A warm welcome to all our students, families, and staff as we get into another school year. It has been a fantastic start, with students settling back into routines quickly and showing enthusiasm for their learning.

We are incredibly lucky to have such a hardworking and dedicated team of teachers. Their passion for education is evident in the way they create engaging lessons, support individual student needs, and foster a love of learning in every classroom. They go above and beyond to ensure students feel challenged, supported, and excited about coming to school each day.

This year marks the full implementation of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum across all grades for Sacred Heart. Prep – Year 2 transitioned last year, and now Years 3 – 6 have joined them this year. Teachers have been working hard to refine their pedagogy, align their teaching with the updated curriculum, and ensure students are supported through these changes. New assessments have been created and moderation of these  continue to be a priority as we make this transition as smooth and effective as possible.

Our Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) are continuing this year after being a key part of our practice in 2024. These sessions have already begun, with teachers bringing student work samples and data to discuss strategies for improving learning outcomes. It has been wonderful to see the progress some students have already made this year, particularly in literacy.

This year, we have also expanded our Language lessons. While Prep – Year 2 and Years 5 – 6 have been participating for some time, we’re excited to now include Years 3 – 4, meaning every student in the school will have the opportunity to build their Language skills as they move up the school.

Our new teacher librarian Ms Chris, who many will know from last year’s Year 3 classroom, has already made a great impact. She spends an hour with each class, focusing on comprehension skills and helping students develop a deeper love of reading.

With such a strong team of teachers and an enthusiastic group of students, 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead!

Kind Regards,

Mrs. Karen Zabel
Leader of Learning & Teaching

NAPLAN

As the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) approaches, I wanted to take a moment to share our perspective on the importance of these assessment and offer some tips on how to support your child.

At our school, we view NAPLAN as a team effort, with all of us working together to support our students and give them the best possible chance for success. Our teachers are working hard to ensure that our students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle the tests. We also understand that this can be a stressful time for students and parents alike, so we want to do everything we can to support you. 

We encourage parents and guardians to play an active role in the lead-up to NAPLAN. This might involve talking with your child about what to expect, ensuring they get plenty of rest, eat healthy in the lead-up to the tests, and being there to offer emotional support and encouragement. 

I would like to remind you that NAPLAN is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to assessing your child's progress. Our teachers are constantly working to track student progress and adjust their teaching accordingly, ensuring that every student is given the best possible chance to succeed. 

I am proud of all our students and the hard work they have already be putting in, and I know that they will give their best effort when the time comes. 

NAPLAN will be held from the 12^th- 24^th of March.

NAPLAN Test Schedule  

Missed a test? 

Catch-up tests will be arranged and administered according to the designated testing order. Please note that the Year 3 writing test may only be rescheduled between March 13th and 17th. As for all other Year 3 and Year 5 tests (including the Year 5 writing), they can be taken from March 13th to 24th. 

Withdrawal

If you would like your student withdrawn from NAPLAN please email kzabel@cns.catholic.edu.au or pmawn@cns.catholic.edu.au. This request must be made in writing.

Concerns

If you have any concerns, or need more information please contact Karen Zabel at kzabel@cns.catholic.edu.au, or the school.