NAPLAN

This week sees NAPLAN testing continue. Well done to all students in year 7 and 9 for their efforts in last week’s Writing and Reading tests. Students will complete their Conventions of Learning test today and Numeracy on Wednesday.

Students participating in NAPLAN are expected to bring their laptop fully charged on each test day.  There have been numerous students who have delayed our testing due to having a flat laptop. 

Earphones (not Bluetooth) are compulsory for NAPLAN testing. Students who present to the test session with bluetooth earphones or without earphones, will be sold a set - $6 charged to the students’ account.  We urge all students to keep the earphones in their pencil case ready for testing sessions. The uniform shop has a small supply of earphones for $6. Earphones must have a 3.5mm standard jack. See images below. Wireless/bluetooth earphones (e.g. Apple air pods) are not compatible. 

Catch up sessions will run of the following days/periods (Rooming to be advised):

Tuesday 19 March Period 1
Thursday 21 March Period 1
Friday 22 March Period 1
Monday 25 March Period 1

As with any test, it is important for students to maintain a healthy diet and ensure a good night's sleep leading up to the testing period. Each student should strive to perform at their best across all testing domains.

The results from testing are used in conjunction with other data to assess individual and cohort strengths as well as areas to improve on. We review existing initiatives and develop teaching programs to support students based on the data.

Preparing for assessment

As we approach the end of term many students will be working on assessment. 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 monthly or term overview for your child’s study location at home is also a good strategy.

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.

Heads of Department 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 26. This includes issues surrounding drafting, academic integrity, and non-submission of work.

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 may lead to a student being asked to attend a Supplementary Session on Tuesday afternoon. Of particular importance is the requirement for evidence (eg. a medical certificate) for exams missed in all year 11 and 12 subjects.

Please contact the Dean of Middle School (Megan Munckton) Megan_Munckton@shalomcollege.com or the Dean of Senior School (Patricia Allan) allenp@shalomcollege.com with any questions regarding assessment submission.

Elevate Education Parent Webinars

It was great to see we had over 30 parents participate in the recent Time Management webinar delivered by Elevate Education. On Wednesday 13 March they have another webinar on technology and focus, and how parents can help their child break their addiction to social media and use productivity-boosting apps. This one is the most popular out of all their webinars in this series.

Please note there are only two webinars remaining. You are invited to join in these to help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills that will support their learning at school.

Upcoming Webinars:

• 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 

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