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 without earphones will be sold a set at the cost of $6 charged to the students’ account. We urge all students to keep the earphones in their pencil case ready for testing sessions. Earphones must have a 3.5mm standard jack. 

A detailed timetable can be found in SIA News. 

If students are absent on the day of any of the exams, the following catch-up sessions will be available. Students will attend the session that corresponds with their return to school: 

Catch up sessions

Tuesday 18 March P2 in HO3 and HO4 

Tuesday 18 March P3 in MA1 

Friday 21 March P1 in RI2 and RI4 

Monday 24 March P2 in RI3 and RI4 

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.  

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.46 and 47 for Term One). A term overview for each term has also been provided (see p. 44 and p. 45for Term One) has also been included to plan around key assessment times. 

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 14 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 pages 16 and 17. 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. Mrs Megan Munckton via email Megan_Munckton@rok.catholic.edu.au or the Dean of Senior School, Mrs Patricia Allen via email Patricia_Allen@rok.catholic.edu.au with any questions regarding assessment submission. 

2025 Beginner Language Bootcamp

The University of Queensland’s Institute of Modern Languages is offering a Bootcamp for these school holidays via online.  If your child is interested, please contact Mrs. Simone Wilson via email at Simone_Wilson@rok.catholic.edu.au who can then provide the enrolment details and assist with enrolments.  

Sessions will be conducted by teachers with native-like proficiency and student will gain cultural understanding whilst improving their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in an immersive environment.  

Program details: 

• Dates: Monday 7 April - Friday 11 April 2025 

• Years: 7-8 

• Languages on offer: French, German, Japanese, Spanish 

• Delivery mode: Online (via Zoom) 

• Day & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am- 10:30am  

• Sessions run for a duration of 1hr 30min daily over 5 consecutive days 

• Cost: $220 per student (price inclusive of GST) 

Application closing date for April Bootcamp: Monday 31 March 2025 

2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

All Year 12 completers from 2024 will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school to understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school. 

As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air. 

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers by providing their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone. For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep. 

2025 Elevate Education Parent Webinars

Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops that help to develop student study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. Next week sees the last of these webinars and you are invited to join this final session, 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 Improve Your Child's Memory - Wednesday 26 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 

School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) Information

To provide education opportunities for families that have limited internet access at home, the Australian Government is providing free National Broadband Network (NBN) services for eligible families. This is called the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).

Families can self-nominate until the end of April 2025 to receive a free service, and they will receive this free service until Monday 30 June 2028. This is a wonderful opportunity for families that may have limited capacity to have home internet.

There are eligibility criteria for the initiative. To be eligible, a family must:

· Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school.

· Have no active broadband service over the NBN, and not had an active service in the past 14 days.

· Live in a premise that can access a standard NBN service.

Please see the attached flyer for information on how to apply.

Mrs Kate Aplin
Assistant Principal - Curriculum
Catherine_Aplin@rok.catholic.edu.au