From the Assistant Principal
Dear Parents, Carers, Boys and Girls,
Literacy Intervention Programs in 2023
At St Mary’s, we are deeply committed to ensuring our students learn to read -and read well! Reading is not only an essential skill for children to find success in school but to thrive in society as they grow up in our world. Did you know that at St Mary’s, we run two reading intervention programs – MiniLit and MacqLit.
The MiniLit program is a practical, systematic, explicit and effective model for teaching reading skills for Year 1 & Year 2 students who need some additional support. Students are assessed to determine their ideal starting point in the program and are grouped accordingly. Students are explicitly taught the relationship between sounds and letters and how this knowledge is critical to reading. Students are also given the opportunity to practise their reading skills using a variety of activities and resources.
MacqLit is specifically targeted for students in Year 3 and above. The primary focus for the MacqLit program is the need for older readers to develop strong word recognition strategies. It provides students with a comprehensive sequence of lessons that includes all the key components necessary for effective reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
MiniLit and MacqLit lessons are delivered by our trained Classroom Support Assistants in a small group situation (up to five students). These programs run for 40-50 minutes and students in the program have up to four sessions per week. The families of children participating in either the MiniLit or MacqLit programs this year will receive a letter about their child's participation. If you have any questions about any of these programs, please contact me for more information.
NAPLAN NEWS
NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy – important skills that each child needs to succeed in school and life. The NAPLAN tests are designed to help us make sure students are on track with their literacy and numeracy development.
This year students in Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 will participate in NAPLAN online. Year 3 complete Reading, Conventions of Language and Mathematics online. Year 3 complete writing with pen and paper. Year 5 complete Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Mathematics online. All students use headphones during the conventions of language test, the numeracy test and the Year 5 writing test so they can hear audio instructions.
NAPLAN tests are in Term 1, and occur between the 15 March - 27 March.
NAPLAN tests skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time through the school curriculum and every day in the classroom. Teachers will ensure that students are familiar with the test format and will provide appropriate support and guidance. Excessive preparation is not useful and can lead to unnecessary anxiety. NAPLAN tests should be treated as just another routine event on the school calendar. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to reassure them that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program, and to urge them to simply do their best on the day.
For more information...
If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact your child’s teacher.
God bless and take care,
Sue Heffernan
Assistant Principal