We are now at the halfway mark of the term and many students will be working towards assessment and examinations. Parents are encouraged to work with their students to develop appropriate homework and study plans – the Record Book is a helpful tool for this purpose. A Homework Study Planner is included for each term (see p.48 and 49 for Term One). A term overview for your child’s study location at home is also a good strategy (see p.46 and 47).

Parents can access upcoming assessment dates for their children via Sia. Each student has a “Due Work Calendar” that shows upcoming dates for checkpoints, drafts, and exams. To access this calendar for your child in the Sia Smartphone Application please select “My Shalom” and then “Due Work”. On the webpage, an option to select Due Work will show under your child’s photograph on the home page.

Head of Departments have assigned tasks in each faculty area and class teachers adapt these to specific days/lessons when applicable. Please be aware that some tasks with multiple components may be duplicated in the Due Work Calendar.

Academic Policies and Procedures

It is important to be aware that student assessment is regulated by Shalom’s Academic Policies and Procedures which can be found in the Student Record Book from page 13 to 21. This includes issues surrounding drafting, academic integrity, and non-submission.

Flowcharts outlining the processes required for students who miss an exam or wish to request an extension are on page 15 and 16. Please be aware that extensions need to be applied for in advance of the due date. Drafts are compulsory. Non-submission of a draft will see a student being asked to attend a Supplementary Session on Tuesday afternoon. Of particular importance is the requirement for evidence (e.g. medical certificate) for exams missed in all year 11 and 12 subjects.

Please contact the Dean of Middle School or Dean of Senior School with any questions regarding assessment submission.

Middle School

A practice NAPLAN test will be held on Thursday 22 February. Students must have corded headphones to undertake the practice test. Year 7 and Year 9 students will sit the NAPLAN online tests from Wednesday 13 March – Monday 25 March.

If you have any concerns about NAPLAN or if you wish to withdraw your student from NAPLAN testing, please contact Mrs Megan Munckton, Dean of Middle School, megan_munckton@shalomcollege.com

Please note: all students MUST have corded headphones or earphones to undertake the NAPLAN Online testing. This is the responsibility of families to ensure that students have their earphones or headphones for all test days, including the practice test. These headphones/earphones must have a 3.5mm standard jack. Wireless headphones (e.g., Apple air pods) are not compatible. If you need to purchase headphones or earphones, we suggest you do this as soon as possible. The uniform shop has a small supply of earphones for $6.

2024 Elevate Education Parent Webinars

Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops that help to develop student study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. Over the next term, you are invited to join their parent webinar series, where you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills that will support their learning at school.

Upcoming Webinars:

• How You Can Help Your Child Manage Their Time - Wednesday 28 February 6:30pm
• How You Can Make Technology an Ally (& Not the Enemy!) - Wednesday 13 March 6:30pm
• How You Can Help Improve Your Child's Memory - Wednesday 27 March 6:30pm

Register for the series by clicking the link below and learn some practical strategies to help support your child this year. https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars 

QCE System Review

Mrs Gail Norris
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
gail_norris@shalomcollege.com