APA News

Dear Parents/Guardians 

NAPLAN (The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is an annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9, and is the only nationwide assessment that all Australian children undertake.  This year the dates for Naplan for Year 3 and 5 students will be in Week 7 and 8 beginning Wed the 12^th of March. 

The students sit four separate assessments -  Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy - and results are reported using four levels of achievement; exceeding, strong, developing, or needs additional support. The descriptors for each category of achievement will make it clear to parents what their child’s literacy and numeracy skills are at the time of NAPLAN testing.  Ultimately, these assessments are "point in time" assessments that are designed to give feedback to parents and schools around how students are travelling in their learning journey.

The best way you can support your child is to reassure them that NAPLAN is just one part of their school program and all they need to do is try their best.  Teachers have been preparing students in Year 3 and 5 for these assessments.  Practice tests have occurred this week which have enabled students to familiarize themselves with the structure of the tests and how to navigate the online space.  It has also enabled the school to test the infrastructure needed for the assessments to work efficiently.  

Please speak with your child’s teacher, or myself if you have any questions or concerns. You can learn more about Naplan in the link provided.

Our Parent Engagement Network met for the first time last week.  Please read the attached information regarding the meeting and future plans for the PEN in 2025.

Stay safe over the weekend.  

Katie Hauser