Leader of Learning – Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment – Lisa Romberg
A special welcome to the 2026 academic school year, especially our families that are new to the College.
We hope that your daughter has enjoyed her first weeks at OLM.
Preparation courses available for students in Years 10-12
The right preparation can help students feel more confident going into the HSC.
The HSC preparation program at CCE, the University of Sydney offers short courses for students in Years 10 – 12 looking to strengthen subject knowledge and build exam confidence.
Courses are available across key HSC subjects including English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, economics, and business studies.
Years 10-12 Course: Essay Writing
Years 10-12 Course: Study MethodsView the April 2026 timetable and enrol today.
NAPLAN testing 2026
A reminder that NAPLAN commences next week for students in Years 7 and 9. Year 9 will complete their tests in the periods indicated. Year 7 students have received an individual timetable on Monday and have the information copied into their diaries.
Year 9 NAPLAN Timetable 2026
| Time | Period | NAPLAN Test | Catch Up Exam |
| Wed A – 11 March | 2 | Writing (42min) | Thurs A – 12 March |
| Mon B – 16 March | 1 | Reading (65 min) | Thurs B – 19 March |
| Tues B – 17 March | 1 | Language Conventions (45 min) | Thurs B – 19 March |
| Wed B – 18 March | 3 | Numeracy (65 min) | Thurs B – 19 March |
Year 7 Timetable Example
| Date | NAPLAN Test | Period | Room |
| Wed A – 11 March | Writing (42min) | Period 3 | Mercy Centre |
| Mon B – 16 March | Reading (65 min) | Period 3 into 4 | Mercy Centre |
| Tues B – 17 March | Language Conventions (45 min) | Period 2 | Mercy Centre |
| Wed B – 18 March | Numeracy (65 min) | Period 1 into 2 | Mercy Centre |
Test Equipment
Students IN YEAR 9 will be required to bring:
- Fully charged laptop and charger
- Pen or pencil
Year 10 HSC Minimum Standard Tests Timetable 2026
A reminder that HSC Minimum Standards testing is occurring next week.
| Day | Time | Test | Room | Provisions |
|
Tuesday A 10/3/26 |
Period 3 | RE Assessment Task 1 | Mercy Centre | M4 |
| Period 4 | Reading (45 min) | Mercy Centre | M4 & 5 | |
| Thursday A 12/3/26 | Period 2 | Numeracy (45 min) | Mercy Centre | M4 & 5 |
| Period 3 | Writing (45 min) | Mercy Centre | M4 & 5 |
Test Equipment
Students IN YEAR 10 will be required to bring:
- Fully charged laptop and charger
- Pen or pencil
Absent from an Assessment Task
This is a reminder, especially for students in Year 9 and their parents that Medical Certificates are required if students miss an assessment task on the day of the task unless an application for variation from assessment has been submitted prior to the task.
Medical Certificates required for Year 9-12 students
For students in Years 9-12, a medical certificate is required for each assessment task missed. These can be obtained from a doctor or a pharmacist. Students who continue to miss assessment tasks throughout the year will have their names submitted to the academic review panel.
When a medical certificate is supplied, the school reserves the right to review the result in light of all assessment tasks for that subject.
The certificate is to provide information on the nature of the diagnosis and how this impacts on student preparation or performance in the assessment.
When is a medical certificate required?
- A Medical Certificate is required if a student is partially absent on the day of a scheduled in class assessment task or if a student is absent the day before an assessment task.
- A Medical Certificate is required if a student is unwell during the Assessment Task as the illness may have impacted on the student performance. The student is to notify the class teacher, Instructional Leader of Curriculum or Leader of Learning of their illness on the day of the in-class task.
- A Medical Certificate is also required for all missed Assessment Tasks as outlined above.
Summary of Missed Assessment Task expectations and Term Schedules
| Year Group | Summary: Missed Assessment Task Expectations | Term Schedules | |
| 7 | Illness/Misadventure: Note from home to class teacher Known Absence: Due to Leave, Sports representation, Specialist Appointments other…. Application for Leave to the PrincipalVariation of Assessment Form Section VA – Student form |
Term 1 linkTerm 2 link | Term 3 link Term 4 link |
| 8 | Term 1 link Term 2 link |
Term 3 link Term 4 link | |
| 9 | Unforeseen Absence 9-12 Illness/Misadventure: College Illness Misadventure Section A – Student form AND Independent supporting evidence such as a Medical Certificate covering complete absence Independent Evidence of Illness or Misadventure Advice Known Absence 9-12 Due to Leave, Sports representation, Specialist Appointments other…. Application for Leave to the PrincipalVariation of Assessment Form Section VA – Student form |
Term 1 linkTerm 2 link | Term 3 link Term 4 link |
| 10 | Term 1 linkTerm 2 link | Term 3 link Term 4 link | |
| 11 | Term 1 linkTerm 2 link | Term 3 link | |
| 12 | Term 1 linkTerm 2 link | Term 3 link | |
Wednesday Afternoon Open Learning
Our Afternoon Open Learning has moved to Wednesday this year and will start on the 18 February. This will be held in the Library each Wednesday afternoon from 3pm until 4pm.
This time will provide students with the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students, complete any group tasks or learning experiences or provide a quiet space for study and home learning. In addition teachers will be available to assist students with their learning. This includes:
- subject specialists who can help answer questions – English every week, Maths in week A
- assistance with time management and planning
- tips and tricks to developing study tools such as mind maps, study notes, flash cards
Lisa Romberg, Leader of Learning, Integrated Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment