NAPLAN
Congratulations to our Year 3 & 5 students who have completed their National testing over the past two weeks. NAPLAN testing 2023 for students in Years 3 and 5 commenced on Wednesday 15 March. Catch up tests can be completed up to Monday 27 March for students who may have missed a test through an absence or for other reasons. 

Last year state and federal Education Ministers agreed to a change of dates for delivery of the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). Earlier testing in the year means that schools will receive school and student results much earlier, allowing for teachers to identify specific areas of learning needs across the school which will inform our planning.

We have been very proud of our Year 3 and Year 5 students’ approach to the testing and the way they have efficiently used the time given to them to complete the tests. Thank you to the Year 3 and Year 5 teachers who have supported the children.

Little Investigators Playgroup
Each Tuesday morning from 9-11 a group of children from ages 0-5 and their parents have been attending our Little Investigators Playgroup. Our playgroup offers a wide variety of learning experiences each week and it is a great way for the children to learn about the world, make friends and develop social skills. Our playgroup also gives mums, dads, grandparents and caregivers a chance to share ideas and experiences. Most of all it's great fun!

Our playgroup is open to all families, not only those with children enrolled at St Mary’s. It is offered at no cost to families. Please spread the news in the local community, we love to see new faces.

Parent Information Evening with Dr Lorraine Hammond
On Thursday 4 May at 5:30pm, we are really excited to have Dr Lorraine Hammond facilitating a Parent Workshop for our K-12 community on ‘How the brain learns to read, the best way to teach it and how you can help at home’. 

Dr Lorraine Hammond AM, is an Associate Professor at Edith Cowan University and has worked and researched in the area of early literacy, high impact instructional strategies, including explicit teaching and learning difficulties since 1990. 

At St Mary’s, we have been fortunate to have someone of Dr Hammond’s expertise working with the staff in a coaching capacity and leading a number of our professional learning days.