive learning culture. 

The sub-school staff have been brilliant to work with this past year – kind, calm and so student-centered. I have leant much about authentic leadership from Darryl who holds himself, the students, and the staff to such a high standard of respect and professionalism. Thanks to the Juniors - where I have been based, and the senior school team for the tireless work you do everyday and your professional guidance. I will miss you all.

Natalie Manser

Assistant Principal