Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

Naplan

Years 3,5,7 and 9 have now completed the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing for 2023. In previous years, Naplan was held in May. With this change to Term 1 we hope that results will be available to the school before August. We recognise that these results are from a point in time, and they will complement the assessments teachers already conduct in the classroom. 

Learning and Expectations 

Education expert John Hattie wrote a book in 2008 called Visible Learning. Over the years, it has been a handbook for all pedagogy leaders and teachers. I was lucky enough to be part of a school-wide implementation of Visible Learning, and I continue to refer to it as a guide for supporting staff on best practice. Hattie has written a sequel that includes updated research and the stories from schools on the implementation. Hattie reminds us, ‘Every child is a learner, is teachable, can grow, and can be taught to love learning. Students have expectations, and the educator’s role is to help students exceed what they think is their potential. Students need to be taught to take on challenges, with safety nets when they fail.’ This will be on my reading list for the holidays. 

International Baccalaureate Conference 

Ms Skerman, Ms Harris, Dean of IBDP, and I recently attended the IB Global Conference in Adelaide. The theme for the conference was Education for an Inclusive Future. There were many inspirational speakers and peer-to-peer presentations on how the IB is facilitated in different learning environments worldwide. We learnt much from the three days, which we can use in our setting as we continue to grow and improve the Diploma Program for Year 11 and 12 students. 

As we conclude Term 1 and move into the holidays, I wish all families a safe and restful break. I thank the staff for their work this term, supporting our students’ learning, giving feedback, marking assessments, student/parent conferences and attending to their own professional learning and growth. I also thank our parents for supporting our teachers. Research shows that positive family-school relationships increase student motivation and engagement. Many Year 12 staff will continue through the holiday period with workshops for our students.

Jacqueline Pugh
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning