As we approach the final weeks of Term 1, we are well and truly at the business end of term.  In the peak of assessment time, students should be working consistently at home to make final touches to their submissions and action feedback that has been provided to them by teachers so they are presenting the best evidence of their knowledge and abilities that they can.

It was lovely this morning to acknowledge and congratulate our Year 9 student leaders who were successful in being offered positions in our Student Leadership Team for 2023.  We enjoyed a lovely morning tea together as we announced student portfolios. We look forward to formally inducting the leaders to their roles during our whole school assembly being held in coming weeks. All parents of Student Leaders will be invited to attend this occasion early next week. Congratulations, team. We can't wait to see what you achieve.

Early next week, Term 2 PEC classes will be published.  These will be available on the Learning Hub notice boards for students to view.  Subject change forms will be available at Student Services for students who would like to make changes to their allocation.  Subject changes are dependent on class sizes.  Subject change forms are welcome back immediately, after a parent has provided a signature for approval and are to be handed back in to Student Services.  All subject changes must be finalised by the end of Week 2 Term 2.

NAPLAN is an important part of our school calendar for Year 9.  It provides us an opportunity to obtain "point in time" data about what our students know and understand.  This informs the work we go on to do in the classroom for the rest of the year.  Undertaking formal testing such as NAPLAN also assists our students to practise being "exam ready" - experiencing and learning to cope with nerves and anxiety of testing situations, practising sitting in class in silence under exam conditions and building resilience and strategies when faced with a tough question.

What is important to note is that NAPLAN results do not necessarily indicate future success.  They do not test a variety of other knowledge, skills and abilities that we know our students have, including music, cultural or sporting accolades.  Additionally, At Foxwell, we see success as;

In order to prepare your child to do their best during the NAPLAN window, we recommend that you speak positively with them about NAPLAN, ensure that they are getting adequate sleep, eating a full and nutritious breakfast and they come to school with all required equipment; a fully charged iPad, wired headphones (not AirPods or similar Bluetooth headphones) and pens or pencils to make notes and workings with.

We look forward to seeing all our Year 9 children can achieve in the final weeks of Term 1.

Di Russell

Year 9 Deputy Principal