Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we approach the end of Semester One, we take time to reflect on what we have achieved as a staff and community with immense pride and look forward to another busy Semester ahead.

Professional Learning: Teach Well

This year all leaders of learning across Catholic Education have been involved in a program focused on improving student learning and engagement by supporting teachers and school leaders through professional development and resources. It emphasizes evidence-based practices, continuous improvement, and fostering a collaborative culture within schools.  Last week, Bonnie Crofts, Joshua Bennet and I attended the third day of the program.  This was focussed on the benefits of building students’ knowledge of the world and how this can significantly impact their reading success. Research over the past 40 years has shown that the knowledge students bring to a text will have an impact on what is learnt and comprehended from the text.  The more you know, the better your comprehension tends to be.  This reinforces the importance of having rich conversations with our students, unpacking vocabulary with them across a range of disciplines and ensuring they are exposed to range of different genres and text types.  As a result, we will continue to build a consistent reading spine across our school to align with the Australian Curriculum and ensure knowledge and content are embedded in each subject area.  The following is an article that may be of some interest to you: Natalie Wexler: Importance of Building Knowledge

In addition to this, Bonnie Crofts recently delivered professional learning to our staff around participation principles which help students to remain engaged throughout lessons and ensure immediate feedback for teachers.  We are excited to continue to engage in professional learning to further support the work we have already engaged in over the past year.  It is affirming to know that we have been working towards aligns with current research and pedagogies to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.

2025 NCCD Data Collection

Each year, all Australian schools take part in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). This is a national initiative that helps ensure students with disability receive the support they need at school.  As part of this process, schools record information about the types of support and adjustments being provided to students with disability. This is in line with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, the Disability Standards for Education 2005, and the NCCD guidelines (2019).

The following information is provided to the Australian Government:

• The student’s year level
• The category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory, or social/emotional
• The level of adjustment being provided: support within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial, or extensive

Why is this information collected?  The NCCD helps schools:

• Recognise and document the supports being provided to students with disability
• Reflect on and improve how they support all learners
• Build consistent and shared practices across the school
• Strengthen learning programs and improve educational outcomes

The data also helps state and federal governments plan for the provision of resources and funding to support students with disability in all schools.

What does this mean for your child?
There is no impact on students. No testing is involved, and no student is identified in the data submission. All information is collected in a confidential and non-identifiable manner and is protected by privacy laws.

To learn more, you can visit:
? NCCD Portal

? Parent Information Sheet

If you have any questions about the NCCD or how we support students with disability at our school, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Alternatively, this can be discussed in the Term 3 PPL Review Meetings which will occur in Week one and two.  Bianca will send out further information this week along with a link to book a meeting for those required.

Announcement RE: STRETCH Program

As always, we are looking to extend our STRETCH program as it has continued to build momentum and popularity this year. As a result, we are excited to share an opportunity for our students to participate in the National History Challenge 2025, a prestigious, nationwide competition that encourages young people to explore history in a creative and meaningful way.   

Theme for 2025: Conflict & Resolution

This year’s theme invites students to investigate the causes, events, and outcomes of historical conflicts and how they were resolved. It’s a chance for students to think critically, research deeply, and tell important stories from the past in ways that matter to them.

All students in Years 1 and above are invited to take part—either individually or as part of a team.  Keep an eye out for further information via SZapp on how to involve your child.  A huge thank you to Kate Mueller who will lead the coordination of this new initiative and as always shows immense passion and dedication in this space.  Stay tuned for more additions to this program soon!

Finally, I would like to wish all our families a safe and restful break.  We look forward to seeing our little learners returning in Semester 2 refreshed and excited to finish the year strong.  As always, we thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in your child’s learning journey.  Enjoy the break and keep warm

Until next time…

Vanessa Saccardo

Assistant Principal