NAPLAN

Congratulations to our Year 7 and 9 Students who completed their NAPLAN exams, with the last catch-up session being held today. We greatly appreciate the effort that students applied to this process in trying to do their best. NAPLAN results will be available later in the year and distributed to individual families.

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 (e.g. 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.

Variation to venue for 2025 Year 12 External Examinations

The external examination period for Year 12 students who study General subjects will run from Monday 27 October 2025 to Tuesday 18 November 2025. All students are required to sit these exams to receive a subject result. If a student cannot sit their external examinations at their school due to certain commitments, for example high level sport representation, then the QCAA require that an application for a variation to venue be made by the school.

If your child will not be able to sit their exams at the college during the external assessment period, and require a different venue for their exams, could you please contact me as soon as possible via email to catherine_aplin@rok.catholic.edu.au. The college must apply on your behalf for a variation to the venue before the end of June.

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 students will gain cultural understanding whilst improving their listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in an immersive environment.

Program details:

• Dates: 7 April - 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: 31 March 2025

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 

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