Junior Learning Program 

Year 7 and 9 students completed the NAPLAN tests this week. These tests include Writing, Reading, Language Conventions, and Numeracy. The tests provide useful information to assist teachers identify areas that need more attention. In response to past NAPLAN and internal data, Year 7-9 teachers have been implementing practical reading strategies that enable students to comprehend texts more effectively. The strategies include: 

1. Making connections 
2. Visualising 
3. Questioning 
4. Inferring 
5. Summarising 
6. Synthesising 

Teachers have been modelling for students how to reflect on the cognitive processes that occur when reading a text. When students actively engage in the first three strategies, they are better able to infer, summarise and synthesise which are essential skills for success in the final years of schooling and beyond.  

‘Making connections and visualising helps me to remember the information later.’ Marley Kingi  

‘It’s good to ask questions about the text because it helps me think about issues in a unique way.’ Alexis Jackson 

‘We need to listen to different perspectives so we can decide for ourselves what makes sense.’ Maryrose Amituanai 

Students have been participating in Project Based Learning in which they develop critical thinking skills. Thank you to the teachers who have been developing units of work that allow students to understand how theoretical concepts are relevant to the real world. 

Students are also enjoying the Wide Reading Program. We strongly encourage students to make reading part of their daily routine. Reading a novel for twenty minutes before going to sleep is a fantastic way to finish the day. 

Congratulations to Hannah Appadurai Charles, Murray Congues, Royce D'Mello, Tameka Haggett, and May Ellaine Harrisson for competing in the SIS Public Speaking Competition. These students spoke with confidence and purpose. The adjudicators gave positive comments and the students enjoyed interacting with students from other schools.